72% of Indians Discover Offbeat Destinations Through Reels, But Trust Remains the Final Step Before Booking: zingbus Survey
The zingbus survey you’re looking at paints a fascinating picture of how digital platforms and AI are reshaping Indian travel behavior ahead of World Tourism Day 2026:
Digital discovery dominates:
- 72% of respondents find new/offbeat destinations via Instagram Reels and short-form videos.
- 31% actively search for destinations after seeing them online — showing the shift from inspiration to planning.
AI as a travel companion:
- 61% used AI to plan at least one trip in the past year.
- 44% rely on ChatGPT, while 23% prefer Google AI Overviews.
- 45% value AI most for personalized, day-by-day itineraries.
Curated experiences matter:
- 48% prefer end-to-end packages (transport + stay + activities).
- 52% consider positive reviews critical before booking.
Bigger Picture
The survey aligns perfectly with the World Tourism Day 2026 theme: “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” It highlights how inspiration is increasingly digital, but trust and seamless experiences remain central to decision-making.
zingbus & Chyll
- Chyll by zingbus offers curated journeys combining transport, accommodation, and local experiences.
- Activities include kayaking, heritage walks, riverside cooking, painting, and regional cuisine.
- Destinations: Sethan, Sissu, Jibhi, Tirthan Valley, Kalpa, Munsiyari — all offbeat, experience-rich spots.
- Verified stays, local partners, and transparent pricing aim to bridge the gap between online inspiration and real-world exploration.
👉 This shows how travel brands are evolving: not just selling tickets, but curating trust-driven, tech-enabled journeys.
