LETTER FROM CHAIRMAN

I just came across an interesting study done by Expedia on a subject that does not usually come under the scanner. The aim of this study was to find out how “vacation-deprived” people can be, across selected geographies.

“At Expedia, we believe that vacations are an essential part of a healthy work life. Vacations give you a chance to relax and recharge, and the happiest employees tend to be the most productive,” says Mr. Manmeet Ahluwalia, Head - Marketing, Expedia (India). “In India, vacations tend to be viewed as a guilty habit and as many as 54% Indians spend vacations usually secretly checking emails.”

Expedia’s Vacation Deprivation study polled 7083 employed people across 20 countries. It asked respondents to share the number of vacation days (as distinct from mandated holidays) they take each year, what obstacles they face, where they prefer to holiday and how they behave on arrival.

So how does our country fare in the ultimate analysis?  India ranks as the 5th most vacation deprived nation after Japan and Korea. While 26% of Indians prioritize work over holidays, 28% would prefer getting paid for unused vacations.

Here are some “India highlights” from the study that are very interesting*

• Over 29% of Indian respondents said ‘they couldn’t plan their holidays’ owing to work pressures. 28% of Indians would prefer getting paid for unused vacations
  - Indians receive 25 days on an average, which is the highest in the APAC region. However they do not use up to 20% of vacation days given to them.
• A good 28% Indians, said their bosses weren’t supportive of them taking vacations.
• For Indians, relaxed beach vacations come first and romantic destinations come a close second.  Globally, beach vacations are king.
• India has one of the highest number of people checking in during vacations with 53% checking in regularly and 31% sometimes. Japan has a similar percentage.

B. S. Rathor
Chairman, AIRDA

The results of the 2011 Vacation Deprivation study was released by Expedia.com®, the world’s largest online travel agency. Click here for link.