By Ashish Sidhra
The Indian travel space after a prolonged period of restrictions is witnessing an unprecedented rise of millennials embracing the change. They are quick to adaption and technology trends that help them self-manage their trips. To explore the best travel options, they no longer rely on the limited range of options available at the disposal of tour package providers.
Millennials constantly thrive for experiences. The accelerated digital transformation of the travel industry has triggered the idea to explore new destinations and offerings in the hospitality industry. Millennials leverage digital tools to satisfy their appetite for knowing the world. Research shows millennial travellers plan to take longer trips this year as well as will live in multiple cities.
Millennials driving the resurgence of demand
Travelling has become a mainstream adventurous experience. They are exposed to social media platforms featuring the travel experiences of people around the world. Unlike past generations, millennials have better financial stability and they no longer hesitate to spend their money on seamless travel experiences. According to a last year’s survey, around 42% of millennials were open to spending anywhere between INR 2 Lakh to INR 5 Lakhs on their holiday while 33% of millennials would spend around INR 5 Lakh to INR 10 Lakh.
As we see the growing demand momentum of the travel industry, the millennials are transforming the travel industry emerging as its primary driving force. In 2019, millennials accounted for over 200 million international tourist arrivals, surpassing all other generational groups, as revealed by the World Tourism Organization. This surge in millennial travel can be attributed to several key factors. Millennials are drawn to adventure and offbeat destinations, seeking unique and authentic travel experiences. An Airbnb survey found that 85% of millennials prioritise cultural immersion, outdoor activities, and self-discovery when choosing their destinations.
On one hand, the rise of AI could bring significant benefits, such as chatbot assisted travel booking, contactless check-in, personalised offers and bookings, and augmented experiences for travellers. On the other hand, there are also concerns about the ethical and societal implications of AI, including potential job displacement, biases in decision-making, and privacy issues.
Optimised travel planning
The global travel industry has become more competitive right after the subdue of the pandemic. Companies in the travel industry are exploring ways to bring travel booking and related services into the technologically optimized structure. After the emergence of OTAs and other online travel booking platforms, the industry has leaped by embedding AI to examine data and understand consumer sentiments. For instance, travel platforms use AI to analyse customer preferences, interests and past travel experiences to suggest personalised recommendations. Technology can come up with the most economical to the most luxurious hotel and packages based on customers’ data for optimised travel planning. As a result, millennials no longer have to spend their time going through each and every option and hence, shift this burden to AI’s shoulder for an optimised booking process.
Focused on personalised itineraries
Out of all generations, millennials are the explorers. The new-age travel industry has brought a series of interesting activities to be included in a travel package that has attracted the travellers towards making their trips more exotic. The food enthusiasts plan to include delicious destinations to experience the delicacies of the destination while millennials who plan to have restorative vacation time prioritise services like self-care and mental and physical health.
Millennials prioritise experiences over material possessions, with 78% of them choosing to spend on events and experiences rather than tangible items, according to a study by Eventbrite.The mindset fuels their desire for exploration and the creation of lasting.
Backpacking for adventure
Social media is pushing the travel boundaries for millennials who can spend to have memorable experiences. As the rise of travel influencers is at an inflection point, millennials find it easier to explore off-beat places. It could be an adventurous trek in the remote location of Nepal or Kailash Circuit in Tibet or it could also be just taking an adventurous road trip to Ladakh.
The rise of social media and digital platforms has significantly contributed to the millennial travel boom. Platforms like Instagram serve as a source of inspiration and enable millennials to share their travel experiences with a wider audience. This online connectivity fuels their curiosity and desire to explore new destinations.
Furthermore, millennials have embraced sustainable travel practices. A survey by Booking.com found that 87% of millennials actively seek eco-friendly accommodations, support local businesses, and engage in responsible tourism. Their awareness of the impact of their travel choices on the environment and local communities drives them to make sustainable travel decisions.
With the willingness to step outside, millennials are fulfilling their most adventurous fantasies. From protected gears to guided routes, social commerce is making the travel industry bloom like never before.
In conclusion
Adventure addict millennials are revolutionizing the travel space with their thirst for unique experiences, cultural immersion, and love for nature. Their desire to break away from traditional travel norms and seek authentic encounters has transformed the industry. As technology continues to evolve, and their influence grows, adventure addict millennials will undoubtedly shape the future of travel, inspiring future generations to explore the world with open minds, curious hearts, and an insatiable appetite for adventure.
The author is co-founder, Alike.io.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETTravelWorld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETTravelWorld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.
