'Impulse Planning' paradox is the emerging trend amongst Indian travelers

OYO's year-end analysis of hotel-bookings in 2016 confirms that a majority of Indian travelers are increasingly driven by impulse. Impulsively planned trips emerged as the top driver for outstation trips both in business and leisure travel segment. 61 percent of all the bookings made on OYO platform were made within 24 hours prior to check-in.

The research further highlights that despite the last-minute bookings, travelers' expectations in terms of service, facilities and experience are pre-determined and non-negotiable.

Wi-Fi, breakfast and hygienic rooms are the three biggest priorities for guests. With 7000 hotels in over 200 cities, OYO is India's largest hotel-network and has effected over five million check-ins to date.

"We are witnessing a travel awakening in India. Along with the surge in bookings from impulse travelers both within leisure and business segments, we see an emerging paradox in that even as travel-planning cycle reduces further, the expectations from on-ground suppliers and agents is of delivering a non-negotiable and predetermined experience. Thus the onus on travel partners such as hoteliers and those offering travel-related services is to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery. We, at OYO, employ tech-enabled solutions to deliver standardized user experiences," said Chief Growth Officer OYO, Kavikrut.