SWEET REVENGE

Fad or future notwithstanding, Hilton Goa Resort is going all out to capitalise on the growing trend of revenge tourism in the state

- VINITA BHATIA

Revenge is a dish best eaten cold, they say. If that is true, then hoteliers in India must be pulling on their mittens, along with their socks, with glee.

After being homebound for most of 2020 courtesy the ongoing pandemic, Indians have taken to travelling with a vengeance. Concepts like ‘staycations’, ‘workcations’, and ‘drivecations’ have now become de rigueur.

This signals the advent of a new phase in the hospitality business – revenge travel. The concept can trace its roots to a similar trend that originated in China when people indulged in ‘revenge spending’. It signified a spree of shopping by consumers in March 2020, which boosted sales of luxury brands post-lockdown.

Closer home, a combination of pandemic fatigue, strong pent-up demand and hopes pinned on the upcoming vaccine saw 89% respondents in Thomas Cook’s and SOTC’s The Second Holiday Readiness Report display a keen interest to resume travel. 52% of them said they are likely to take a domestic holiday, and Goa emerged as the most preferred destination in India.

This tiny state has always been a popular vacationing spot in the country, scoring a big hit with youngsters, families, or couples. Now, millennials, professionals working remotely and even families who missed their annual vacations are visiting it for some quick R&R. And hoteliers are welcoming them with open arms and warm smiles.