Food a very important factor for Indian travellers: Survey

For most Indians, food is a very important part of travelling, a survey has found out.

"About 92 per cent respondents firmly believe in the power of food to connect them to the local culture and they make it a point to experience the destination's famed dish," says TripAdvisor's `Dining out on vacation' survey.

Yet, Indians are still warming up to the concept of `foodie vacation', as only 33 per cent have taken such trips to experience regional cuisines.

The survey was conducted amongst 1,200 Indian travellers.
Majority, about 74 per cent, said they were foodies who prefer taste over healthy choices while on vacation.

Sixty-four per cent respondents admitted to indulging in non-healthy options when eating out during the vacation.

"It is interesting to see how Indians have started planning their dining experience well in advance. Genuine travel reviews have fuelled this trend and empowered travellers with choices," said TripAdvisor India Country Manager Nikhil Ganju.

He added that yet Indians are being safe in picking options when it comes to cuisine and restaurant type; 47 per cent respondents said they prefer Indian cuisine while 60 per cent respondents said they get influenced by restaurant promotions or deals.
While deals do attract the value-seeking Indian traveller, they do not mind shelling big bucks on quality dining options -- over 63 per cent are ready to spend between Rs 600-1,500 per person per meal.

The indulgent Indian traveller refuse to settle for poor food quality and service -- 58 per cent get annoyed if the food quality isn't up to the mark. For 23 per cent respondents, slow or poor service is a mood-spoiler.

And, more than half the travellers (57 per cent) have sent a meal back to the kitchen owing to the above factors.