Industry experts have noted a strong demand and an increase in spending patterns, as travelers take advantage of the extended break for brief, high-value leisure trips.
Vaibhav Gupta, General Manager at The Astor Goa, remarked, “The year’s first long weekend has positioned Goa as one of India’s top rebound travel markets, with domestic searches for January 23–26 rising nearly 30% and hotels operating at 75–85% occupancy.”
Richa Adhia, Managing Director at Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, mentioned that “destinations offering a mix of accessibility, experiences, and relaxation are gaining the most popularity,” suggesting that consumers are favoring value-oriented getaways over longer, conventional vacations.
Somesh Agarwal, Managing Director & Chairman at Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur, pointed out that travelers are leaning towards longer, experience-focused stays, marking a shift from price-driven to experience-oriented spending.
Luxury properties are witnessing guests willing to pay extra for personalized experiences and curated offerings.
The Leela Palace New Delhi has featured Republic Day–themed experiences, including ceremonial events and signature dining, aimed at premium spenders.
Rachit Gupta from Athiva Hotels & Resorts stated, “The long-weekend trend is clearly evident, with a marked rise in brief, high-value getaways. Booking windows have contracted, with most reservations occurring within 7–10 days, as travelers actively pursue customized experiences.”
Online travel platforms reflect similar trends.
Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO of ixigo, reported a 30% increase in flight searches YoY, with rising interest in heritage, leisure, and spiritual destinations.
Manjari Singal, Chief Growth and Business Officer at Cleartrip, pointed out that Gen Z is driving this growth, with international bookings rising 73% YoY and domestic travel increasing over 20%. Short-haul bus bookings on popular metro routes also climbed 1.5 times YoY, showcasing the expanding spending and planning for nearby escapes.
Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the financial implications of this increased demand.
“Average Daily Rates have surged by about 40% compared to regular weekends,” indicating that premium pricing correlates with a willingness to invest in convenience and curated experiences,” he stated.
KB Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India, noted that travelers are opting for wellness-focused, immersive stays, reflecting a shift in discretionary allocation towards mental and experiential value.
Cox & Kings reported nearly a 20% rise in bookings for the long weekend compared to an average January weekend. Director Karan Agarwal commented, “Travelers are making smarter plans, selecting destinations that allow them to truly unwind and appreciating curated experiences that alleviate the stress of short vacations.” The company also recorded a 15–18% increase in average spend per booking, as travelers invest in upgraded accommodations, guided tours, and structured itineraries.
Data from MakeMyTrip indicates that the Monday holiday has served as a strong catalyst for travel, contrasting with last year when Republic Day fell on a Sunday. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, remarked,
“The demand for weekend travel remains robust, with the extended Republic Day weekend offering a significant travel opportunity. There’s a clear preference for nearby destinations, with Goa staying the top domestic leisure choice, while Thailand and Vietnam continue to lead in international interest.”
Arjun Baljee, Founder of ICONIQA and President of Royal Orchid Hotels, pointed out a shorter booking cycle, as most reservations are made within 7–10 days of travel, reinforcing the trend toward spontaneous yet high-value spending.
The data underscores a broader shift: long weekends such as Republic Day have transcended being mere leisure breaks—they are now opportunities for households to invest discretionary income in premium experiences, both domestically and internationally.
