MAM
Decoding the Indian summer: Travel insights from Booking.com
Mumbai: Every year summer uncovers intriguing travel patterns about Indian travellers. This year, summer promises to be a season of exploration and rejuvenation for travellers who are seizing this opportunity to travel either at home or venturing overseas. According to Booking.com Travel Predictions 2024, 57 per cent of Indians are looking at a long domestic trip and 43 per cent want to take a long international trip (5+ nights) this year.
With summer fast approaching, Booking.com shares insights on where Indian travellers are headed to create unforgettable memories this summer.
Domestic Delights: Seeking respite in the mountains and by the Sea
The mountains remain irresistible for Indians looking at escaping the summer heat with 50 per cent of Indian travellers stating that they would like to take a nature trip this year followed by a beach trip (48 per cent) and a city trip (37 per cent).
According to Booking.com search data, metro cities Bengaluru and Mumbai lead the chart as the most searched destinations this summer. Besides metropolitan cities, hill stations continue to be the top choice for travellers seeking scenic landscapes, adventure activities and a chance to unwind amidst nature. Ooty takes the lead in the most searched leisure destination followed by Srinagar and Manali. Goa’s iconic beaches remain a favourite for beach lovers looking to soak in some summer sun.
Top 10 most searched leisure destinations for Indian travellers travelling domestically from April 15 to July 15, 2024. Ranking as compared to the same time last year.
Ooty (-1)
Srinagar (+2)
Manali (-4)
Darjeeling (-1)
Goa (0)
Kodaikanal (+4)
Puri (-2)
Rishikesh (-2)
Munnar (-1)
Mussoorie (+2)
International Escapes: Seeking unique experiences beyond the border
While domestic travel continues to shine, Indians are also exploring short and long-haul destinations within Asia and beyond. Competitive packages, easier booking processes and improved visa access have made foreign travel more accessible to Indian tourists. This summer, 40 per cent are travelling within the Asia Pacific region, 20 per cent to the Middle East and 40 per cent to London, New York and European countries.
Dubai with its luxurious offerings and futuristic appeal tops the list of most searched international destinations this year. Asia’s vibrant culture continues to hold immense charm with cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo and Bali high on Indians’ summer travel wish list.
Top 10 most searched destinations by Indians travelling internationally from April 15 to July 15, 2024. Ranking as compared to the same time last year.
Dubai (0)
Singapore (0)
London (0)
Paris (0)
Bangkok (0)
New York (+5)
Tokyo (+5)
Bali (-1)
Makkah (-3)
Amsterdam (0)
Domestic Delights: Seeking respite in the mountains and by the sea
The mountains remain irresistible for Indians looking at escaping the summer heat with 50 per cent of Indian travellers stating that they would like to take a nature trip this year followed by a beach trip (48 per cent) and a city trip (37 per cent).
According to Booking.com search data, metro cities Bengaluru and Mumbai lead the chart as the most searched destinations this summer. Besides metropolitan cities, hill stations continue to be the top choice for travellers seeking scenic landscapes, adventure activities and a chance to unwind amidst nature. Ooty takes the lead in the most searched leisure destination followed by Srinagar and Manali. Goa’s iconic beaches remain a favourite for beach lovers looking to soak in some summer sun.
Top 10 most searched leisure destinations for Indian travellers travelling domestically from April 15 to July 15, 2024. Ranking as compared to the same time last year.
Ooty (-1)
Srinagar (+2)
Manali (-4)
Darjeeling (-1)
Goa (0)
Kodaikanal (+4)
Puri (-2)
Rishikesh (-2)
Munnar (-1)
Mussoorie (+2)
Demographics decoded
From bustling cities that attract solo travellers, to leisure destinations that attract family and group travellers to vibrant metropolises and charming hill stations that are a preference for couples, Booking.com shares insights into what different travellers are looking for in their summer holidays.
1. Solo Travellers: City Breaks
Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Gurgaon and Chennai
Top 5 most searched international destinations: Dubai, London, Paris, Berlin and Toronto
2. Families: Nature Escapes
Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Ooty, Srinagar, Manali, Darjeeling and Mumbai
Top 5 most searched international destinations: Singapore, Dubai, London, Paris and Tokyo
3. Groups: Scenic Getaways
Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Manali, Ooty, Goa, Darjeeling and Srinagar
Top 5 most searched international destinations: Dubai, Singapore, London, Makkah and Paris
4. Couples: Bustling metros to serene retreats
Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ooty, Srinagar and New Delhi
Top 5 most searched international destinations: Dubai, London, Singapore, Paris and Bangkok
Booking.com country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar said, “Summer has always been a peak travel season, but in recent years witnessing a significant shift in how Indians approach it. While Indians are exploring both domestic and overseas destinations, we are seeing travellers gravitating towards culturally significant or leisure-oriented destinations with a growing desire for immersive experiences. This optimism indicates one thing for sure: the Indian spirit of travel remains undeterred. Booking.com remains committed to making it easier for travellers to plan their summer holidays by providing flights, rental cars, attractions and of course unique places to stay.”
Methodology
1. This release looks at search sessions between 29-02-2024 to 10-03-2024, with check-in dates between 15-04-2024 and 15-07-2024.
2. Couples: 2 adults, Family: 2 adults and 1 or more child, Solo: 1 adult, Group: more than 2 adults
Brands
Sun Pharma to acquire Organon in $11.75 billion deal at $14 per share
Acquisition to create $12.4 billion pharma giant with global scale and biosimilars push
MUMBAI: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Organon & Co. in an all-cash deal valued at $11.75 billion, marking one of the largest cross-border pharma acquisitions by an Indian firm.
Under the terms of the agreement, Organon shareholders will receive $14.00 per share in cash, with Sun Pharma set to acquire 100 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares. The transaction, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
The deal significantly expands Sun Pharma’s global footprint and strengthens its position across women’s health, biosimilars, and branded generics. The combined entity is projected to generate revenues of around $12.4 billion, placing it among the top 25 pharmaceutical companies globally.
Organon, which was spun off from Merck in 2021, brings a portfolio of over 70 products spanning women’s health and general medicines, with operations across more than 140 countries. Its established presence in key markets such as the US, Europe, and China complements Sun Pharma’s existing strengths and growth ambitions.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited executive chairman Dilip Shanghvi said, “This transaction represents a significant opportunity for Sun Pharma to build on its vision of reaching people and touching lives. Organon’s portfolio, capabilities and global reach are highly complementary to our own.”
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited managing director Kirti Ganorkar added, “This transaction is a logical next step in strengthening Sun Pharma’s global business. Together, we will become a partner of choice for acquiring and launching new products.”
From Organon’s side, Organon & Co. executive chair Carrie Cox noted, “This all-cash transaction offers compelling and immediate value to Organon stockholders, while positioning the business for continued growth under Sun Pharma.”
Strategically, the acquisition gives Sun Pharma entry into the global biosimilars space as a top 10 player and strengthens its innovative medicines portfolio, which is expected to contribute around 27 per cent of combined revenues. The deal is also expected to nearly double EBITDA and cash flow, supporting long-term deleveraging and investment capacity.
Sun Pharma plans to fund the acquisition through a mix of internal accruals and committed financing from global banks, while maintaining focus on disciplined integration and operational continuity post-merger.
If completed as planned, the deal signals a clear shift in India’s pharmaceutical ambitions, from scale at home to leadership on the global stage, with Sun Pharma positioning itself as a more diversified and innovation-led healthcare powerhouse.
