Republic Day long-weekend bookings rise by around 20%, says Cox & Kings.
Travellers are planning ahead and choosing planned itineraries that accommodate more demanding work schedules, as evidenced by Cox & Kings’ over 20% increase in bookings for the January 26 long weekend when compared to a typical January weekend.
Republic Day and other long weekends have evolved from spontaneous vacations to deliberate travel occasions. According to Karan Agarwal, Director of Cox & Kings, “travellers today are planning smarter, choosing destinations that allow them to truly switch off, and valuing curated experiences that remove the stress from short holidays.”
Long weekend demand is still dominated by domestic travel, accounting for almost two-thirds of all reservations. As tourists seek leisure and cultural depth within a four- to five-day vacation window, hill sites in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, heritage cities like Jaipur and Udaipur, and wildlife destinations in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan continue to be among the most popular choices.
Nearly one-third of Republic Day reservations are made for international travel, with short-haul locations being the most popular. Strong interest is being shown in Dubai, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Singapore due to their easy access, streamlined visa procedures, and capacity to provide unique experiences quickly.
Additionally, the data indicates a shift in the characteristics of travellers. Along with an increase in demand from family and multigenerational travellers, bookings from business professionals in the 25–45 age range have significantly increased. More than 60% of reservations for the long weekend are for group tours and tailored vacations, indicating a preference for ease and comprehensive trip planning.
As travellers choose superior lodging, guided tours, and slower-paced itineraries, Cox & Kings has also seen a consistent 15–18% increase in the average amount spent per booking for long-weekend travel, indicating a move away from cost-led to experience-led choices.
