The Indian traveller just got more net-savvy.
According to a new survey, Indians lead the South Asia, Middle East and Africa (SAMEA) region when it comes to researching and booking travel via the Internet.
The 'MasterIndex of Consumer Lifestyles' survey, commissioned by MasterCard International, reveals that 67 per cent of Indian travellers log on to the internet more often (82 per cent do it every day compared to the 64 per cent average of their regional counterparts).
A significant 39 per cent said the Internet was a key source of information in deciding where to travel, a much higher figure than the regional average of 10 per cent.
When it comes to booking air travel, 17 per cent of Indian travellers preferred to book travel online, while 57 per cent of preferred to do it through a travel agent and 21 per cent preferred to buy tickets direct from airlines.
This compares to the SAMEA regional average of 5 per cent who book air travel via the Internet, 50 per cent who book travel through an agent and 38 per cent who book air travel through airlines.
However, while connected Indians made the greatest use of the Internet, only 14 per cent made purchases online – the lowest percentage across the SAMEA region.
Indians were second only to Saudi Arabians in using credit cards the most when travelling overseas (42 per cent versus 50 per cent for residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and had the highest used of debit cards (27 per cent) when overseas.
However, while connected Indians made the greatest use of the Internet, only 14 per cent made purchases online – the lowest percentage across the SAMEA region.
Indians were second only to Saudi Arabians in using credit cards the most when travelling overseas (42 per cent versus 50 per cent for residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and had the highest used of debit cards (27 per cent) when overseas.
"The strong use of the Internet by Indian travellers demonstrates the willingness of Indians to embrace the benefits of new technology," said Nitin Gupta, country general manager, South Asia, MasterCard International.