Mother’s Day, celebrated on May 11 in India, has become an important occasion for many families, with an increasing number planning trips to honor their mothers. While not as widely celebrated as in some other countries, the day is gaining popularity in urban India, where families use the opportunity to bond and create lasting memories.
Tour operators, travel agencies, and online booking platforms are capitalizing on this trend by offering special holiday packages. These packages often cater to families and focus on experiences that show appreciation for mothers, including “mom-cations” where family members gift mothers solo trips to some of India’s most popular destinations.
A growing body of evidence, including a Google search analysis, shows that Mother’s Day has a positive impact on travel bookings in India. The rise in holiday bookings around this time suggests that the occasion is becoming a key period for the travel industry.
Major travel companies, including Thomas Cook, SOTC, MakeMyTrip, Yatra, and HappyEasyGo, are all offering travel packages to popular domestic destinations such as beaches, hill stations, cultural hubs, and wellness retreats.
Family and Solo Travel Trends
Mother’s Day travel in India tends to focus on family trips, though there is a growing interest in solo getaways for mothers. Domestic travel bookings for Mother’s Day are typically made more spontaneously, often confirmed within the week before the holiday. International travel, on the other hand, requires more planning, with bookings often finalized two weeks in advance.
Travel companies are making the most of this trend by launching targeted promotions and marketing campaigns, further contributing to the rise in travel bookings during this period. This suggests that Mother’s Day is increasingly significant for India’s travel sector.
Recovery of India’s Travel Industry Post-COVID
The boost in Mother’s Day travel bookings is part of a larger trend of recovery in India’s travel industry after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, India saw significant numbers of both domestic and international visitors, with 9.52 million international arrivals and 2.5 billion domestic trips. The World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2024 report highlights the crucial role domestic tourism played in this recovery.
Data from MakeMyTrip reveals that in 2023, there was a 25% increase in the number of people taking more than three trips per year compared to 2019. This rise, coupled with greater use of digital platforms for planning and booking travel, is creating an environment where specific events, such as Mother’s Day, are having a measurable impact on travel patterns.
India has become a leading market for online travel, with its travel apps seeing the largest number of downloads worldwide. Key players like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo (now merged), and Cleartrip are reshaping the way Indians plan and book their trips.
Mother’s Day Travel Packages
Travel agencies are offering a wide range of Mother’s Day travel deals, from relaxing spa retreats to beach vacations. MakeMyTrip suggests popular destinations such as Goa, Kerala, and the Northeast for family getaways. MyTicketsToIndia is also offering discounts on flights to India, particularly catering to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) returning to spend time with their mothers.
Thomas Cook is promoting various packages for Mother’s Day, including spa breaks in Kerala and beach vacations in Pondicherry.
Popular Destinations for Mother’s Day Travel
Research reveals a variety of destinations across India that are popular for Mother’s Day getaways. MakeMyTrip lists Goa, Kerala, and the Northeast as ideal spots for relaxing and cultural experiences. Other sources, including Times Now, highlight tranquil locations like Mary Budden Estate in Uttarakhand, Aahana Resort Corbett, and Aramness Gir in Gujarat, as well as Tilar Siro in the Andaman Islands.
Travel + Leisure Asia recommends a broader selection, including Darjeeling, Meghalaya, Jaipur, Goa, Puducherry, Hyderabad, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Times of India suggests destinations such as Palampur, Kumarakom, Manali, and Bandhavgarh National Park, which offer a range of experiences from wildlife encounters to serene getaways.
For more adventurous options, Tripoto recommends hiking trips in Chikmagalur’s coffee regions, road trips in Himachal Pradesh, and Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala. Travel agencies like Thomas Cook and SOTC continue to promote destinations such as Kerala, Pondicherry, Mussoorie, and the Andaman Islands for Mother’s Day travel.
Family Travel on the Rise
Family-oriented travel dominates the Mother’s Day travel trends in India. MakeMyTrip reports a 64% increase in family travel bookings in 2023 compared to the previous year, signaling a shift towards more family-centric trips. Adult children are increasingly planning memorable getaways for their mothers to celebrate the occasion.
In addition to family travel, the trend of “mom-cations” is gaining traction. These solo trips or getaways with other mothers are designed to give moms some much-needed personal time. Google search trends reveal that more mothers are seeking travel experiences for relaxation and rejuvenation, whether alone or in the company of other mothers.
There is also an increasing focus on senior women traveling solo, with more travel tips and resources tailored specifically to older mothers. This shows that even older mothers are embracing the idea of independent travel for leisure and personal fulfillment.
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