India's tourism sector is booming after Covid-induced slump

Delhi and Mumbai airports are experiencing high footfalls and the check-in and boarding time is longer than usual due to Christmas and New Year celebrations. 

Over the last two weeks, passengers have been posting pictures and videos of long queues and crowds at the airports. The industry is terming it ‘revenge’ tourism. After being confined for over two years due to several Covid-induced restrictions, travel is a much-needed break. 

It's a huge boost to the travel industry which had witnessed slump for the last two years. A boost in travel and demand for rooms has pushed occupancy levels higher than the pre-Covid levels. 

Pankaj Kashyap, MD, Satyadeo Hospitality Pvt Ltd. said, "People are flocking to Jim Corbett National Park in good numbers. Around Christmas and New Year holidays there is a surge in tourism. The number of Covid cases are also low, moreover, vaccination has boosted the confidence of travellers."

"At our property in Jim Corbett we provide great and unforgettable experience to the tourists. We have different categories of rooms and lake-side cottages to cater to every family and their requirements with mind-boggling views," added Kashyap.

Chander K Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director, Royal Orchids Hotels said, "The demand for hospitality coupled with new and out-of-the-box F&B innovations is encouraging after a lull of two years. The pandemic has made people realise the value of travel." 

"Today, travellers are more conscious of their travel decisions. During this period, the industry is also witnessing the rise in the popularity of hotel and resort stays. Guests are looking to spend quality time with a loved one, thus in-room services will see innovations," Baljee added. 

According to Royal Orchids, Travellers are looking for unique and new experiences of cuisine, culture, and heritage tourism among many others. There is a good demand from wildlife, hill station and leisure destinations such as Kabini, Hampi, Goa, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Jaipur, KuluManali, and Shimla among others. The leisure properties in Goa and other resort locations are already touching an occupancy level of 70%. Royal Orchid Hotels is a hotel chain operating hotels in India and Kenya.

Prices too have been competitive this year. Generally, the festive period is always more expensive than regular days. Subsequently, the rates this year are higher than in pre-Covid times and guests are willing to pay for the experience. 

There is also a big segment during this period – weddings. Big fat Indian weddings are back with all gusto after a two-year hiatus. This will result in a major rise in demand for hotel bookings. 

Recent research by some major institutes states that this year India is expected to solemnize about 3.2 million weddings by December 14 with an expected trade of over INR 3.75 trillion. Last year, around 2.5 million weddings took place during the same period and wedding expenses were estimated at INR three trillion.

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