Most Indian travellers use social media apps when holidaying: survey

Most Indian travellers spend time glued to their smartphones due to their “fear of missing out” on anything while they are away, according to a recent survey. Hotels.com Mobile Travel Tracker survey showed that travellers spend 50 per cent more time on their smartphones while on a vacation.

“When you think of a vacation, you conjure up the image of spending hours relaxing around the pool, or exploring the sights and attractions of a new city. The reality, however, for global and Indian travellers is that they spend more time glued to their smartphone than on their sun bed,” it said.

Nearly, 73 per cent Indians book hotel rooms on mobiles: Study

The global study was conducted among 9,200 travellers across 31 countries. “While away on a holiday we turn into social media show offs, use mobile to search for our next meal and have Facebook face-offs with our travel companions,” the survey observed. While on a holiday, 95 per cent of Indian travellers spend majority of their time on Facebook compared to other social media channels, it added.

Indian travellers typically spend on an average of two and half hours a day on social media channels with Facebook leading the list, the survey found.

Instead of relaxing and enjoying themselves on a holiday, most travellers still have a real case of FOMO (fear of missing out), which compels them to comment on posts just so they don’t miss out on anything while they are away. On searching content while on a holiday, food is an important factor for Indian globetrotters, it added. “Most Indian travellers admitted that their mobile device was their primary source of information while away. When it comes to searching for content, they search for tasty food options over top attractions,” it said.

The survey stated that restaurants and food markets are the most popular searches (80 per cent), globally. Other popular search after food are – tourist attractions

(59 per cent), maps and directions (53 per cent), public transport (33 per cent), local beaches (32 per cent). “For travellers the mobile effect begins with booking, as 42 per cent of people in our study have booked a hotel on mobile. It is, therefore, no surprise that today’s modern tourist is so reliant on their smartphone. As technology is advancing, it is becoming a more indispensable travel companion,” Hotels.com Senior Director of Mobile Dan Craig, said.

The survey showed some travellers, especially millennials, spend more time looking at their screens than enjoying the sun or the sights, he said.

However, most travellers are actually using their device to search for local restaurants, to help them get around and stay connected with the rest of the world, Craig said. “Only 40 per cent of people might have admitted to uploading photos to social media to make friends jealous but we all know you’ve definitely Instagrammed a holiday selfie to show off!”, he added.