Industry experts are noting strong demand and increased spending patterns as travelers take advantage of the extended break for high-value leisure trips.
Vaibhav Gupta, General Manager at The Astor Goa, stated, “The first long weekend of the year has positioned Goa as one of India’s leading travel rebound destinations, with domestic searches for January 23–26 rising by nearly 30% and hotels operating at 75–85% occupancy.”
Richa Adhia, Managing Director at Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, mentioned that “destinations that combine accessibility, experiences, and relaxation are seeing the greatest traction,” suggesting that consumers are opting for value-driven escapes over traditional, longer vacations.
Additionally, Somesh Agarwal, Managing Director & Chairman at Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur, observed that travelers are choosing longer, experience-oriented stays, indicating a shift from price-sensitive to experience-focused spending.
Luxury properties are witnessing a keen interest from guests willing to pay a premium for personalized experiences and unique offerings.
The Leela Palace New Delhi showcased Republic Day–themed experiences, including ceremonial observances and exclusive dining, targeting high-end spenders.
Rachit Gupta from Athiva Hotels & Resorts remarked, “The long-weekend effect is clearly noticeable, bringing a rise in short, high-value getaways. Booking windows have shrunk, with most reservations made within 7–10 days, as travelers seek tailored experiences.”
Online travel platforms are reflecting similar trends.
Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO of ixigo, noted a 30% YoY increase in flight searches, with growing 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 surging 73% YoY and domestic travel climbing over 20%. Short-haul bus bookings on popular metro routes also increased 1.5 times YoY, emphasizing the rising spending and planning for nearby getaways.
Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, stressed the financial implications of increasing demand.
“Average Daily Rates have increased by around 40% compared to regular weekends,” indicating that premium pricing matches the willingness to invest in convenience and curated experiences,” he commented.
KB Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India, added that travelers are gravitating towards wellness-focused, immersive stays, reflecting a shift in discretionary spending towards mental and experiential value.
Cox & Kings has recorded nearly a 20% increase in bookings for the long weekend compared to a typical January weekend. Director Karan Agarwal noted, “Travelers are planning more intelligently, opting for destinations that enable them to truly unwind, and appreciating curated experiences that alleviate the stress of short vacations.” The company has also observed a 15–18% increase in average spend per booking, as travelers invest in better accommodations, guided tours, and structured itineraries.
Data from MakeMyTrip shows that the Monday holiday has significantly boosted travel, especially when compared to last year when Republic Day fell on a Sunday. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, stated,
“The demand for weekend travel is robust, and the extended Republic Day weekend presents valuable travel opportunities. There’s a preference for closer destinations, with Goa continuing to be the top domestic leisure spot, while Thailand and Vietnam lead international interest.”
Arjun Baljee, Founder of ICONIQA and President of Royal Orchid Hotels, noted the trend of shorter booking cycles, with most reservations made within 7–10 days of travel, reinforcing the notion of spontaneous yet high-value spending.
The data highlights a broader trend: long weekends like Republic Day are no longer merely leisure breaks but occasions for households to allocate discretionary income towards premium experiences, both at home and abroad.
