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Tag: Santosh Kumar

  • Innocean India wins Narayana Health’s consolidated media mandate

    Innocean India wins Narayana Health’s consolidated media mandate

    MUMBAI: It’s go health on its mind, and now in its pocket.  Innocean  India,  part of the global Innocean Network, has secured the consolidated media mandate for healthcare provider Narayana Health. 

    In an era where both online and offline media platforms dominate communication, ensuring timely and effective delivery of critical healthcare messages is paramount. With its expertise in strategic media planning and execution, Innocean aims to strengthen Narayana Health’s connection with its audience, fostering greater trust and accessibility.

    By aligning Narayana Health’s commitment to care with Innocean’s innovative media strategies, this collaboration looks to  reshape the way Indians engage with healthcare information, ensuring it is both impactful and life changing.

    Narayana Health chief marketing officer Ashish Bajaj said, “We are delighted to partner with Innocean India for our media mandate. Their innovative approach to media planning and execution is exactly what we need to elevate our brand and expand our reach. We are confident that their expertise will play a pivotal role in achieving our objectives and making a significant impact on the healthcare landscape.”

    Innocean won the mandate despite cut-throat manoeuvres  from other agencies.  Innocean India managing director Jaeho Yoo said:  “Innocean India is honoured to partner with Narayana Health, a leader in the healthcare industry. We look forward to leveraging our expertise to help Narayana Health reach new heights in the healthcare industry. We will strive to introduce and collaborate on innovative media solutions through close cooperation with Innocean headquarters in Korea.”

    Added Innocean chief operating officer Santosh Kumar:  “Our partnership with Narayana Health is a pivotal step in Innocean’s 2.0 journey. In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, media plays a more critical role than ever in reaching and engaging patients. By leveraging the power of strategic media planning and execution, we aim to amplify Narayana Health’s commitment to providing quality healthcare with best-in-class facilities to millions across India. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of driving meaningful impact through innovative media solutions.”

    Together, Innocean and Narayana Health aim to empower every individual with the critical information and knowledge they need for their well-being. Placing the consumer at the heart of their efforts, this partnership reflects a shared mission to prioritise health and safety. By combining their strengths, the duo hopes to take healthcare communication to a new high — making it more accessible, relatable, impactful, and deeply resonant with the needs of every individual.
     

  • Booking.com showcases its ‘Connected Trip’ vision with Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal

    Booking.com showcases its ‘Connected Trip’ vision with Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal

    Mumbai: Booking.com, an online travel company, along with actor couple Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal teamed up with Booking.com’s country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia – Santosh Kumar to enjoy a guided cooking experience, highlighting one of many exciting experiences and attractions available on Booking.com.

    Planning a dream vacation can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare. A recent Booking.com survey reveals that nearly half (42 per cent) of Indians find trip planning stressful, including juggling flights, accommodations, car rentals, activities and the overall logistics. Booking.com, one of the world’s leading online travel companies, is addressing this need by orchestrating the best traveller experience and aiming to make every trip a connected trip.

    Booking.com empowers Indian travellers to seamlessly plan and book all key aspects of their journey on the Booking.com platform, eliminating the need to navigate multiple websites and apps. From finding the right flight to booking the perfect stay, travellers can craft their ideal itinerary with ease. Additionally, options for car rentals, private airport transfers and a vast selection of exciting local activities are all  readily available in one place, to create a frictionless travel experience.

    With nearly half (48 per cent) of the Indian travellers choosing a destination to indulge in local cuisines, the event was a perfect blend of travel, food and memorable experiences. At the ‘The Connected Trip: A Culinary Experience’ event on 12 September 2024, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal shared their food inspired travel stories while learning to prepare their favourite avocado and cucumber sushi and sattu ka paratha with eggplant and tomato chutney, a delicacy from Bihar reflecting on their local and global adventures and childhood memories. The event illustrated how Booking.com connects travellers with diverse, authentic and immersive experiences based on their needs and preferences.

    Actor Sonakshi Sinha commented, “Travel is my passion. I love immersing myself in the destination’s culture,  exploring the local markets and of course relishing the local cuisine. But planning is a bit of a headache. Juggling flights, accommodations and activities can be overwhelming. Thankfully, Booking.com has simplified this and travellers can now book various elements of their trip on one platform and enjoy a stress free holiday.”

    Adding to this, actor Zaheer Iqbal said, “Food is integral to India’s culture. It has the power to unite people from all over the world. As someone who loves exploring local cuisines whenever I travel, I’m excited to be a part of this event showcasing Booking.com immersive experiences for Indian travellers. Travellers can easily book attractions like sushi making class in Japan or exploring Kolkata’s street food scene – everything in the palm of their hand.”

    Booking.com leverages smart, data-powered predictive technologies, like machine learning and AI, to enhance the traveller experience further. By analysing past choices and preferences, Booking.com can suggest other useful services for their trip, such as car rental, dining reservations, tickets to attractions, and shuttle services, ultimately creating a personalised, AI-enhanced and truly connected booking experience.

    “Today travellers are looking for seamless trip planning and travel experiences where they can search, book and manage different aspects of their trip on one platform,” said Booking.com’s country manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia – Santosh Kumar. “At Booking.com, we are dedicated to eliminating friction in travel by continuously innovating to address their evolving needs. Our ‘Connected Trip’ vision embodies this commitment by offering multiple elements of the travel experience in one place and providing seamless, end-to-end support throughout the entire journey. Today, we’re excited to see real progress with our vision for a ‘connected trip’. Today we are seeing real progress in our vision. According to our Booking Holdings Q2 2024 earnings, our connected transactions increased by 45 per cent y-o-y and continue to represent a high single digit percentage of Booking.com’s total transactions.”

    He further added, “We are excited to have partnered with Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal to showcase how travellers can easily book just about every element of their trip on Booking.com – whether it’s renting a car, enrolling for a cooking class or booking an airport taxi – and easily create a travel experience.”

  • Zee Media appoints Santosh Kumar as editor of Zee Bharat

    Zee Media appoints Santosh Kumar as editor of Zee Bharat

    Mumbai: Zee Bharat the dynamic fusion of news and culture igniting India’s spirit, proudly announces the appointment of Santosh Kumar as its new editor. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in journalism, Santosh Kumar brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics to his new role.

    In his capacity as editor, Santosh Kumar will lead Zee Bharat’s news operations, charting a path of editorial excellence and innovative programming. His profound expertise in political, socio-economic, and investigative journalism will invigorate Zee Bharat’s mission to provide incisive and impartial news coverage. With an impressive track record at esteemed media houses such as India News, Network 18, ABP News, MH1 News, Janmat TV, and BAG Films, Santosh Kumar’s appointment signifies Zee Bharat’s dedication to fostering top-tier journalistic talent.

    Zee Bharat stands as a platform offering a fresh, distinctly Indian perspective, blending storytelling with a celebration of India’s cultural richness and diversity. More than just a news source, its commitment is to amplify the unheard voices of rural India, providing a platform for those who truly represent the diverse fabric of the nation.

    Expressing his excitement about joining Zee Bharat Santosh Kumar stated, “I am honoured to be a part of Zee Bharat and am eager to collaborate with the dynamic team to uphold the highest standards of journalism. The channel’s mission extends far beyond the traditional confines of news broadcasting; we see ourselves as custodians of India’s cultural narrative, tasked with not just reporting events, but capturing the essence of our society. Together, we will strive to deliver news content that resonates with our audience and fosters informed discourse.”

    Zee News managing editor Rahul Sinha shared his enthusiasm for Santosh Kumar’s appointment, highlighting, “We are thrilled to welcome Santosh Kumar to Zee Bharat. His extensive experience and insightful perspective will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our news programming. With Santosh at the helm, we are poised to redefine news broadcasting in India.”

    Prior to rejoining Zee Media, Santosh Kumar held various roles within the organization, including deputy editor at Zee Bihar Jharkhand. Additionally, his academic pursuits have enriched his understanding of societal dynamics, as evidenced by his collaboration with prestigious institutions such as the London School of Economics and the Developing Countries Research Centre at the University of Delhi.

    Santosh Kumar’s appointment reaffirms Zee Bharat’s steadfast dedication to providing trustworthy journalism that resonates with and empowers viewers nationwide.

  • Booking.com unveils how Indian travellers plan their trips

    Booking.com unveils how Indian travellers plan their trips

    Mumbai – Everyone plans their holidays differently. While some Indian travellers prioritise securing the perfect flight deal first, others crave the comfort of booking their accommodation before planning the rest of their travel itinerary.

    Booking.com’s Travel Trends for 2024 unveils interesting insights into the mindset and behaviour of Indian travellers when they plan their trips. While 61 per cent of travellers book flights and 37 per cent book event tickets well in advance, car rentals, restaurant reservations and even taxis are either booked along with the accommodation or left until closer to the trip date.

    Planning for Takeoff: Flights Lead the Way: More than half (61 per cent) of Indian travellers book their flights before securing accommodation while planning their holiday.

    The All-in-One Approach: Around a quarter of Indian travellers prefer booking multiple aspects of their trip at the same time and are looking to book flights, accommodation, attractions, car rentals, restaurant reservations and even taxis simultaneously on a platform offering seamless travel experience.

    Foodies Rejoice: While making decisions about the choice of accommodation, Indian travellers emphasise culinary convenience. 40 per cent of travellers are willing to pay extra for that delicious breakfast spread and 54% crave unique food experiences like food tours and cooking classes.

    Last-Minute Decisions on the Ground: Nearly a third (13 per cent to 33 per cent) of Indian travellers wait until after booking their stays and just before their trips, to arrange car rentals, restaurant reservations and taxis. They are looking for flexible and spontaneous experiences during their travels. This likely allows them to discover hidden gems and local delights once they are settled into their destination, adding an element of surprise and discovery to their itinerary.

    Train Travel: Planning is Key: More than half (58 per cent) of Indian travellers book train tickets before securing accommodation to ensure a smooth journey and avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling for seats.

    Event Enthusiasts Plan Early: Similar to flights, 37 per cent of travellers prioritise booking event tickets before their accommodation. Whether it is a music concert or a sporting event, securing event tickets ensures these experiences become a highlight of the trip.

    Booking.com country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar commented, “Booking.com Travel Trends provides valuable insight into the travel planning behaviour of Indian travellers. By understanding these preferences, the travel industry can tailor their offerings to cater to different planning styles and preferences – and at the right time across the traveller journey. Whether it’s the meticulous planner or adventurous improvisers, Booking.com is committed to making it easier for everyone to experience the world.”

    How Indians are booking various aspects of their travel

  • From stadiums to sightseeing, sports tourism takes centre stage in India

    From stadiums to sightseeing, sports tourism takes centre stage in India

    Mumbai: In recent years, sports tourism has been gaining attention and growing rapidly as a segment in the travel industry. According to industry research, the global sports tourism market is projected to reach $ 1.8 billion by 2030, fueled by fervent fans eager to combine travel with their love of sports.

    Major sporting events have been attracting fans from around the world, showcasing their passion and enthusiasm for sports. According to Booking.com’s Travel Trends data for 2024, 45 per cent of global travellers want to travel for sports and attend events like the World Cup, Paris Olympics, Formula 1. This trend is especially strong in India, where nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) plan to travel for international sporting events in 2024. According to Booking.com’s flight data, India is even among the top 5 Asian booker countries for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.

    Domestic Sports Fandom

    Sports fandom isn’t limited to international events. 76 per cent of Indians would travel for local sports competitions and events in their home city or state and 70 per cent expressed interest in travelling for national events like Indian Premier League, Pro Kabaddi, Indian Super League and more.

    Sports as a travel factor

    Booking.com’s Travel Trends data for 2024 also reveals that 23 per cent of Indian travellers consider sporting events when choosing travel destinations. Some of the key motivators that are driving Indians to travel for sports are:

    –          The excitement of the game: 71 per cent of Indians said they would pack their bags to witness their favourite player, team or sport in-person.

    –          Meeting friends or family overseas: 67 per cent of Indians see sporting events as an opportunity to connect with their friends or family living elsewhere.

    –          Connecting with new fans: 65 per cent of Indians travel for a sporting event  to connect with other fans in a new destination.

    –          A reason to holiday: 56 per cent of Indians travel for a sporting event just to make a trip out of the occasion.

    Booking.com country manager India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar said  “Sports tourism gives travellers an opportunity to combine the joy of exploring new destinations while enjoying their favourite team or players in action, boosting local economies and tourism. Easier visa access, improved connectivity and rising disposable incomes are some of the factors driving this trend. For all sports enthusiasts journeying across India and the world, Booking.com remains committed to enhancing their travel experiences by offering various travel components like rental cars, flights, attractions and unique places to stay to create a comprehensive, integrated itinerary.”

  • Decoding the Indian summer: Travel insights from Booking.com

    Decoding the Indian summer: Travel insights from Booking.com

    Mumbai: Every year summer uncovers intriguing travel patterns about Indian travellers. This year, summer promises to be a season of exploration and rejuvenation for travellers who are seizing this opportunity to travel either at home or venturing overseas. According to Booking.com Travel Predictions 2024, 57 per cent of Indians are looking at a long domestic trip and 43 per cent want to take a long international trip (5+ nights) this year.

    With summer fast approaching, Booking.com shares insights on where Indian travellers are headed to create unforgettable memories this summer.

    Domestic Delights: Seeking respite in the mountains and by the Sea

    The mountains remain irresistible for Indians looking at escaping the summer heat with 50 per cent of Indian travellers stating that they would like to take a nature trip this year followed by a beach trip (48 per cent) and a city trip (37 per cent).

    According to Booking.com search data, metro cities Bengaluru and Mumbai lead the chart as the most searched destinations this summer. Besides metropolitan cities, hill stations continue to be the top choice for travellers seeking scenic landscapes, adventure activities and a chance to unwind amidst nature. Ooty takes the lead in the most searched leisure destination followed by Srinagar and Manali. Goa’s iconic beaches remain a favourite for beach lovers looking to soak in some summer sun.

    Top 10 most searched leisure destinations for Indian travellers travelling domestically from April 15 to July 15, 2024. Ranking as compared to the same time last year.

    Ooty (-1)
    Srinagar (+2)
    Manali (-4)
    Darjeeling (-1)
    Goa (0)
    Kodaikanal (+4)
    Puri (-2)
    Rishikesh (-2)
    Munnar (-1)
    Mussoorie  (+2)

    International Escapes: Seeking unique experiences beyond the border

    While domestic travel continues to shine, Indians are also exploring short and long-haul destinations within Asia and beyond. Competitive packages, easier booking processes and improved visa access have made foreign travel more accessible to Indian tourists. This summer, 40 per cent are travelling within the Asia Pacific region, 20 per cent to the Middle East and 40 per cent to London, New York and European countries.

    Dubai with its luxurious offerings and futuristic appeal tops the list of most searched international destinations this year. Asia’s vibrant culture continues to hold immense charm with cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo and Bali high on Indians’ summer travel wish list.

    Top 10 most searched destinations by Indians travelling internationally from April 15 to July 15, 2024. Ranking as compared to the same time last year.

    Dubai (0)
    Singapore (0)
    London (0)
    Paris (0)
    Bangkok (0)
    New York (+5)
    Tokyo (+5)
    Bali (-1)
    Makkah (-3)
    Amsterdam (0)

    Domestic Delights: Seeking respite in the mountains and by the sea

    The mountains remain irresistible for Indians looking at escaping the summer heat with 50 per cent of Indian travellers stating that they would like to take a nature trip this year followed by a beach trip (48 per cent) and a city trip (37 per cent).

    According to Booking.com search data, metro cities Bengaluru and Mumbai lead the chart as the most searched destinations this summer. Besides metropolitan cities, hill stations continue to be the top choice for travellers seeking scenic landscapes, adventure activities and a chance to unwind amidst nature. Ooty takes the lead in the most searched leisure destination followed by Srinagar and Manali. Goa’s iconic beaches remain a favourite for beach lovers looking to soak in some summer sun.

    Top 10 most searched leisure destinations for Indian travellers travelling domestically from April 15 to July 15, 2024. Ranking as compared to the same time last year.

    Ooty (-1)
    Srinagar (+2)
    Manali (-4)
    Darjeeling (-1)
    Goa (0)
    Kodaikanal (+4)
    Puri (-2)
    Rishikesh (-2)
    Munnar (-1)
    Mussoorie  (+2)

    Demographics decoded

    From bustling cities that attract solo travellers, to leisure destinations that attract family and group travellers to vibrant metropolises and charming hill stations that are a preference for couples, Booking.com shares insights into what different travellers are looking for in their summer holidays.

    1. Solo Travellers: City Breaks

    Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Gurgaon and Chennai
    Top 5 most searched international destinations: Dubai, London, Paris, Berlin and Toronto

    2. Families: Nature Escapes

    Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Ooty, Srinagar, Manali, Darjeeling and Mumbai
    Top 5 most searched international destinations: Singapore, Dubai, London, Paris and Tokyo

    3. Groups: Scenic Getaways

    Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Manali, Ooty, Goa, Darjeeling and Srinagar
    Top 5 most searched international destinations: Dubai, Singapore, London, Makkah and Paris

    4. Couples: Bustling metros to serene retreats

    Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ooty, Srinagar and New Delhi
    Top 5 most searched international destinations: Dubai, London, Singapore, Paris and Bangkok

    Booking.com country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar said, “Summer has always been a peak travel season, but in recent years witnessing a significant shift in how Indians approach it. While Indians are exploring both domestic and overseas destinations, we are seeing travellers gravitating towards culturally significant or leisure-oriented destinations with a growing desire for immersive experiences. This optimism indicates one thing for sure: the Indian spirit of travel remains undeterred. Booking.com remains committed to making it easier for travellers to plan their summer holidays by providing flights, rental cars, attractions and of course unique places to stay.”

    Methodology

    1. This release looks at search sessions between 29-02-2024 to 10-03-2024, with check-in dates between 15-04-2024 and 15-07-2024.

    2. Couples: 2 adults, Family: 2 adults and 1 or more child, Solo: 1 adult, Group: more than 2 adults

  • Festive spirit fuels travel: Indians seek getaways for Holi and Easter

    Festive spirit fuels travel: Indians seek getaways for Holi and Easter

    Mumbai: With Holi (25 March) and Good Friday (29 March ) just a few days apart, Indian travellers are seizing this opportunity and exploring both domestic and international destinations for this festive break. Booking.com, connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, reveals the travel insights of Indian travellers for the upcoming festive break.

    From exploring vibrant cities to soaking in the cultural festivities, Indians are seeking diverse experiences to make the most of their time off. According to Booking.com data, besides metros, some of the most searched leisure destinations include Udaipur, Jaipur, Goa, Lonavala and Manali.

    Spiritual destinations are also experiencing a surge in demand, with Vrindavan, known for its Holi celebrations, emerging as the top five most searched destinations in India, alongside destinations like Rishikesh, Puri and Varanasi.

    Top 10 most searched domestic destinations for Indian travellers travelling from March 23-31, 2024

    Mumbai 
    Bengaluru
    Udaipur
    New Delhi
    Vrindavan
    Jaipur
    Goa
    Rishikesh
    Puri
    Varanasi

    Exploring international getaways 
    Closer to home international destinations like Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Hanoi are also gaining traction as popular travel choices during this period.

    Top 10 most searched international destinations by Indian travelling internationally from March 23-31, 2024

    Dubai
    Singapore
    Bangkok
    Makkah (Saudi Arabia)
    London 
    Paris 
    Kuala Lumpur
    Bali
    Tokyo 
    Hanoi

    Booking.com, country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar said, “Long weekends and festivities offer Indians the perfect opportunity to unwind and escape the daily grind with a short getaway. Our Travel Predictions 2024 research revealed that 85% of Indian travellers feel more alive when they are on vacation and we are thrilled to see the surge in travel demand for the Holi and Easter weekend. As travel enthusiasm continues to grow, Booking.com remains committed to making it easier for everyone to experience the world and make the most of this festive period by providing them with flights, rental cars, attractions and of course unique places to stay.”

    Methodology 
    This release looks at search sessions between 22-02-2024 and 02-03-2024, with check-in dates between 23-03-2024 and 31-03-2024

  • Booking.com Holiday Home Outlook Report reveals what makes a holiday home ‘bookable’ to Indian travellers

    Booking.com Holiday Home Outlook Report reveals what makes a holiday home ‘bookable’ to Indian travellers

    Mumbai: Booking.com, a global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has released its inaugural Holiday Homes Outlook Report uncovering what holiday seekers are looking for when booking a home rental and how holiday homeowners can better attract guests and enhance their experience. The Booking.com Holiday Home Outlook Report* surveying 11,000 homeowners and holiday seekers, reveals the evolving trends in the short-term rental sector from seven countries across Asia-Pacific including India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Vietnam, Japan and China.  

    Holiday homes and its association with online travel brands

    For a market that is price sensitive, the guarantee of the safety of financial transactions instil confidence in holiday homeowners. It also establishes a positive foundation with customers who wish to seek a seamless and secure experience. According to the report, 97 per cent of Indian holiday homeowners stated they have/ would use an online travel platform to manage their holiday rental. The top reasons they have decided or would prefer to use an online travel platform to manage their bookings is that it provides a secure payment platform (41 per cent), it provides a platform for customer and visitor reviews (39 per cent), it provides increased visibility of their home (38 per cent), it provides more reliability in confirming guest bookings (37 per cent), and it allows for secure communication with guests (36 per cent).

    Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of Indian holiday homeowners said that listing their property on multiple platforms would generate more bookings, yet only 22 per cent say they use at least one online travel agency to help manage their properties.

    Challenges experienced by holiday homeowners

    The number 1 challenge Indian holiday homeowners experience when listing their holiday home as a short-term rental is maintaining demand during off-peak seasons (37 per cent) followed by transforming their own private investment property or holiday home into a short-term rental to make it available for guests to stay in (35 per cent), finding and attracting guests (34 per cent) and marketing their property/properties (33 per cent).

    Most preferred holiday homes in India

    When it comes to the kind of holiday homes that appeal to Indian travellers, beach houses are the most popular accommodation type (46 per cent) followed by farm stays (41 per cent), city apartments (40 per cent) and country cottages (36 per cent). Additionally, holiday seekers are also looking for more unique travel experiences off the beaten path, such as houseboats, camps/ glamping/ tents, cosy cabins and chalets. Travellers in the South find a farm stay (46 per cent) or a houseboat (38 per cent) most appealing as compared to those in North, East & Central India who prefer a cosy cabin for their stay.

    What makes a holiday home uniquely Indian

    40 per cent of Indians said that a home with a kitchenette or serving meals was the #1 factor in what makes a holiday home uniquely Indian. The top 5 factors Indians ranked:

    1    Kitchenette or serving meals (40 per cent)
    2    Has a mountain valley view/ greenery (30 per cent)
    3    Has a pool/ BBQ/ recreational area (12 per cent)
    4    Has beach access (11 per cent)
    5    Pet friendly (7 per cent)

    Shared value for the little things

    Responding to the changing needs of holiday seekers, homeowners have a close alignment between what they value and believe are key decision factors when booking a home. The top 3 most important factors holiday homeowners and travellers say contribute to securing more bookings or making a booking decision are:

    Booking.com country manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar said “In recent years, Indian travellers have been increasingly looking for properties that offer an alternative to the traditional hotel experience. The Booking.com Holiday Homes Outlook Report helps understand and respond to this sector’s evolving needs both from a homeowner and holiday seeker’s point of view. Our overarching aim is to provide customers with the widest choice and diversity of great stay all in one place. With over 28 million total reported listings on Booking.com, more than 7 million properties are in the alternative accommodation space. In India, we offer homes, apartments, farm stays, cottages and other unique places to stay as identified in this report. Our top priority is to assist Indian holiday homeowners in attracting more bookings by simplifying the process and providing confidence when listing their properties, whilst offering travellers the opportunity to easily explore and book their perfect homestays.”

    For the full Booking.com Holiday Home Outlook Report please visit the link here. 

  • Himachal Pradesh named the most welcoming region in India

    Himachal Pradesh named the most welcoming region in India

    Mumbai: Drawing upon more than 309 million verified reviews from real travellers, Booking.com a global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, great things to do and transport options, revealed the most welcoming regions in India according to its 12th Annual Traveller Review Awards. Himachal Pradesh topped the list of the Most Welcoming Region in India followed by Goa and Kerala. Mararikulam, Jaisalmer, Bir, Leh and Manali were named the top five most welcoming cities in India.

    India has 13,348 accommodation partners this year that are being recognised for their excellent service and hospitality with the Traveller Review Award 2024. They received over 1,189,000 reviews and an average review score of 8.8.

    2024’s most welcoming regions in India

    Traveller Review Award 2024 list of the Most Welcoming Places in India showcases a vast range of destinations from across the country. From scenic backwaters to historical marvels and pristine beaches to mountain escapes, this year’s destinations have been identified based on the share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024.

    Most Welcoming Regions in India (2024)

    Most Welcoming Regions in India (2023)

    Himachal Pradesh

    Puducherry

    Goa

    Kerala

    Kerala

    Rajasthan

    Rajasthan

    Goa

    Uttarakhand

    Himachal Pradesh

    2024’s most welcoming cities in India

    To help travellers have the most welcoming experiences possible for a really unforgettable trip in 2024, here is the list of the most welcoming cities in India as evidenced by more than 309 million verified customer reviews on Booking.com. Mararikulam with its scenic backwaters, lush countryside lined with coconut trees and peaceful beaches coupled with excellent hospitality has been announced as the most welcoming city in India. Jaisalmer, known for its rich heritage and Bir, known for ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation took the 2nd and 3rd spots.

    Most Welcoming Cities in India (2024)

    Most Welcoming Cities in India (2023)

    Mararikulam (Kerala)  

    Palolem (Goa)

    Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)

    Agonda (Goa)

    Bir (Maharashtra)

    Mararikulam (Kerala)  

    Leh (Jammu & Kashmir)

    Hampi (Karnataka)

    Manali (Himachal Pradesh)

    Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)

    Thekkady (Kerala)

    Thekkady (Kerala)

    Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh)

    Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)

    Kasol ((Himachal Pradesh)

    Bir (Maharashtra)

    Pushkar (Rajasthan)

    Munnar (Kerala)

    Jodhpur (Rajasthan)

    Varkala (Kerala)

    Bengaluru houses most awarded properties, followed by Manali

    Booking.com Traveller Review Awards also recognised Bengaluru (402) as the city with the most-awarded properties in India followed by Manali (342), New Delhi (339), Jaipur (277) and Udaipur (250). The most-awarded property type in India is hotels and then homestays and apartments.        

    Booking.com country manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar said “Hospitality is an integral part of India’s rich culture and heritage. We are known for our warm and welcoming people who make guests feel at home. Embodying this spirit are our accommodation partners whose excellent hospitality and service transform guest journeys into memories and elevate travel from ordinary to exceptional each and every day. To everyone receiving an award this year, we salute your dedication and passion – we couldn’t do what we do without you.”

  • Jaisalmer names the top ten most welcoming cities by Booking.com

    Jaisalmer names the top ten most welcoming cities by Booking.com

    Mumbai: Booking.com, connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, great things to do and transport options, today revealed the top 10 most welcoming places on Earth according to its 12 Annual Traveller Review Awards.

    Based on more than 309 million verified customer reviews and in recognition of delivering consistently excellent service and hospitality, a record 1.48 million Booking.com travel providers across 221 countries and territories are being recognized for their hospitality with the Traveller Review Award 2024, including 13,348 in India. For the seventh year in a row, Italy continued its streak with the highest number of award recipients(181,012) followed by Spain (125,611), France (124,361), Germany (86,910) and the UK (74,754)

    Most Welcoming Places on Earth

    Identified based on the share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024*, this year’s lists of the Most Welcoming Places on Earth showcases a vast range of destinations from across the globe. From enchanting coastal towns to alpine retreats and rustic desert gems, these locations will ignite a sense of wanderlust for the year ahead.

    Indian hospitality has made its way to the top 10 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth, with Jaisalmer being awarded the ninth most welcoming city on Earth. Known as the ‘Golden City’, Jaisalmer is celebrated for its beautiful architecture and friendly atmosphere. The city’s charm lies in its vibrant culture and friendly locals, making it a top destination that seamlessly blends historical heritage with a welcoming community.

    2024’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth:

    1    Arraial d’Ajuda, Brazil
    2    Ermoupoli, Greece
    3    Viana do Castelo, Portugal
    4    Daylesford, Australia
    5    Grindelwald, Switzerland
    6    Moab, United States
    7    Uzès, France
    8    Mazatlán, Mexico
    9    Jaisalmer, India
    10    Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

    MOST WELCOME ACCOMMODATION TYPES

    In recent years, travellers have increasingly been looking for properties that offer an alternative to the traditional hotel experience. Globally, apartments continue to be the most-awarded accommodation type by travellers for the seventh year in a row, receiving over 710,000 awards. For the second year in a row, holiday homes (213,824) have edged out hotels (179,357) for the number two spot, while guest houses (84,715) and B&Bs (71,514) round out the top five most-awarded accommodation types globally. Villas saw the greatest increase in award recipients year over year at 23 per cent, followed by holiday homes (20 per cent) and campsites (14 per cent). Overall, there was a 10 per cent increase in awards granted to vacation rentals and other unique properties that offer an alternative to the traditional hotel experience, demonstrating continued traveller appreciation for a broad range of different kinds of stays and the unique hospitality they can provide.

    Booking.com country manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar said “Jaisalmer making it to the top 10 list of Most Welcoming Cities on Earth is yet another testimony of the incredible Indian hospitality creating unforgettable stays and memorable experiences for all the travellers. In its 12th year now, the Traveller Review Awards are our way of acknowledging and appreciating our partners who have gone above and beyond to create exceptional experiences for guests and play a critical role in our mission of making it easier for everyone to experience the world.”