Chennaites would choose friends over family when it comes to their vacations, reveals ICICI Lombard study
Highlights:
- 92% of Chennaites are likely to enjoy a vacation with their buddies over their family and 35% of respondents chose close friends and work colleagues as ‘ideal travel companions’
- 60% of Chennaites take a vacation as a way to create memorable moments and spending quality time with buddies while only a mere 10% think of vacation as an escape from routine life
- 5 out of 6 respondents admitted that they have skipped a site/location because their friend wanted to go somewhere else while 3 out of 4 respondents admitted that they have always skipped their preferred activity in favor of their friend’s choice
Chennai, September 27, 2019: ‘Dostikihaitoh
nibhani padegi’ –a famous dialogue
from a classic Bollywood movie. Sounds too cheesy? Absolutely not says, ICICI
Lombard. A recent study commissioned by the leading private non-life insurer on
the occasion of World Tourism Dayreveals that Indians take vacations with their
buddies (aka “Buddycation”) and make compromises individually in order to
fulfill promises of the whole group.
The survey suggests
that Chennaites have been taking trips primarily to enjoy with their buddies.
According to the survey, 3 out 5 of Chennaites take a vacation as a way to
create memorable moments and spending quality time with buddies (60%). The
findings also reported that92% of Chennaites are likely to enjoy a vacation
with their buddies over their family. Furthermore, the study also reveals that
36% of respondents chose close friends and work colleagues as ‘ideal travel companions’.
There is a shift in
the traveling pattern of Indian masses. Indians are leaving behind their
families in favor of buddies to explore new places and experiences. This is a
reflection of a larger trend in India where young people are choosing ‘Buddycation’
over the family vacation. According to Skyscanner India, 24% of millennial travelers prefer traveling with their friends
compared to 17% who would travel with their family.
According to the
survey findings, it was seen that choices of one’s friends take precedence
while planning for these buddycataions, more than two out of five respondents (85%)admitted
that they frequently have to skip their preferred location and go for what
their buddies choose.
On the survey, Mr. Sanjeev Mantri, Executive Director,
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd. said, “At ICICI Lombard, our brand
commitment is all about keeping promises; and this is precisely the basis of
true friendship. Vacations are increasingly an occasion for friends to renew
relationships, enjoy each other’s company, and experience the pleasure of
‘collective decision-making’. It is all about bringing joy to the entire group
– that is the essence of the modern Buddycation.”
The study provides
quantifiable proof of the growing influence friendship holds over decision
making. For instance, 5 out of 6
respondents across Indiaadmitted that they have
skipped a site/location because their friend wanted to go somewhere else (85%).
Decisions like these often create uncertainties. Our survey findings indicate
that while respondents are willing to face different uncertainties and
adventures on the buddycation, they are hardly prepared. Only 27% admitted that
they would ensure buying travel insurance before setting off on their vacation
while 27% said that they would simply check with other friends who had traveled
to the destination earlier.
“As a brand, our
objective is to ensure that when individuals travel with their friends, they
are focused only on their priorities and have fun. However, it is extremely
important that they secure their travel with a comprehensive travel insurance
policy. This is no longer an alternative, but a necessity.” says Sanjeev
Mantri.
When you are on
buddycations, preferences and choices of different people, make it ever so
difficult to zero in on anything, be it the travel destination or the cuisine
or any activity of your choice, which might lead to friction and quarrels. The
survey findings busted that myth and confirmed that respondents will gladly let
go of their choices and preferences in order to accommodate that of their
friends’. 77% admitted that they have always skipped their preferred activity
in favor of their friend’s choice. Moreover, 47% of the respondents said
they’ll vote and only pick what the majority agrees on. While 31% accepted that
they’ll still accommodate a late-comer friend who wrecked the entire schedule
by arriving late.
The survey provided some eye-opening insights into the vagabond
world of travelers and decoded some of the habits and behaviors yet unknown to
service providers. The total number of respondents across India was 1555
wherein Chennai comprised of 201. The study also, on a lighter note, did a
comparison in terms on what roles do people from different cities assume when
on ‘Buddycation’.
- Foodies & peacemakers – Respondents from Chennai are either foodies (30%) of the gang or the gang’s chief diplomat (29) who assume the role of peacemakers
- Adventurers and culture vultures – Locals from Hyderabad, on the other hand, are either the adrenaline-pumping adventure junkies (29%) or culture vultures (25%) curious to learn about the history and culture of every place they visit.
- Gifting Experts – Residents from Ahmedabad do show their family orientation more than the respondents from other cities as 17% agree to be gift bingers who buy souvenirs and gifts for everyone back home
- InstaPeople – Claiming the crown of social (media) butterflies, Delhites (14%) ensure that all their social platforms are in real-time sync with all their recent travels
- Chief Hagglers – In case shopping is a prime activity that you would like to indulge in during vacation, make sure you do have a buddy from Delhi or Ahmedabad who would ensure that you buy stuff at the best price as 14% of Delhites and Ahmedabadis agree that they are better off being chief hagglers.
About ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company
Ltd
We were the largest
private-sector non-life insurer in India based on gross direct premium income
in fiscal 2017, a position we have maintained since fiscal 2004 after being one
of the first few private-sector companies to commence operations in the sector
in fiscal 2002. We offer our customers a comprehensive and well-diversified
range of products, including motor, health, crop, fire, personalaccident,
marine, engineering and liability insurance, through multiple distribution
channels. More details are available at www.icicilombard.com
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