One97 Communications Limited (OCL), which owns the brand Paytm, India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and pioneer of QR, Soundbox and mobile payments, has released ‘Travelpanti 2024’ — a year-end recap that captures the spirit of travel. It showcases how Paytm users travelled through the year creating inspiring experiences, while travel for concerts saw a remarkable surge with bookings increasing by 44% in 2024.
Throughout the year, Mumbai and Dubai emerged as the most-searched destinations, reflecting a shared love for bustling city life and luxurious escapes. A passion for affordable travel was evident among younger generations, as 36% of bus bookings came from travellers under 25.
Festivals continued to shape travel patterns, with bus bookings peaking around Chhath Puja and train bookings soaring during the Holi weekend, adding vibrant hues to family reunions. Interestingly, about 30% of bookings were made post 8 PM, reflecting a trend of last-minute late-night travel planning. Independence Day also stood out, as one of the busiest days for flight bookings, as travellers embraced freedom in the skies.
Notably, the 4,189-kilometer route from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari stood out as the longest train journey, capturing the essence of exploration. Among Paytm’s innovative features, Free Cancellation emerged as a favorite, with 8 million users opting for it — equivalent to the entire population of Ahmedabad.
Pilgrimages gained popularity among younger travellers, with Tirupati emerging as the year’s most booked spiritual spot.
Travellers also ventured off the beaten path, with significant increases in bookings to destinations like Antananarivo, Madagascar, and Lakshadweep. The year’s 15 long weekends further fueled wanderlust, resulting in a substantial rise in travel across domestic and international destinations. Visa-free travel saw a notable uptick, with destinations like Almaty and Kenya becoming traveller favorites.
Adding charm to 2024’s travel tales, the longest railway station name booked was Venkatanarasimharajuvaripeta in Andhra Pradesh, while the shortest was IB in Odisha. The year’s most affordable flight route left travellers amazed, with fares starting at just ₹1,300 for the Delhi-to-Gwalior journey, setting a new standard for budget-friendly air travel.
Paytm Spokesperson said, “With Travelpanti 2024, we’re celebrating the unique journeys and trends that shaped travel this year. From younger explorers and vibrant festival travels to offbeat destinations and spontaneous bookings, 2024 was truly a year of adventure. We’re proud to be the trusted travel companion for millions, and we look forward to making 2025 even more exciting for our users.”
Paytm Travel simplifies travel planning by offering an all-in-one platform for booking flights, trains, buses, hotels, and more, with seamless payment options.
