With long weekend round the corner, bus operators are seeing a huge surge in bookings, says a latest study from Via.com, one of Asia’s largest travel network company. According to the report, travellers booking buses from their mobile phones increase by 55 per cent, particularly, during long weekends.
This week being a long weekend with ‘Mahavir Jayanthi’ and ‘Good Friday’, most of the corporate and government offices will be closed giving people an excuse for a quick getaway with their families. In fact buses are still a favorite option for people, particularly, when it comes to short haul weekend trips. It’s not just cost-effective but also convenient for many who prefer over-night journeys.
Kousik Bhattacharya, head- marketing, Via.com said, “The spike is also because bus bookings have become relatively easier than what it was a few years back. One doesn’t have to wade through city’s bottlenecks and book tickets at the travel desk or the counter. You can book your journey to the favorite destination through mobile app. Around 40 per cent of bus bookings on Via.com now comes through mobile app.”
Via.com is already witnessing a huge spike on their app for bus bookings, this weekend. The top destination includes Bangalore- Ooty, Bangalore- Munnar, Chennai- Mysore, Mumbai- Goa, Hyderabad- Vishakhapatnam and Bangalore- Kodaikanal.
A comparison of overall bookings received during Easter weekend, this year (2015) as compared to last year (2014)
– Number of queries has gone up by 25-30 per cent
– Most of the queries that VIA received were for short haul destination (Like – Goa from Bangalore/ Mumbai, Shimla from Delhi, Darjeeling from Kolkata etc)
– Most of the queries were for hotel (three star and above) and local transfer and sightseeing
– Number of bus booking has increased significantly (over 160 per cent) from last year
– Goa is the hottest destination
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A comparison of over-all bookings received during other long weekends (such as Holi) as compared to the upcoming Easter weekend
– No of queries are more for this weekend than holi weekend (about 10-15%)
– Goa, Pondicherry, Kerala are the most booked destinations for Easter weekend
– No. of flights and bus booking are more than holi weekend (~ 15-20%. Due to special offer from GoAir, Air costa)
– Mobile searches and booking is significantly high (over 120%. Due to special discount on app)
– Bookings have been made at least 15-20 days in advance
“It is now easier and convenient to look for a place, plan the itinerary and book tickets on phones than going to physical outlets. Due to new holiday booking facility on Via.com platform, the average time spent of the user has increased from three min/session to 21 min/session, which also resulted a surge in booking number,” added Bhattacharya.