The Republic Day long weekend beginning Saturday is driving a surge in travel with hotels and resorts witnessing an increase in bookings led by high demand, reflecting a decisive shift in traveller behaviour and the rise of micro-getaways, industry players said. The increasing preference for short, experience-led holidays is emerging as a strong trend shaping the country's leisure travel market.
Ultra-personalisation is the new standard for Indian tourists.
'Travellers are considering safer and more stable destinations.'
The growing YOLO (You Only Live Once) mindset, coupled with a desire for immersive outdoor experiences, is driving demand, primarily across age groups from 20 to 45 years.
While wellness-related facilities and activities used to be considered luxury offerings, hospitality industry executives note that it has now become a mainstream expectation among guests.
Travellers are keen to explore traditional Indian arts and crafts like Madhubani painting in Bihar, pottery and weaving workshops in Rajasthan, or Kathakali and Kalaripayattu training in Kerala.
India's aviation sector is facing fresh turbulence, with rising fuel costs, the Ministry of Civil Aviation's free-seat directive, and geopolitical disruptions in West Asia clouding near-term earnings visibility.
Travellers are turning concerts into full-fledged weekend getaways, giving rise to the 'gigcation' -- a short, experience-led micro-holiday.
'It's a lifetime opportunity to cook for the most high-profile table of India. It's a matter of honour for me.'
Among the top destinations for Indian travellers in 2024, Thailand led with 92.93 per cent visiting for leisure, followed by Singapore (47.34 per cent) and Canada (43.09 per cent).
These 8 states emerged as the country's most-travelled destinations for local Indian visitors, according to Ministry Of Tourism's most recent statistics which are from 2024.
Tourists hesitant to visit America due to frequent policy changes there.
The actor will give you major vacation goals on the cover of Travel + Leisure's latest edition.
4.5 million weddings are expected across India.
The actor revealed her travel secrets in an interview with Travel+Leisure India.
'We expect inbound numbers in 2025 to come close to pre-pandemic levels -- if not fully match them -- by early 2026.'
ITC Hotels on Friday reported nearly 74 per cent rise in consolidated net profit for the second quarter ended September at Rs 133.29 crore, on higher revenue from operations. The company, which listed on the stock exchanges earlier this year post its demerger from ITC Limited, had posted a net profit of Rs 76.63 crore a year ago.
During this summer, Indian travel buffs are opting for destinations that provide an escape from the ominous heat, along with coastal regions within the country and countries offering visa-free travel.
Just as Gandhiji's spinning wheel became a symbol of resistance, Indian travellers today can turn their passports into instruments of peaceful protest, argues Harsh Roongta.
'The upcoming long weekend has ignited strong travel intent, with robust bookings across leisure, spiritual and wellness destinations.'
Pooja Hegde debuts on the cover of Travel + Leisure.
The actor made herself at home in Le Logis France for the cover shoot of Travel + Leisure.
The actor traveled to Macao for her latest Travel + Leisure cover.
Travel + Lesiure mag's muse for the month is Nushrat Bharucha, who plays a bride on the cover.
Rakul Preet Singh sets out on an adventure in Singapore.
The beautiful hill station of Shillong, known for its natural beauty and rich culture, has been named the most popular travel spot in India for 2025.
'Countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines have a 50 per cent increase in bookings.'
The primary drivers: Geopolitical disruptions inflating fuel and operational costs, and a surge in travel demand.
From eating waffles and hot dogs from food vendors around Central Park, to having dimsums at Chinatown, the Top Chef host reveals her favourite food places.
In outbound travel, India will be ahead of Italy, South Korea, Australia, Canada and France.
Presenting the mag covers that commanded our attention this year.
The actor looks stunning in these pictures shot in Jaipur.
The actor's photoshoot for Travel and Leisure magazine will fill you with wanderlust.
The actor looks breathtakingly beautiful on the magazine cover.
The couple look so hot together that we had to reach for a glass of water.
Discover our country through great Indian rail trips!
As March draws to a close, two consecutive long weekend opportunities - Holi and Good Friday - are driving up hotel occupancy and airfares across major routes. According to travel platform Cleartrip, hotel bookings have seen a 3.5 times spike for the Holi weekend, while a 3.7 times spike has been visible in the Good Friday weekend.
The future of travel is increasingly shifting to focus on experiences that positively impact one's overall wellness.