Seeking a respite from your monotonous life? Travel is often the first thing that springs to our mind when searching for a quick escape from our daily routine. Travelling ignites excitement and enthusiasm, offering the chance to explore unfamiliar places. Especially in the wake of recent events that have significantly impacted travel activities, an increasing number of travellers are eager to embark on journeys, reshaping the travel industry.
A report published by Statista projects that by the fiscal year 2027, the travel market in India will be valued at approximately USD 125 billion. This growth can be attributed to modern-day individuals' shifting needs and preferences and the prevalence of new-age trends. Especially with the onset of technological revolutions, travelling has become a hassle-free task for individuals, improving overall experiences. With novel fads and transformations actively surfacing, more adventurous opportunities are bound to make their way into the travel sector as we look towards 2024.
Moving beyond being a mere buzzword, sustainability has evolved into a crucial factor impacting consumer preferences. According to a report by the Capgemini Research Institute, 79 per cent of customers are altering their product selections based on social responsibility, inclusivity, or environmental impact.
Sustainable tourism is swiftly transitioning from a niche trend to a fundamental expectation among travellers. Travellers are actively seeking eco-friendly options such as eco-conscious hotels and carbon-neutral tours, modern-day travellers aspiring to positively impact the local economies of their chosen destinations.
The advent of technology has impacted nearly every industry, with travel being no exception. Technology empowers travellers to customise every aspect of their journeys, from AI-driven travel planning tools and virtual reality destination previews to blockchain-based secure bookings and personalized recommendations based on user data and preferences. Our vision at Wego encompasses the belief that this integration will play an even more pronounced role in the travel sphere in 2024. Personalisation through technology is the cornerstone of delivering exceptional travel experiences.
The concept of remote working has become a new normal in the modern-day professional world. As we progress towards 2024, this approach to work is bound to become commonplace, encouraging individuals to look forward to extended stays in various destinations. Going beyond the standard travel packages, new packages tailored to the needs of remote workers will come into being, allowing travellers to explore new destinations while meeting their professional duties simultaneously.
The days of anxiously waiting for the best prices and offers to make reservations are long gone. With the emergence of automated bookings, the travel planning process has become simplified, making travel booking and execution hassle-free from start to finish. From fetching unparalleled deals to providing automated travel itineraries, automation has simplified the idea of travelling for individuals, enhancing the overall experience in return.
Visiting and exploring new places is something individuals of all ages and generations can never refuse. With the advent of technological innovations, the idea of travelling has become simplified for individuals, allowing them to benefit from automated booking and personalised experiences. In addition, with individuals' changing needs and preferences, novel trends involving sustainable travel, remote work, extended stays, tech-enabled personalised tours, and a focus on meaningful experiences have come into being.
Bernard Corraya is the General Manager, India, of Wego.