Back on the road: 60% people ready for domestic travel in the next 6 months

Back on the road: 60% people ready for domestic travel in the next 6 months

• By Staff Writer

Back on the road: 60% people ready for domestic travel in the next 6 months

Nearly six months after the coronavirus upended global travel, Indians are once again looking to pack their bags for a quick getaway, according to the InterMiles Consumer Sentiment Index. The company, which runs a loyalty and rewards programme for air travellers, released its maiden Consumer Sentiment Index Report’ today, highlighting the changing perceptions of the travel and tourism industry.

According to the report, over 60% of those polled said they were raring to travel within the country in the next six months. One in ten respondents planned to travel domestically in the next one month. Around 20% respondents were wary of traveling within the country, with 14% insisting that they would not cross state borders till a vaccine is available.

However, only 6% said they did not intend to travel in the near future. An emerging trend is that of hyperlocal trips where people can control the travel experience. These include road trips with friends and family to nearby tourist spots where interaction with strangers is minimal.

Respondents were mostly hesitant apropos international travel, with a greater proportion of people polled saying they would postpone travel plans until a vaccine is available. One in three people said they’d wait for a vaccine. Interestingly, 29% of those polled said they looked to travel abroad in the next six months, even as most international borders remain closed.

This hesitation in traveling abroad can be attributed to the changing travel policies of foreign governments. Some counttries have closed their borders to foreign tourists, with only students and essential workers allowed to travel. Most people said they would consider foreign trips once this ambiguity in policy is ironed out.