Mumbai among world’s top trending tourist spots for 2017

The financial and entertainment capital of India is likely to see an increase in domestic and international tourist flow as a new survey has found the city to be among the world’s top trending destinations for 2017.

Mumbai has recorded increased volume of travel and higher than average growth in bookings, while moving up 10 places among the most searched destinations relative to last year, according to a survey by Booking.com.

The data experts at Booking.com analysed the top 300 destinations based on growth in search and bookings to find the most up-and-coming places to visit in 2017.

Besides Mumbai, the other top trending destinations recorded are Reykjavik (Iceland), Cairns (Australia), Savannah (US), Puerto Rico, Kyoto (Japan) and Jericoacoara (Brazil).

The survey revealed technology is fuelling a more demanding and impatient traveller.

About 44 per cent of travellers already expect to be able to plan their holiday in a few simple taps of their smart phone and over half (52%) expect their use of travel apps to increase next year, it added.

The ‘bleisure’ (business & leisure) boom is well and truly underway. And 2017 will see a further upswing not only in the blurring lines between leisure and business



travel, but also in the value we attach to workplace travel opportunities, the survey said.

Of the 40 per cent of global travellers who journeyed for business this year, 46 per cent think they will travel even more for business in 2017.

About 49 per cent of business travellers already extend their trips to further enjoy the destination, while three quarters (75%) intend to do so the same or more in the coming year.

The new year promises to see travellers unleashing their inner explorer like never before. About 45 per cent plan to be more adventurous in their choice of destination, while 47 per cent would like to explore corners of the globe that none of their friends have been to.

Over 56 per cent of travellers would like to do more independent travel in 2017, a trend more prevalent amongst those from Brazil, India, the US, China and Thailand.

Top destinations where Indians can indulge their pioneering spirit include Indonesia, Turkey, New Zealand, Australia and the Philippines.

Booking.com Chief Marketing Officer Pepijn Rijvers said “2017 travellers will have an insatiable appetite for adventure, but they are also mindful of the impact those experiences can have on the local culture and issues surrounding sustainability.”