Thirty-nine per cent surge in Indian overseas travel searches: Skyscanner
A notable 39 per cent year-on-year surge in the search volume for overseas travel by Indian travellers from December 26, 2023 to January 2, 2024 was revealed by global travel marketplace, Skyscanner. This surge in interest has prompted the introduction of Skyscanner's innovative 'Everywhere Agency,' a pop-up travel consultancy aiming to connect travellers with a group of five record-breaking globetrotters.
The 'Everywhere' search, which is the most sought-after destination by Indian travellers on Skyscanner, is at the forefront of this campaign. A staggering 98 per cent of Indian travellers express a desire to explore new destinations in 2024. To assist travellers in making informed decisions, Skyscanner now offers free 1:1 video sessions with an 'Everywhere Agent' and provides an 'Everywhere Guide' featuring hidden and cost-effective travel recommendations.
As per the data, the surge in overseas travel searches reflects the growing passion for global exploration among Indians in 2024. A survey conducted by Skyscanner reveals that 42 per cent of respondents find it challenging to decide on a destination, with 40 per cent expressing concerns about travel costs. Despite the influence of social media and conventional tourist spots, 95 per cent of respondents feel fatigued by repeated choices.
The Everywhere Agency aims to alleviate travel anxiety by connecting travellers with experienced globetrotters known as Everywhere Agents. These agents provide valuable travel advice based on their personal experiences, guiding travellers to discover less-travelled places without compromising on value. The campaign is powered by Skyscanner's 'Everywhere' search, which organizes destinations by price from thousands of travel sites.
Skyscanner's Everywhere Guide, an online widget, shares responses to frequently asked travel questions based on the personal experiences of Everywhere Agents. The guide also displays trip snapshots for suggested destinations, showcasing the lowest flight and hotel prices and the cheapest day to travel for any selected month in 2024.
Recognising India's diverse travel preferences, Skyscanner has appointed renowned travel personality Anunay Sood as the Everywhere Agent for India. Other Everywhere Agents include Gunnar Garfors, the first to visit every country in the world twice, and Renee Burns, a world record holder for travelling to the most countries in a year in a wheelchair.
Skyscanner's Everywhere Agent, Anunay Sood, emphasises the campaign's goal, stating, "Through my extensive travels, I've tailored tonnes of handy travel tips, whether it's picking the right destination, navigating the complexities of budgeting, or planning the perfect itinerary." Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends and Destination Expert, adds that the Everywhere Agency aims to inspire a shift in perspective, empowering travellers to discover and enjoy destinations they may not have considered.
