The Indian youth are changing the tourism landscape in the country, with more than 81% of GenZs aged between 18 and 25 years starting to plan their first international trips as soon as they secure a job or receive their first paycheck. This trend has been highlighted in a new report by online travel agency Skyscanner.
Budget and safety are key considerations for young Indian travelers, with two-thirds preferring to save up for their trips and 20% using buy-now-pay-later options. More than half of the youth use their own money, including income and personal savings, for their travels, and they often choose to take their first trip without parents or guardians.
In response to this growing segment of travelers, tourism players are aiming to cater and market themselves to the young Indian audience, including hotels and travel agencies. Additionally, full-service carrier Air India has signed a codeshare agreement with Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways, enhancing flight options between India and Japan.
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government has initiated the process to make Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport an international airport, aiming to boost India as an international destination. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the consolidation of Indian airlines, with some facing financial and legal troubles while others are in the process of merging.
Overall, the changing travel preferences and behaviors of young Indian travelers are reshaping the tourism industry in the country, presenting new opportunities and challenges for stakeholders in the sector.