Solo women travellers spend 15% more than men, claims survey

A travel portal has released astonishing statistics that show Indian women travellers spend 15% more money on vacation than men do. They also spend 20% more time researching a potential holiday.
The report by HolidayIQ claims to provide insight into the behaviour pattern and preferences of the modern woman traveller. It is timed to International Women's Day March 8.
The web site says the number of single women travellers has gone up as much as 6% this year. Single women travellers now take longer trips and now have higher holiday budgets than their male counterparts. Around 42% women travel with their spouses. June appears to be the most preferred month of travel while March is the least preferred. Women travellers from Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Delhi are reported to be the most satisfied with their vacation. Travellers in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune were least satisfied for some reason. The survey says that the location of the hotel or resort is an important factor in customer satisfaction for women travellers. They are not very concerned about activity options at the hotel.
While the number of solo women travellers is on a steady rise, HolidayIQ founder Hari Nair says they are spending much more on recreation. Destinations like Coorg, Andamans, Ooty, Munnar and Manali figure among the most favoured spots. According to his survey, single women seem to prefer romantic beaches and religious destinations, although it may seem paradoxical.
Nair says, "We have been tracking a fair rise in the solo women traveller segment since four years, but the big spurt from zero to 10% is being witnessed for the first time in 2015. This jump will significantly alter tourism in India, just as the rise of couple travellers did over the last decade. That gave rise to the concept of weekend getaways and jungle lodges across India. Perhaps women-friendly concept hotels and specialised holiday packages will surface now. The tourism industry should note that when women plan a holiday, they spend 15% more money than men. They often do not want travel to be an extension of the family routine. Financial independence and greater exposure has also contributed to the rise of the solo woman traveller."