The Republic Day long weekend from January 23-26 has emerged as a significant driver of discretionary spending among Indian consumers, with the travel industry witnessing substantial growth across accommodation, flights, and experiential bookings. Industry data reveals strong consumer appetite for premium short getaways, reflecting evolving spending patterns that prioritise experience-driven travel over traditional price-focused decisions.

Hotel Industry Reports Strong Performance

The hospitality sector experienced robust demand during the extended weekend, with key destinations achieving high occupancy rates and premium pricing. Vaibhav Gupta, General Manager at The Astor Goa, reported that domestic searches for the Republic Day weekend increased nearly 30% compared to the previous year, with hotels operating at 75-85% occupancy rates.

Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the financial impact of heightened demand, noting that average daily rates rose by approximately 40% compared to standard weekends. This premium pricing aligned with consumers' willingness to spend for convenience and curated experiences.

Travel Platforms Record Significant Growth

Online travel platforms documented parallel trends across multiple segments. Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO of ixigo, reported flight searches increasing 30% year-on-year, with growing interest in heritage, leisure, and spiritual destinations. The platform data showed sustained consumer interest in diverse travel experiences during the extended break.

Manjari Singal, Chief Growth and Business Officer at Cleartrip, noted that Gen Z demographics fuelled the travel surge, with international bookings growing 73% year-on-year and domestic travel rising over 20%. Short-haul bus bookings on popular metro routes also increased 1.5 times compared to the previous year.

Booking Patterns and Consumer Behaviour

The Republic Day weekend revealed distinct changes in consumer booking behaviour, with shortened planning cycles becoming the norm. Rachit Gupta from Athiva Hotels & Resorts observed that booking windows compressed to 7-10 days, with most reservations made within this timeframe as travellers sought tailored experiences.

Cox & Kings recorded nearly a 20% increase in bookings for the long weekend compared to a regular January weekend. Director Karan Agarwal noted that travellers demonstrated 15-18% higher average spend per booking, investing in better accommodations, guided tours, and structured itineraries.

Destination Preferences and Market Dynamics

Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, emphasised that the Monday holiday acted as a strong catalyst for travel, particularly compared to the previous year when Republic Day fell on a Sunday. Goa remained the favourite domestic leisure destination, while Thailand and Vietnam continued leading international demand.

Richa Adhia, Managing Director at Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, indicated that destinations offering accessibility, experiences, and relaxation witnessed the highest traction. This trend suggests consumers are prioritising value-led getaways over longer, traditional vacation formats.

Industry Outlook and Consumer Spending Patterns

The Republic Day weekend data underscores a broader transformation in discretionary spending behaviour. KB Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India, noted that travellers increasingly choose wellness-led, immersive stays, reflecting a shift in discretionary allocation towards mental and experiential value.

Somesh Agarwal, Managing Director & Chairman at Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur, observed that travellers opt for longer, experience-led stays, demonstrating a clear shift from price-focused to experience-driven spending decisions. Luxury properties reported increased willingness among guests to pay premium rates for personalised experiences and curated offerings.