Healthcare is the most actively searched sector in Indian cities, shows report

Indiarsquos leading local search engine Justdial released its ldquoHow India Searched in 2024rdquo report shedding light on evolving consumer behavior and search trends across various sectors The report highlights key shifts in consumer priorities and habits with a growing emphasis on health convenience and experiences Notably the data shows a distinct contrast between urban and semiurban areas with Tier 2 cities seeing a remarkable surge in search activityThe analysis reveals that Tier 2 cities registered 112 percent more searches than Tier 1 This signifies the expanding digital footprint of Indiarsquos semiurban and rural populations showcasing a significant rise in the adoption of online services beyond the major metropolitan cities While healthcare wellness education and leisure remain highly sought after across all regions growth trajectories reveal differing preferences between these urban and semiurban areasHealthcare servicesHealthcare and medical services continue to dominate reflecting a strong consumer focus on wellbeing The healthcare and medical services category saw a 24 percent yearonyear YoY growth in searches Gynecologists and obstetricians led this surge with a notable 22 percent increase in searches highlighting the growing importance of maternal and womenrsquos health Similarly demand for ENT specialists up 21 percent and dentists up 19 percent signals an increased focus on specialised healthcare Additionally hospitals and diagnostic centers witnessed a rise in inquiries as citizens both in urban and rural areas prioritise accessible medical servicesPersonal wellbeingIn line with the rising trend toward selfcare the wellness and personal care sector recorded a 7 percent YoY growth Among the key drivers were services like beauty spas salons and skincare clinics with skincare seeing a 15 percent YoY increase reflecting a shift towards preventive care Cities like Delhi Mumbai Hyderabad Bangalore and Chennai were particularly active in this space as Indians increasingly seek holistic rejuvenation and wellnessEducationEducation continues to be a top priority with significant search activity related to schools colleges and libraries However the trends extended beyond traditional academics as interest in skillbuilding and hobbies grew rapidly Searches for activities such as dance cricket music and tailoring classes stood out highlighting Indiarsquos growing inclination toward personal growth and development These searches were observed prominently across both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities emphasising a widespread national interest in holistic educationReal EstateUrban migration trends continue to influence consumer behavior particularly in housing and transportation The real estate sector saw a 10 percent YoY growth while searches for transportation services also remained high As more individuals relocate to cities for work or education paying guest PG accommodations experienced a notable 12 percent YoY increase Interestingly hostel demand dropped significantly with searches decreasing by 40 percent in Tier 1 cities and 33 percent in Tier 2 cities as consumers increasingly choose modern facilityrich PGs and apartmentsTravel and LeisureThe travel and leisure sector witnessed a strong 27 percent YoY growth in searches signaling a resurgence of interest in tourism and exploration Tier 2 cities emerged as major contributors to this growth seeing a 30 percent YoY increase in travelrelated searches compared to a 19 percent increase in Tier 1 cities This suggests that while urban migration continues many travelers are seeking out less urbanised rural destinations Popular cities contributing to travelrelated searches included Mumbai Delhi Bangalore Pune and HyderabadFood TrendsFood and dining remain central to Indian culture with restaurants tiffin services caterers and cafeacutes among the most searched categories Notably Biryani continues to reign as the countryrsquos favorite dish maintaining its position at the top of search rankings However growing interest in global cuisines has emerged with searches for Mandi and Korean food showing 18 percent and 15 percent YoY growth respectively This trend highlights the increasing openness to diverse dining experiences especially in major cities like Mumbai Delhi Bangalore and HyderabadEntertainment and leisure activitiesEntertainment and leisure have seen notable shifts as well Activities like visiting water parks and amusement parks recorded a strong 36 percent YoY growth reflecting a rise in social and outdoor experiences On the other hand searches for cinema halls have declined by 15 percent indicating a preference for more interactive and dynamic leisure activities over traditional movie outings