Every year, we observe new travel trends that impact the economy, culture, and environment of a country. After the Covid-19 pandemic, people started travelling again in 2022. As a result, they explored new and exciting destinations. They started achieving their bucket list goals by embarking on expeditions, and luxury yacht journeys. There is now an increasing demand for space tourism.

In 2024, people will look for meaningful experiences and leave a positive footprint. Additionally, they will focus on wellness activities and moments that will have long-lasting effects. Travelers will choose their destinations carefully, slowing down to enjoy nature. They will explore new and interesting places to indulge in shopping and good food. Some of these travel trends are listed below.

Meaningful Travel

Travelers often look for local communities, cultures, and authentic experiences while exploring new destinations. According to recent data, Goa has surpassed Jaisalmer as the most popular travel destination in India, followed by Udaipur, Jaipur, Munnar, and Lucknow. It’s interesting to note that, except for Goa, none of these locations were among the top five domestic destinations during the last holiday season.

Goa, famous for beaches and dazzling nightlife, is being promoted as a year-round tourism destination by the state government. The state tourism department is promoting eco-tourism, heritage, and hinterland tourism in Goa to attract people from across the world.

Travel and AI

In the luxury travel industry, nothing beats personalized service when it comes to creating a meaningful experience for guests. However, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be useful for both guests and staff. The best way to use this technology is for tasks that require less human touch, such as quickly fulfilling requests for fresh linens or addressing housekeeping needs. Meanwhile, as for international travel destinations, Pattaya emerged at the top spot during the last holiday season, followed by Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Hanoi. In 2022, Singapore was the most popular travel destination. Hanoi, a city with rich cultural heritage in Vietnam, has also made it to the top five travel destinations for Indians. We can expect AI to be increasingly integrated into international, as well as domestic tourist destinations, in years to come.

Spiritual Tourism

Based on the year-end booking data, Puri has emerged as the most booked spiritual destination, followed by Amritsar, Varanasi, and Haridwar. Ayodhya is another city with immense potential to attract tourists as a spiritual destination, especially with the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. By 2024, the tourism industry could see a 10-fold increase in tourism, making Ayodhya a global spiritual center.

Micro Vacations and Getaways

Short getaways, often referred to as micro vacations, are on the rise. Travelers are embracing the idea of frequent, short trips to explore nearby destinations and make the most of the weekends. This trend unequivocally resonates with the growing demand for user-friendly and easily manageable travel destinations.

Personalized Travel Experiences

Customization has become crucial in the travel industry, and it will continue to be a key in 2024. Travelers nowadays are increasingly looking for unique experiences that are tailored to their specific interests and preferences. They want more than just a generic itinerary. They crave personalized itineraries and curated experiences that reflect who they are. To meet this demand, travel agencies and platforms have started leveraging technology to provide customized trips. By utilizing advanced algorithms and user inputs, these companies can offer highly personalized travel options.

Let’s wait, look forward and anticipate the exciting possibilities that await us in the world of travel and exploration.

(The author is chief executive officer and director at Axis Ecorp.)