Summer Travel Boost: Scapia Reports 30% Surge in Bookings
Fintech travel credit card provider Scapia has reported a notable 30% increase in both domestic and international travel bookings during this summer, in comparison to the figures from January. The company, based in Bengaluru, indicated that domestic travelers frequently visited destinations such as Goa, Varanasi, Srinagar, Port Blair, and Leh between February and May. Internationally, popular destinations included the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
In addition, Scapia observed a significant rise in solo travel, particularly among women, with female solo travelers increasing by 47% and male solo travelers by 39%. Thailand and Malaysia became four times more popular among solo travelers, while Nepal saw a threefold increase in bookings. This trend, according to Scapia, indicates a positive shift in the Indian travel market, driven by technological advancements, better security, and the availability of travel information online.
The summer also saw lesser-known destinations gaining popularity, such as Penida Island in Indonesia, Nonthaburi in Thailand, and Kowloon in Hong Kong, attracting a growing number of adventurous travelers.
Despite facing some challenges earlier in 2024, where a segment of Scapia’s customers experienced credit limit reductions by Federal Bank, the company has successfully bounced back. Founded in 2022 by ex-Flipkart executive Anil Goteti, Scapia secured $23 million in funding from a round led by Elevation Capital and 3STATE Ventures, with additional investments from Matrix Partners India and Tanglin Venture Partners.
Scapia’s growth this summer highlights the increasing dynamism in travel preferences among Indian consumers, pointing to a promising future for the travel and tourism industry in the region.