Workaholic Indians don’t believe in vacations

Expedia (India), a large online travel agency, rates India as the fifth most vacation deprived nation, after Japan and Korea. 26% of Indians prioritize work over holidays, while 28% would prefer getting paid for unused vacations, the survey revealed

Rohan Patel (name changed), has never been on vacation for the past three years. Software designer by profession, Mr Patel has used all his paid leaves doing petty things and attending family functions. “I feel irritated with my work, but I have hardly taken a break from it,” he says.

If statistics are to be believed, Mr Patel is not the only one. A recent survey rates India as the fifth most vacation deprived nation, only after Japan and Korea.

According to a study conducted by Expedia (India), a largest online travel agency, 26% of Indians (respondents) prioritize work over holidays, 28% would prefer getting paid for unused vacations and Indians still consider vacation as luxury as opposed to necessity.

The study, an annual analysis of vacation, spans across India, North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. The poll was carried out amongst 7,083 employed people across 20 countries and reveals who gets the most vacation, who takes the most vacation and people’s attitudes towards vacationing and common themes, such as money, disapproving bosses, romance—impacting respondents’ vacations.

The study indicates that 29% of Indian respondents said “they couldn’t plan their holidays” owing to work pressures and non-supportive bosses as an excuse for not going on holidays stood at 28%.  In the Asia-Pacific region, Indians receive highest number of holidays, on an average 25 days, but up to of 20% of these vacations remain unused. Whereas countries like Brazil use each one of it.
Manmeer Ahluwalia, head-marketing, Expedia (India) says that, “In India, vacations tend to be viewed as a guilty habit and as many as 54% Indians spend vacations usually secretly checking emails.”

While, most Indian vacationers find it difficult to disconnect from work, with 54% checking the e-mails, the situation is the reverse in the US and Europe. 41% of the respondents in the US never check their e-mail while on vacation and in Europe, except France, employees completely let go off with work.

Zelam Chaubal, director, Kesari Tours, finds the study contrary to the current trend. “Post recession there has been considerable growth in tourism industry with section of people such as working couples and retired people regularly taking a vacation break. If Indians were to be vacation-deprived than surely so many travel agencies would have to shut their business.”

According to the study, Indians favour travelling with their families to beaches over romance and spouse. as likely to select the beach as they w Romance was the preferred option for the Japanese and Argentineans while Mexicans were four or five times ere to choose a romantic holiday.