Port Blair favourite destination for year-end travel: Cleartrip

With its pristine beaches and tropical allure, Port Blair has become a top choice for year-end travellers, despite rising airfares. This growing demand comes amid significant price hikes in airfares, says a report by Cleartrip.

Despite rising airfares, tropical charm and pristine beaches of Port Blair, capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, have made it a top choice for year-end travellers, says Cleartrip, an online travel agency, adding that this highlights how the destination continues to attract visitors, showcasing its enduring allure even amidst higher travel costs.

In a press statement, Cleartrip says top domestic year-end destinations include Udaipur, Jaipur, Varanasi, Manali, Amritsar, Ooty, Munnar, Mussoorie and Puducherry, with Port Blair emerging as a new favourite.

It adds that while hotel prices have surged in popular destinations like Manali, Amritsar, and Mussoorie, airfares to places such as Port Blair, Mussoorie, and Udaipur have also risen, reflecting the growing demand for year-end travel.

It further adds that 51 pc of travellers prefer budget hotels for year-end vacations, with only 15 pc choosing luxury accommodations. The average stay duration is about one week.

Cleartrip says that Gen Z travelers, particularly those aged 15-34, are travelling more at year-end, with their travel costs rising by 20 pc. Solo travel has increased by 30 pc, while family travel has decreased by 5 pc.

“As we approach the year-end, we are seeing a shift in travel trends. While favourites like Udaipur, Jaipur, Varanasi, Manali, Amritsar, Ooty, Munnar, Mussoorie, and Puducherry continue to attract travellers, we are seeing Port Blair making its mark as a fresh favourite in the domestic travel scene. Despite changes in airfares and hotel prices, the desire to experience new cultures, cuisines and landscapes remains undeterred. It’s particularly interesting to note that while costs are rising, travellers are increasingly seeking value-driven experiences. More than half of our customers are opting for budget-friendly accommodations, indicating a preference for experiences over extravagance. This trend is a testament to the evolving travel landscape where value, adventure, and authenticity are taking centre stage,” says Anuj Rathi, Chief Business and Growth Officer, Cleartrip.