Indian Travellers Are Turning To Their Screens For Travel Inspiration. Credit: Instagram/EmilyInParis
In an age where wanderlust is just a scroll away, Indian travellers are increasingly drawing their travel inspiration from unconventional sources. According to the latest insights from Booking.com, movies, television shows, and social media have become some of the biggest influencers when it comes to planning their next getaway.
The Power of Screens: From Reel to Real
Films have always been a powerful medium in India, and now they’re not just captivating audiences—they’re influencing travel choices. Bollywood has a history of inspiring travel, with iconic films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge putting Switzerland on the map for Indian honeymooners. In recent years, films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara have spotlighted Spain, while Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani turned Manali and Udaipur into hot travel spots for adventure and romance seekers.
Booking.com’s Travel Trends Data for 2024 reveals, 44% of Indians turn to TV shows or movies for travel inspirations or activity ideas. Whether it’s retracing the steps of their favourite movie character, relishing a dish featured in a series or visiting a famous restaurant, Indians are keen on experiencing these reel-life moments first hand.
- 61% of Indians are motivated to try the food or cuisine they saw in a TV show or movie.
- Nearly three-fifths (59%) find inspiration from movies or shows when choosing a destination to explore next.
- 58% of Indians are drawn to iconic landmarks made famous on screen.
- 57% wish to immerse themselves in the culture portrayed on screen. Interestingly, an equal number of Indian travellers are excited to visit a restaurant featured in a TV show or movie.
- 49% are willing to travel to participate in an activity depicted on a show or movie
- 46% seek accommodations that allow them to relive the experience of their favourite character.
From Scroll to Stroll: Social Media’s Powerful Influence
Social media platforms, especially Instagram and YouTube, have become virtual travel brochures. The rise of travel influencers, vloggers, and curated hashtags like #Wanderlust or #TravelGoals have a strong impact on how and where people plan their trips. In fact, according to Booking.com’s data, Indian travellers are increasingly turning to Instagram for discovering hidden gems and offbeat experiences.
- Social media plays an important role in shaping Indian travel choices. Two-thirds (66%) of Indians use social media to gather travel ideas or inspirations. As they scroll through their feeds, Indian travellers are increasingly relying on social media to help them decide their next adventure!
- 58% of travellers are drawn to specific landmarks made famous by films or TV series.
- 76% of Indian travellers draw inspiration from friends’ and family’s social media feeds.
- 63% are influenced to travel by advertisements across social media platforms.
- Celebrities and influencers also play a role, with 55% of travellers influenced by famous personalities and 46% by niche content creators and influencers.
- Half (50%) of Indians are inspired by the companies or brands they follow on social media.
- Beyond social media, Indian travellers have several other sources to gather travel ideas and inspiration. 57% of Indians take advice from their family or friends to plan their next getaway, 52% rely on search engine results, 52% turn to travel booking websites and 49% utilise travel guide websites/ books or apps.
“The Indian travellers mindset towards travel has changed, going beyond the destination. They seek experiences that are inspired by what they see, follow and admire. At Booking.com, we bridge the gap between inspiration and reality by empowering travellers to seamlessly plan their dream vacation by allowing them to book various trip elements – flights, accommodations, attractions, and more – all on one platform. But our commitment goes beyond booking. We also strive to be their travel partner throughout the journey, solving any challenges that may arise before, during or after the trip. Our ultimate goal? To ensure every trip is a perfect trip.” said Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said.
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