Indians Rely Most On Travel Influencers For Decisions

A new study by Amadeus shows that social media ads and travel influencers are the leading sources of inspiration for Indian travellers, with 50 per cent saying these channels influence them. The research also highlights a growing demand for personalised hotel experiences, enhanced wellness offerings, and the increasing use of virtual reality and AI in trip planning.

Amadeus, a global technology leader in travel, has revealed the findings of its latest research, Travel Dreams, which sheds light on the evolving factors driving travel decisions. The study is based on feedback from 6000 travellers across India. The US, China, the UK, France, and Germany demonstrate a shift in how travellers plan their trips and the role technology now plays in shaping their experiences.

According to the findings, Indian travellers are significantly influenced by travel influences, with 50 per cent of respondents stating that social media ads and influences significantly impact their destination choices. This marks a considerable rise from just 27 per cent in the US, 21 per cent in the UK, and much lower figures in France and Germany. This shift away from traditional sources of inspiration, such as newspapers and travel agents, signals a broader global trend of technology-driven trip planning.

The report also highlights changing preferences in hotel experiences, with two-thirds of guests willing to pay extra for specific features such as the preferred view of an Xbox or tailored locale experiences. In India, travellers would pay, on average, 16 per cent more for these attributes, potentially adding over $ 5,300 in extra revenue per room per year for mid-range hotels. Wellness offerings are also in high demand, with 53 per cent of Indian travellers keen on enhanced wellness options such as spas, fitness programs, and mental health retreats. These insights and a broader preference for personalised services, with half of all travellers wanting a more bespoke hotel experience.

Business travellers in India also lean towards more tech-based solutions, with 30 per cent preferring online check-ins and keyless room access. Amadeus's research indicates that these changes will reshape the hospitality and travel industries, making technological integration essential for meeting modern demands. The study also highlights the rising importance of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, with most travellers, particularly from India, eager to explore destinations through virtual tours and use AI for travel recommendations.

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