Over 10% growth seen in monsoon holiday bookings: Report

Monsoon, usually considered off season for holidays, has witnessed over 10 per cent growth in bookings over last year, especially for international destinations, according to a report.

"We have witnessed over a 10 per cent growth in the bookings for travel during monsoons especially in the number of bookings for international destinations compared to last year," a MakeMyTrip spokesperson said.

Countryside locales in the north-eastern states and Kerala were picked up the most, he said.

"We see a good mix of booking for long and short haul destinations and many discerning travellers opt for experiential activities to make the most of the weather," he added.

This report is based on MakeMyTrip bookings till May 2018 for travel period July 2018- September 2018.

This year 26 per cent more Indians are travelling to international destinations during monsoon.

Top international destinations that continued to be frequently booked by travellers for short haul trips during monsoon period (July-September) are Dubai, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

Top fastest growing international destinations during the monsoon were a mix of short and long haul places with highest growth seen in Italy (350 per cent), Russia (110 per cent), Switzerland (87 per cent), Dubai (83 per cent) and Singapore (64 per cent) compared to the same time-period last year.

The emerging offbeat international destinations were Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Kiev in Ukraine and Manama in Bahrain.

In India, top leisure destinations during this period were Goa, Puri, Munnar and Shirdi.

"We see Kerala as the fastest growing destination this monsoon with Thekkady, Allepey and Munnar growing by 100 per cent followed by Vellore in Tamil Nadu which grew by 95 per cent," the MakeMyTrip spokesperson said.

The emerging offbeat domestic destinations were Bekal in Kerala, Kumbakonam and Yercaud in Tamil Nadu.