Indian Travellers Drive Boom In Online Luggage Sales
India's insatiable wanderlust and burgeoning travel enthusiasm are driving a significant surge in online travel luggage and gear sales, transforming the landscape of travel accessories shopping.
With an increasing number of Indians embracing travel as a lifestyle choice and seeking new adventures both domestically and internationally, the demand for stylish, functional, and innovative travel gear is witnessing a remarkable upswing.
As per the insights from the travel industry, Indians now do not plan long travels. Instead, they prefer quick travels and weekend getaways to beat the stress.
Evolving Travel Preferences
The changing travel preferences of Indian travellers, characterised by a penchant for exploration, adventure, and cultural immersion, are reshaping the travel luggage market. Whether it is embarking on solo journeys, indulging in outdoor escapades, or exploring metropolitan cities, travellers are seeking travel accessories that align with their unique preferences and experiences.
Pranav Dangi, Founder & CEO, The Hosteller says Indian travellers are revolutionising the ever-changing travel industry with their unquenchable passion for cultural immersion, adventure, and exploration. “Their changing tastes are changing more than just the travel luggage industry; they are also changing what travel is all about. Every journey, whether it be a solitary journey or a challenging outdoor adventure, a lively city tour or a peaceful cultural immersion, is a unique journey knitted together by limitless curiosity and personal experiences. Travellers who are pursuing this goal want companions who will complement their experiences and connect with their uniqueness more than they do luggage. In this quest, travellers want more than just their belongings; they want friends who will complement their experiences and connect with their uniqueness.”
Shift Towards Online Shopping
The convenience and accessibility offered by e-commerce platforms have propelled a significant shift towards online shopping for travel luggage among Indian consumers. With a plethora of options available at their fingertips, travellers can effortlessly browse through a diverse range of products, compare prices, and make informed purchase decisions from the comfort of their homes.
Saurabh Srivastava, Vice-President of Amazon Fashion India, highlights the dynamic transformation underway in the luggage industry. With a surge in aspirations and the growing influence of tech-savvy consumers, the industry is witnessing a shift towards stylish and practical luggage options. “Amazon Fashion observes substantial year-over-year growth in both affordable and premium segments, with brands like Safari, Kamiliant, Tommy Hilfiger, and Samsonite leading the way. Notably, direct-to-consumer brands like Mokobara and Nasher Miles are redefining travel luggage with innovative designs and utility-focused features. As travellers increasingly prioritise style, innovation, and personalization, hardcase trolleys and smart features such as anti-theft designs and charging ports are gaining traction. Amazon Fashion remains committed to empowering customers with curated selections that cater to diverse preferences, anticipating a trend towards gender-inclusive styles and minimalist designs. Through strategic partnerships with leading brands, Amazon is driving innovation in the luggage market, witnessing a significant increase in business year-over-year,” says Srivasatava
Catering to Diverse Consumer Segments
The surge in online travel gear sales is not limited to urban centres but extends to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reflecting the growing travel aspirations of consumers across diverse demographics. From students and professionals to families and solo travellers, online platforms are catering to a wide range of consumer segments seeking quality travel gear for their expeditions.
Abhishek Maloo, Senior Director of Flipkart Fashion, emphasises the platform's deep understanding of the diverse Indian consumer landscape and the increasing demand for travel accessories. “With over 60 per cent of business contribution from T2+ regions, Flipkart observes a surge in popularity for space-saving suitcases, durable and lightweight materials, and organisational tools. Hard top suitcases are preferred over soft-top choices, while categories like backpacks, printed luggage, and direct-to-consumer brands gain traction. Trend-based options, including vibrant designs and thematic luggage, are witnessing a surge in demand, with customers often purchasing sets of 2 or 3 at a time. Committed to meeting evolving customer needs, Flipkart aims to provide a diverse range of trend-driven options through its extensive network of sellers, catering to various personal styles and enhancing travel experiences for leisure or business trips,” shares Maloo.
Shift Towards Premium, Yet Affordable Luggage
E-commerce platforms are partnering with leading travel gear brands to enhance their product offerings and provide customers with a seamless shopping experience. Collaborations with brands known for their innovation and quality craftsmanship ensure that travellers have access to the latest trends and cutting-edge technology in travel gear.
Gopal Asthana, CEO of Tata CLiQ, highlights the strategic shift of Indian and global brands towards e-commerce during the pandemic, enabling consumers to access a wide range of products conveniently online. “Enhanced UI designs and comprehensive product information have improved the overall shopping experience, driving the appeal of online shopping. Promotional strategies such as discounts and exclusive offers have further encouraged online shopping, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities where access to premium brands may be limited. The availability of premium luggage products on Tata CLiQ Luxury reflects evolving consumer preferences for quality and durability, resulting in a noticeable surge in demand,” says Asthana.
Demand for Stylish, Functional Luggage
Travel luggage brands are responding to the evolving needs and preferences of Indian travellers by offering a wide array of stylish, functional, and technologically advanced products. From durable suitcases and backpacks to innovative travel accessories equipped with smart features such as GPS tracking, charging ports, and anti-theft designs, brands are catering to the diverse needs of modern-day travellers.
Neetu Kashiramka, MD VIP Industries, commented on the brand’s innovative offerings. “VIP has been at the forefront of tech in the luggage industry – from bags that would open only one way, to proximity indicators. Today, we are launching luggage that combines technology with functionality. We resonate with Amazon Fashion’s vision of offering customers a diverse range of selections, delivered across India with the fastest speed. For example, we have the Airtron range that is the lightest, Highlander more like all-terrain luggage, and Maestro the toughest. We are also working on many other innovations.”
Jai Krishnan, CEO, Samsonite shares similar insights. “Samsonite is the world’s leading luggage brand with an extensive legacy in trendsetting travel solutions. Renowned for breakthrough research, development and its commitment to innovation, Samsonite has excelled since its inception in a number of industry firsts. One such innovation is the launch of a product called Proxis that is made out of Roxkin, a proprietary material, that truly creates a protective skin that is as strong as a rock and as thin and lightweight as skin – this will be launched soon.”
Some Interesting Facts
According to the American Express Global Travel Trends Report 2024, Indian travellers prioritise food and accommodation, with 71 per cent not willing to compromise on culinary experiences and 67 per cent insisting on comfortable lodging. Additionally, beach vacations are a popular choice for 67 per cent of Indians, while 58 per cent seek outdoor adventures like camping and surfing. Exploring metropolitan areas is also on the agenda for 55 per cent of travellers. Embracing solo adventures is gaining traction, with 34 per cent planning to travel solo more often, driven by desires for self-love and independence. Reconnecting with oneself (46 per cent) and escaping daily chaos (39 per cent) are top reasons for solo trips. Indians are drawn to spontaneity, with 58 per cent interested in last-minute trips and a preference for exploring new cities (46 per cent) and dining experiences (45 per cent) spontaneously. The allure of freedom, flexibility, and cultural immersion motivates Indians to embrace spontaneous travel, reflecting a desire to break away from structured modern life.
"Indian travellers are embracing the spirit of adventure and exploration in 2024, driven by a desire for new experiences and cultural immersion. From using travel hacks to embarking on solo journeys, Indians are redefining the travel landscape with their changing preferences and behaviours,” says Sanjay Khanna, CEO and Country Manager, American Express Banking Corp., India.
As Indian travellers continue to embark on new adventures and explore uncharted territories, the demand for high-quality travel luggage is expected to remain robust, driving further growth in the online travel accessories market.
