Alive App Survey: 75% of Urban Consumers Turn to Local Experiences as Travel Costs Rise

Rising airfares and uncertainty push consumers toward local experiences, with 75% actively opting for experiences and 35% spending more.

Consumer Behaviour Trends
- 75% of urban consumers are engaging in local experiences this summer.
- 1 in 3 are increasing their spending on these experiences.
- 67% report higher travel costs compared to last year.
- Travel bookings show caution:
- 34% have booked for March–May
- 33% are planning but haven’t booked yet
- 33% don’t plan to travel at all

Drivers of Change
- Rising airfares and travel uncertainty are reshaping leisure behaviour.
- Airlines face higher input costs (aviation turbine fuel) and capacity constraints.
- Global IATA trends highlight demand-supply imbalances and fare volatility.

Rise of the Experience Economy
- 39% of respondents are engaging in more local experiences than before.
- 35% are spending more on local leisure activities.
- Preferred formats: adventure, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, wellness.
- Motivations include:
- Convenience (22%)
- Time constraints (19.8%)
- High travel costs (21.6%)
- Flight uncertainty (20%)

Supporting Quote
Vivek Kumar, Founder of Alive App:
> “Travel demand remains strong, but consumers are becoming more flexible in how they plan their leisure. Rising costs and unpredictability are prompting more people to explore high-quality experiences closer to home.”

Big Picture
This survey signals a structural shift in India’s leisure economy: urban consumers are reallocating discretionary spending from traditional travel to curated, immersive local experiences. It’s not just disruption-led — convenience and flexibility are equally important drivers.