Pilgrimage Tourism Surge: MakeMy Report Highlights 19% Growth in FY24-25
Group travel, short stays, and last-minute bookings are shaping the landscape of religious tourism in India, with pilgrimage travel emerging as a rapidly growing segment in the travel and tourism sector. According to a recent report by MakeMyTrip (MMT), accommodation bookings across 56 pilgrimage destinations surged by 19% for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This growth is indicative of a broader trend, with many destinations experiencing significant increases in travel demand, highlighting the importance of spiritual journeys in the current travel market.
Growth in Pilgrimage Travel
The report from MakeMyTrip reveals that 34 pilgrimage destinations recorded double-digit growth, while 15 destinations saw increases of over 25%. Notable locations such as Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Puri, Amritsar, and Tirupati continue to attract a growing number of visitors. Additionally, emerging sites like Khatushyam Ji in Rajasthan, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, and Thiruchendur in Tamil Nadu are also gaining traction, reflecting the expanding scope of spiritual travel across India. This trend is not only boosting travel numbers but is also prompting an increase in accommodation options to meet the rising demand.
Changing Booking Patterns
A significant characteristic of pilgrimage travel is the trend of late bookings. The MMT report indicates that over 63% of pilgrimage bookings are made within six days of travel. This pattern mirrors the behavior seen in leisure travel, where last-minute planning is common. Furthermore, the nature of stays is predominantly short and purpose-driven, with more than half of travelers opting for single-night visits. In contrast, two-night stays account for about 31% of trips, while longer stays of four nights or more are less common, making up less than 5% of bookings.
Group Travel Dynamics
Group travel plays a crucial role in pilgrimage journeys, with 47% of trips taken in groups compared to 38.9% in leisure travel. This trend underscores the communal aspect of pilgrimage, where families, friends, and community groups often travel together, enhancing the shared experience of spiritual exploration. The collective nature of these journeys not only fosters deeper connections among travelers but also contributes to the overall growth of the pilgrimage travel sector.
Emerging Accommodation Trends
The demand for pilgrimage travel is driving a significant expansion in accommodation options. While 71% of bookings are for rooms priced below ₹4,500 per night, there is a notable increase in higher-value bookings. In FY24-25, reservations for rooms priced between ₹7,000 and ₹10,000 grew by 24%, while those above ₹10,000 increased by 23%. Additionally, alternative accommodations such as homestays and apartments are gaining popularity, accounting for nearly 10% of room night bookings in pilgrimage destinations. This shift reflects a broader trend towards premiumization in the hospitality sector, as businesses adapt to meet the evolving needs of travelers seeking both comfort and spiritual fulfillment.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
