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On World Music Day, Booking.com reveals Indian Travellers’ musical state of mind
Mumbai: Whether it’s seeking new adventures, taking in new sights and sounds, or just unwinding, there are many reasons Indians love to travel. One trend that has seen growth in recent years is music tourism with a growing number of travellers prioritising travel governed by cultural and significant events, including music festivals and concerts. This exciting fusion of travel and passion for music is experiencing a growth in interest among Indian travellers who are increasingly seeking experiences that resonate with their passions. According to Booking.com Travel Trends for 2024 data, 33 per cent of Indians are keen on taking a trip this year to attend an event like a music festival and concert.
On the occasion of World Music Day, which is celebrated around the world on June 21 to honour and rejoice in the spirit of music, Booking.com delves into the psyche of the Indian traveller to understand what is driving them to travel for music events.
Grooving to the beat: What’s inspiring Indian travellers to travel for music events
Music connects people across boundaries and inspires the journeys of those who are deeply immersed in it. According to Booking.com’s Travel Trends 2024 data, several motivators inspire Indians to travel for a music event.
Love for the music and artists: 69 per cent of Indians plan to travel for a music concert or festival event because of their unwavering passion for the musician and for the magic of a live performance
Connecting with loved ones: For 65 per cent of Indians, musical events are a catalyst for reunions or connecting with friends or family who live elsewhere.
Finding your tribe: Music creates communities. 58 per cent of Indians travel for a music event to connect with other fans and share their love for the artist or the band
An excuse to travel: For 54 per cent of Indians, travelling for music events becomes an enriching experience as the occasion becomes a perfect excuse to travel, immersing themselves in the destination’s culture and atmosphere.
Lack of a local option: 49 per cent of Indians travel for a music event unavailable near home.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): 45 per cent of Indians travel for a music event due to the inability to get tickets for local music events. The inability to source tickets and the fear of missing out on the event becomes a driving factor for many.
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BLR Airport Launches ‘Connections’ Service to Ease Transit Travel
New initiative targets smoother transfers as Bengaluru hub traffic rises 30 per cent.
MUMBAI: Missed connections may be a traveller’s nightmare but Bengaluru is trying to make them a thing of the past. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has rolled out ‘Connections by BLR’, a new transfer programme designed to take the friction out of connecting journeys. Built around three pillars ease, efficiency and experience,the initiative aims to simplify what is often the most stressful leg of air travel.
The move comes as transfer traffic at BLR Airport climbs sharply, up more than 30 per cent year-on-year. Transfers currently account for around 15 per cent of total passenger traffic and are projected to touch 20 per cent by 2026, signalling a clear shift in how the airport is positioning itself within airline networks.
At its core, the programme focuses on making navigation intuitive and downtime more comfortable. Dedicated transfer desks have been set up across terminals, supported by colour-coded wayfinding blue and yellow signage designed for quick recognition. Inter-terminal movement is being streamlined through complimentary shuttle services with predictable wait times, while designated transfer zones aim to reduce passenger confusion.
Beyond logistics, the airport is leaning into experience. Travellers in transit now have access to a wider choice of lounges, curated retail and food and beverage options, as well as sleeping pods for short stays. For longer layovers, transit hotels in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer boutique in-terminal accommodation, an increasingly sought-after feature as global travel patterns evolve.
The timing is strategic. BLR Airport now connects to 114 passenger destinations 80 domestic and 34 international with key routes spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune domestically, and Singapore, London Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur internationally. Recent additions such as Hindon, Bidar and Silchar within India, alongside Dammam, Hanoi and Riyadh overseas, are further expanding its reach.
Infrastructure is also catching up with ambition. Developments including the West Cross Taxiway, Terminal 1 refurbishment and Terminal 2 expansion are laying the groundwork for higher capacity and smoother operations critical for any airport aiming to become a serious transfer hub.
Bangalore International Airport Limited chief operating officer Girish Nair framed the initiative as both a response to demand and a forward-looking play. He pointed to the growing depth of the airport’s network and the opportunity to build a more reliable transfer ecosystem that benefits both passengers and airline partners.
In an era where travel is as much about transitions as destinations, BLR Airport is betting that a seamless connection might just be the journey’s most important upgrade.
