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5 Effective Strategies to Attract Indian Gen Z and Millennials to Visit Malaysia
India is home to a significant number of millennial and Gen Z travelers, as these groups make up a large portion of the population.
Uzaidi Udanis
December 08, 2024
Table of Contents
👍🏻 Hi Your Inbound Matters Communities members , welcome to YIM Topia Newsletter. We hope this initiative will benefit you.
📆 Today’s edition is about Indian Market . A lot of us focussing on leisure market and few of us focussing on MICE market but how many of us are focussing on Gen Z and Millineals ??
.. check out the below statistic on GenZ and Millineals and lets us know if the market is fit for you .👇
For Info - Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, and Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012
Millennials in India (born 1981–1996): Approximately 440–450 million. A significant proportion of them are active travelers, given their disposable income and interest in exploration.
Gen Z in India (born 1997–2012): Approximately 472 million, with many entering adulthood and contributing to the travel market. Studies suggest over 60% are enthusiastic about travel, particularly domestic and solo trips (BizNews India 2024).
With 65% of Indians being under 35, Gen Z and millennials are key drivers of the travel market.😱
Gen Z travelers in India are particularly active, with 85% planning to travel solo in the next year and many pursuing unique, immersive, and tech-enabled experiences.
Millennials are similarly travel-enthusiastic, often prioritizing cultural exploration and flexible travel options -published in BizNews India 2024
68% of Indian Gen Z are very comfortable deepening their relationship with technology to create unforgettable travel experiences.
68% would trust AI to recommend places that are less ‘touristy’ and more ‘off the beaten track’ destinations.
73% would use AI trip planner to plan an itinerary for a trip.
76% of Gen Z look for technology amenities and services such as robotic services or AI enabled touchpoints in an accommodation.
Indian Gen Z are open to solo travel with nearly two-thirds (65%) having travelled on their own in the last six months and 85% planning to travel solo in the next year, but still embrace group travel either with family/ friends.
69% of Gen Z are likely to travel with family members and 61% are likely to travel with their parents.
77% of Gen Z were inspired by friends/family on social media for travel in 2023.
50% of Indian Gen Z take advice from friends/family to gather ideas and inspiration for travel.
In 2025, 62% of Indian Gen Z are likely to take a short domestic trip (1-4 nights).
Good value for money is an important destination factor for 51% of these Gen Z travellers.
When it comes to vacations and finances, 71% of Indian Gen Z travellers opt to travel during off-peak season to save money.
73% look for travel discounts through loyalty programs to save as much as possible.
Thinking about travel budget for 2025, 72% of Gen Z want to experience one-of-a-kind destination experiences such as skydiving and hot air ballooning.
With nearly 70% admitting to going back to an accommodation that they enjoyed and 66% looking to stay at hotels that provide reliability.
37% of Indian Gen Z are most likely to book their attractions and activities at the same time as the accommodation.
63% are likely to book their flights before booking their accommodation.
When it comes to ticketed events though, Gen Z are most likely to book them before booking the accommodation (39%).
There you go , Indian Gen Z and Millennials’ are so huge market that you cannot ignore it . Read 👇 below to understand better 👇
👍🏻 Understanding the Indian Traveler
The sources highlight the rising influence of affluent Millennials and Gen Z in shaping India's travel landscape. These tech-savvy and well-informed demographics demonstrate distinct travel preferences:
● Millennials: Seek value for money and upgrades. They prioritize longer, more luxurious vacations and favor hotels over alternative accommodations. They travel mostly with spouses and children and value ease of planning and flexibility in case of unforeseen events.
● Gen Z: Driven by authentic experiences, affordability, and social validation. They embrace solo travel but seek social connections at their destinations. They are influenced by social media, particularly Instagram, and value sustainability and unique local experiences.
🗝Key Trends in the Indian Travel Market
● Rise of Short Trips and Staycations: Indians are increasingly opting for shorter, more frequent trips to nearby destinations, driven by the growth of alternative accommodations and hotels along highways.
● Increased Experimentation with International Destinations: Destinations like Almaty, Baku, Jakarta and Hanoi, previously off the radar for Indian travelers, are gaining popularity, influenced by social media and a desire for unique experiences.
● Spontaneous Travel: Travelers are increasingly booking last-minute trips, especially capitalizing on long weekends.
● Preference for Resort Properties: There is a growing trend of choosing resort properties over traditional hotels.
● Surge in Spiritual Tourism: Significant growth in spiritual tourism is observed, particularly after the pandemic.
● Visa-Free Travel: Visa-free policies for Indian citizens to 26 countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, have fueled travel to these destinations.
● Digital Trip Planning: Gen Z travelers utilize tools like ChatGPT and online travel guides for trip planning and destination research.
● Increased Travel During Festive Seasons: There has been a surge in travel bookings during festive seasons, particularly for visiting friends and relatives, with a notable increase in demand for domestic travel to Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
💰💰Opportunities for Malaysian Travel Agents💰💰
● Package Tours Focused on Value and Experiences: Develop packages that cater to the desire for both value and immersive experiences. Offer options for longer stays, luxury upgrades, and family-friendly activities.
● Promote Sustainable and Authentic Experiences: Highlight eco-friendly accommodations, locally sourced food, and unique cultural experiences that resonate with Gen Z's preference for sustainable and authentic travel.
● Leverage Social Media Marketing: Utilize Instagram and other social media platforms to showcase vibrant visuals and engaging content that inspires and attracts younger demographics. Collaborate with travel influencers to reach a wider audience.
● Offer Flexible Booking Options: Provide flexible booking policies and cancellation options to accommodate spontaneous travel plans and last-minute changes.
● Target the VFR Segment: Develop attractive packages for travelers visiting friends and relatives, particularly during festive seasons.
● Highlight Visa-Free Entry: Emphasize Malaysia's visa-free entry for Indian citizens in marketing materials and promotional campaigns.
● Partner with Digital Platforms: Collaborate with platforms like Clear Trip and Flipkart to reach a wider audience of Indian travelers.
● Offer Seamless Online Booking Experiences: Ensure user-friendly websites and mobile apps for easy booking and payment processes.
● Provide Destination-Specific Content: Develop comprehensive travel guides and itineraries for Malaysia, highlighting key attractions, local experiences, and practical travel tips.
● Offer Competitive Pricing and Value-Added Services: Provide competitive pricing and consider offering value-added services such as airport transfers, travel insurance, and local SIM cards to enhance the travel experience.
🎯🎯5 Strategies to attract Indian Gen Z and Millennials to visit Malaysia🎯🎯
1. Showcase Authentic Experiences and Unique Local Culture
● Gen Z in particular seeks authentic experiences, affordability, and social validation. Emphasize opportunities for them to engage with local communities, try traditional Malaysian cuisine, and participate in cultural events or workshops.
● Consider promoting lesser-known destinations and hidden gems that offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
● Package these experiences with eco-friendly accommodations and activities, appealing to their interest in sustainability.
2. Leverage Social Media and Influencer Marketing
● Gen Z is heavily influenced by social media, particularly Instagram, for travel inspiration.
● Create visually appealing content that showcases Malaysia's vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and unique experiences.
● Partner with travel influencers popular among Indian Gen Z and Millennials to promote Malaysia as a desirable destination.
● Clear Trip found success targeting users with personalized ads on platforms like Google and Meta, based on their past travel searches and bookings. Consider a similar approach to reach potential travelers with relevant content.
3. Offer Flexible and Affordable Travel Options
● Both Millennials and Gen Z value affordability and flexibility in travel.
● Offer competitive pricing on flights and accommodations, and consider package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities.
● Highlight Malaysia's visa-free entry for Indian citizens to simplify the travel process.
●Provide flexible booking policies that allow for date changes and cancellations to accommodate spontaneous travel plans, as many Indians are opting for last-minute trips, especially on long weekends.
4. Cater to Family Travel Needs
●Millennials often travel with spouses and children and seek hotels that cater to family needs.
● Promote family-friendly resorts and hotels with amenities such as kids' clubs, swimming pools, and playgrounds.
● Develop tour packages specifically designed for families, including activities and attractions suitable for all ages.
5. Partner with Clear Trip and Flipkart
● Clear Trip, a subsidiary of Flipkart, has a significant reach among Indian travelers, with over 70% of its users being Millennials.
● Flipkart itself boasts a vast customer base of 600 million, providing access to a massive pool of potential travelers.7
● Collaborate with Clear Trip and Flipkart to offer exclusive deals and packages to their users.
● Leverage their marketing channels and expertise to reach a wider audience of Indian travelers.
● Consider offering a "tension-free travel" guarantee to appeal to travelers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who may be new to international travel and seek reassurance and support.
By implementing these five strategies, Malaysian travel agents can tap into the burgeoning Indian travel market and create memorable experiences that resonate with Gen Z and Millennials.
Remember, these demographics value authenticity, affordability, and flexibility.
By understanding their unique preferences and leveraging the power of digital platforms, Malaysia can solidify its position as a top-of-mind destination for Indian travelers seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and unforgettable moments.
Why Travel Agents Should Jump on Promoting Dusit Princess Melaka
💥 Malaysia’s First Dusit Princess is HERE! 💥
Brace yourselves, travel agents! Dusit Princess Melaka is making waves as the first Dusit Princess in Malaysia, and it’s landed smack in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Melaka. This isn’t just a hotel – it’s a tourism magnet in a city buzzing with history, culture, and irresistible charm.
🎯 Perfectly Positioned for Profit
Melaka is a tourism goldmine! With 10 million visitors already recorded by September 2024, the city has smashed its annual targets – and the numbers are still climbing. Thanks to its prime location in the heart of Melaka, Dusit Princess is set to attract travelers from all over, especially from tourism hotspots like China and Singapore.
🏨 Why Dusit Princess Melaka Stands Out
Imagine offering your clients a stay at a contemporary sanctuary infused with Thai-inspired hospitality. Dusit Princess Melaka delivers that in spades:
296 stylish rooms (including a luxurious Presidential Suite) with breathtaking views of the city skyline.
A sparkling pool and a fully equipped gym for those who like to keep it cool or keep it fit.
Dining dreams come true at Zest, the all-day dining spot with global flavors, and Long Feng, a dim sum destination locals rave about.
🚀 Event Ready Like Never Before
Hosting a corporate event or a grand wedding? The 1,000-capacity ballroom and state-of-the-art meeting facilities make Dusit Princess the top choice for gatherings. Pair that with Dusit’s signature service, and you’ve got a recipe for unforgettable experiences.
🌟 The Dusit Difference
This isn’t just another hotel – it’s a complete refurbishment of the former Ramada Plaza Melaka, now dripping with Dusit’s renowned style and ethos. What makes it unbeatable? That warm, personal touch they call “Dusit Graciousness”. From solo adventurers to corporate execs, every guest is treated like royalty.
🤑 Why Promote Dusit Princess Melaka?
High demand = High Revenue. It’s new, fresh, and everyone wants a piece of it.
Strategic Location. A stone’s throw from Melaka’s iconic sites = more bookings.
Thai-Style Hospitality. People crave unique experiences, and this one’s irresistible.
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