Friday, June 14, 2024 As the Eid holiday approaches on June 16, an exciting travel opportunity unfolds with the extended weekend. Travel enthusiasts across India are gearing up to make the most of this time, as highlighted by insights from leading travel companies Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel. Here’s a detailed look at the trends and destinations driving this surge in travel activity.
Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head of Holidays at SOTC Travel, sheds light on the booming travel industry. He notes that extended weekends significantly boost travel, with Eid falling on a Monday this year. This strategic placement has encouraged a travel wave, with occupancy rates surpassing 80% in popular destinations like Leh-Ladakh, Darjeeling, Ooty, and Munnar.
Notably, this trend is not limited to major cities; travelers from tier 2-3 cities are also contributing to the increased demand, indicating a broadening interest in travel across the country. The young working professionals and millennials are particularly enthusiastic about exploring new destinations. The onset of the monsoons is driving interest in destinations such as Goa, Kerala, the Konkan belt, and various hill stations in Maharashtra.
These locations are becoming hotspots for the Eid extended weekend, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head of Holidays, MICE, and Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, echoes the optimism around the Eid long weekend. He mentions a dema.
