From spiritual and festival-driven travel to corporate events and leisure getaways, this period brings different kinds of travellers on the move. Hotel bookings can see a noticeable increase as the festive season progresses and the winter holiday period approaches.

In this article, we look at the key factors driving travel during September-November, the festivals and events influencing these patterns, and what these trends mean for hotel bookings.

Corporate Travel, Events and the Festive Rush

A recently published news article by Mint reported that IRCTC recorded a record 20,06,353 ticket bookings on September 7, crossing the 20-lakh mark for the first time amid increased travel demand ahead of the festive season.

Further, an article by EventFAQs Media highlighted strong hotel demand in September, driven by corporate travel, MICE activity, and government movement.

We also see strong traction among Gen Z travellers who travel to attend concerts and music festivals, particularly towards the year-end. Some noteworthy events include the Ziro Festival of Music and the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival.

With the festive season approaching and winter travel picking up in the coming months, we expect booking volumes to see further growth.

What are those major festivals and events driving travel?

A recent news article on ET Travel World notes that festivals are increasingly shaping travel patterns in India, with regional celebrations becoming an important driver of holiday demand.

This trend is visible around major festivals, with travellers visiting cities and regions known for their celebrations. Some key cities and travel markets associated with these festivals include:

• Onam: Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram
• Pongal: Coimbatore and Chennai
• Ganesh Chaturthi: Mumbai and Pune
• Navaratri: Ahmedabad and Vadodara
• Durga Puja: Kolkata and Bhubaneswar
• Mysuru Dasara: Mysuru and Bengaluru
• Diwali: Major cities and destinations across India

These festive periods can lead to increased movement between cities, higher demand for accommodation, and greater interest in short leisure trips and family travel.

The Impact on Hotel Bookings

Towards the year-end, we typically see an increase in hotel bookings for both hourly and multi-day stays. The earlier part of this period is largely influenced by festivals such as Navaratri and Diwali, while the later months see demand driven by winter vacations, Christmas, and New Year travel.

During the festive period, we also see increased demand for hotels located close to religious and spiritual attractions. Our booking trends indicate growing interest in spiritual travel across different age groups, with travellers choosing convenient stays near places of religious significance.

Our booking data from the past three years also shows a noticeable increase in accommodation demand in Goa during the later part of the September-November period. This suggests that as the festive season progresses, travellers increasingly start planning leisure trips and short getaways to popular destinations such as Goa.

Recommended reading: 10 must-visit spots in Goa this October

We also see bookings from travellers based overseas who plan their year-end visits to Goa. The holiday period can also coincide with vacation schedules for employees working on US-based projects or with US-based companies, which may contribute to increased travel and accommodation demand during this time.

How does Bag2Bag help you find a comfortable stay?

Bag2Bag offers verified stays at reasonable rates across 150+ cities in India. With 20,000+ properties to choose from, travellers can find accommodation that suits their needs, preferences, and budget. From quick hourly stays to longer trips, there are options for different types of travellers.

Download the Bag2Bag Hotel Booking App for Android and iOS and enjoy exclusive app-only perks.

About Bag2Bag and Its Stay Offerings

Bag2Bag started with hourly booking options and expanded into multi-day stays in 2023. Today, travellers can choose from a range of accommodation categories, including hotels, resorts, homestays, and serviced apartments. We have also recently expanded our offerings to include pods and vacation rentals. Our airport pods are currently available at select major airports, including Mumbai and Bengaluru.

How Have We Expanded?

Our journey has grown from just 100 bookings to several thousand bookings, with the number continuing to increase. As we grow, we are also exploring new markets and adding more properties to our platform, with the aim of making reasonably priced and convenient accommodation accessible to more travellers across India.

The Takeaway Is…

The later part of the year typically brings a noticeable increase in hotel bookings, driven by festivals, vacations, and corporate travel. During the festive season, we see growing interest in spiritual travel, while the vacation and New Year period brings more demand for leisure trips and short getaways to destinations such as Goa.

Wherever your plans take you, Bag2Bag offers a range of hotels, resorts, homestays, serviced apartments, and other stay options to choose from. Explore properties across different cities and find a stay that fits your preferences, plans, and budget.