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    Travel platforms see swift rebound in bookings

    Synopsis

    A MakeMyTrip spokesperson said travellers can opt for a full refund against last-minute cancellations across over 90% of hotel properties listed on the platform.

    Vistadome coaches a hit with travellers
    Travel platforms expect a swift rebound in bookings, as seen in the immediate aftermath of the second wave, although cancellations have lately mounted after mobility and business-hour curbs were imposed across the country to hold down Omicron infections.

    "Our consumer insights continue to reflect strong pent-up demand and hence a wait-and-watch approach, with plans being deferred rather than cancelled. In the current environment, our immediate bookings are predominantly on account of urgent personal and business travel,” said Rajeev Kale, president and country head – Holidays, MICE and Visa at Thomas Cook (India). “Additionally, the extended work from home announcements are resulting in working professionals travelling back home from the metros to tier 2-3 cities."

    Kale said that a limited number of queries have started pouring in for the summer vacation starting April. Similarly, weekend/extended weekend options for closer to home destinations, like spa wellness staycations, drivecations and villa stays, are witnessing some interest.

    "With the current sentiment of cautious optimism, we expect to see a definitive uptick in travel sentiment and a much improved position as we move further into the quarter and the summer booking season," he added.

    A MakeMyTrip spokesperson said travellers can opt for a full refund against last-minute cancellations across over 90% of hotel properties listed on the platform. "Flyers who book through MakeMyTrip can easily opt for a free date change option within the MyTrips section. Our teams are working round-the-clock to ensure that the website and the app are updated real-time with the latest information on evolving travel guidelines and regulations," the spokesperson said.

    Prashant Pitti, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, said the platform has seen a temporary dip of around 15% in domestic bookings for now. "The restrictions and concerns related to the new variant are the reasons behind this halt. However, we are optimistic that the situation will improve at the earliest as the travel sentiments are still very positive," he said.

    Prahlad Krishnamurthi, chief business officer at Cleartrip, said travellers are looking for flexible travel options that have them covered in case there are sudden changes in regulations due to the new Covid variant.

    "As a result, we are seeing a higher interest in our products - EzCancel that offers a 100% refund on cancellations and Flexifly, which enables consumers to change plans. These products help take care of the uncertainties around travel planning. Customers buying Flexifly VAS have doubled since November while EZCancel has been able to sustain those levels at much higher pricing as well," he added.

    A Yatra spokesperson said owing to the uncertainty of curfews and lockdowns in various states, travellers are wary of future bookings and are enquiring about cancellation and refund policies. "We have witnessed an equal percentage split of travellers deferring bookings as well as cancellations. While the cancellation percentage ratio is at its highest, we are optimistic and do believe that travel will bounce back and continue to grow," the spokesperson said and added that the platform has also witnessed booking inquiries despite the surge in cases wherein Indian travellers are looking for quick getaways within the country through road trips or long weekend breaks.

    Ritu Mehrotra, regional manager for South Asia at Booking.com, said travellers are either cancelling or rescheduling their trips, but the desire to travel remains strong and the platform anticipates travellers will do so when it becomes safe again.

    "Flexibility in their stays and travel plans still remain top of mind for consumers given the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic,” Mehrotra said. “Technology will be key in mitigating much of the uncertainty and we will see a wider adoption of predictive technologies in the travel industry that help travellers make more informed decisions real time," she added.


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