HOW INDIA TRAVELS

2025

HOW INDIA TRAVELS

2025

A

report in collaboration with Accenture

THE NEW INDIAN TRAVELLER

DEFYING ARCHETYPES

THE NEW INDIAN TRAVELLER

dEFYING ARCHETYPES

THE NEW INDIAN TRAVELLER

DEFYING ARCHETYPES

FOUR DISTINCT TRAVELLER PERSONAS ARE RESHAPING INDIA'S TRAVEL SCENE

FOUR DISTINCT TRAVELLER PERSONAS ARE RESHAPING INDIA'S TRAVEL SCENE

Our research identifies four distinct traveller personas that are reshaping India’s travel scene. These are not just age groups or gender demographics, but mindsets defined by motivation, influence, and a new vision of what a journey should be.

Our research identifies four distinct traveller personas that are reshaping India’s travel scene. These are not just age groups or gender demographics, but mindsets defined by motivation, influence, and a new vision of what a journey should be.

Our research identifies

Our research identifies

four distinct traveller personas

four distinct traveller pERSONAS

THAT ARE RESHAPING INDIA'S TRAVEL SCENE.

THAT ARE RESHAPING INDIA'S TRAVEL SCENE.

ROLE:
Shape family choices, nudging everything from hotel picks and pool preferences to activities and dining

Why it matters:

Older travellers are not slowing down; they’re stepping out. Premium stays in spiritual hubs like Ayodhya’s new resorts or heritage bungalows in Varanasi are key examples of this trend.

Custom-curated touches that let them feel a step ahead of the crowd.

Extra
pull

Next-gen co-pilots

(Under 15)

ROLE:
Own the entire travel plan: from picking destinations to setting budgets, shaping itineraries, and booking details

Why it matters:

Women are driving travel: 

73% of our respondents said women now play a more

active role in decision-making than ever before.

Selfie-ready corners and design-led spaces worth sharing.

Extra
pull

TRIP ARCHITECTS

(26-55 | PRIMARILY WOMEN)

ROLE:
Travel to unwind, usually in a group and centred around a milestone occasion, with a clear experience or theme in mind: wellness, food, nature, or just a change of pace

Why it matters:

This cohort is redefining luxury as personal relevance. These travellers will splurge on an artisan villa with spa credits and will expect frictionless digital check-ins and UPI at checkout.

One-click booking journeys that bundle stays, upgrades and extras on a single platform.

Extra
pull

unscripted explorers

(28-43)

ROLE:
Travel to reconnect—with heritage, memory, wellbeing, or a sense of cultural depth

Why it matters:

Older travellers are not slowing down; they’re stepping out. Premium stays in spiritual hubs like Ayodhya’s new resorts or heritage bungalows in Varanasi are key examples of this trend.

Trusted recommendations, warm service, and experiences that offer both discovery and ease.

Extra
pull

timeless travellers

(60+)

67%

of travellers would book luxury stays, but only if bundled with deals, exclusive experiences, or loyalty-based benefits
of travellers would book luxury stays, but only if bundled with deals, exclusive experiences, or loyalty-based benefits.

40%

of travellers booked directly/immediately after seeing something on social media
SOCIAL MEDIA’S IMPACT ON TRAVEL


Our survey revealed that nearly three in four Indian travellers choose destinations influenced by social and video content. A single mention in a web series or celebrity vlog can quickly shift demand, fuelled by cinematic content, influencer trails, and a growing aspiration to follow in the footsteps of celebrities and creators.

67%

of travellers would book luxury stays, but only if bundled with deals, exclusive experiences, or loyalty-based benefits

40%

of travellers booked directly after seeing something on social media
SOCIAL MEDIA’S IMPACT ON TRAVEL


Our survey revealed that nearly three in four Indian travellers choose destinations influenced by social and video content. A single mention in a web series or celebrity vlog can quickly shift demand, fuelled by cinematic content, influencer trails, and a growing aspiration to follow in the footsteps of celebrities and creators.

“Women-led groups are growing. In Goa, bachelorette parties are a huge market. In Varanasi, older women travel in groups for spiritual reasons. Almost 70% of our solo bookers in Delhi are women. Design, safety, and reviews matter. We're not building women-only experiences yet, but it is a big opportunity”

PRANAV DANGI

Founder, The Hosteller

“Women-led groups are growing. In Goa, bachelorette parties are a huge market. In Varanasi, older women travel in groups for spiritual reasons. Almost 70% of our solo bookers in Delhi are women. Design, safety, and reviews matter. We're not building women-only experiences yet, but it is a big opportunity”

PRANAV DANGI

Founder, The Hosteller

ACCOMMODATION = ATTRACTION

WHEN THE STAY IS THE HOLIDAY

ACCOMMODATION = ATTRACTION

WHEN THE STAY IS THE HOLIDAY

ACCOMMODATION = ATTRACTION

WHEN THE STAY IS THE HOLIDAY

WHEN THE STAY IS THE HOLIDAY

WHEN THE STAY IS THE HOLIDAY

Economic value has shifted from commodities to services and now to experiences. For hospitality providers, the room is no longer the only product as curated experiences drive growth and loyalty. That is why most Indian travellers are now increasingly willing to spend more time at the hotel than in other countries.

Economic value has shifted from commodities to services and now to experiences. For hospitality providers, the room is no longer the only product as curated experiences drive growth and loyalty. That is why most Indian travellers are now increasingly willing to spend more time at the hotel than in other countries.

“Leisure travelers, in particular, are seeking immersive and memorable experiences that go beyond the room. We’re seeing a strong uptick in demand for wellness offerings, culinary journeys, and curated local experiences that reflect the cultural richness of our surroundings. These elements are no longer optional; they are becoming essential to guest satisfaction and loyalty.”

MONISHA DEWAN

VP Sales and Distribution South Asia, Marriott International

80%

of Indian travellers spend most of the time at Hotel in 2025
of Indian travellers spend most of the time at Hotel in 2025

50%

Non-room revenue now accounts for about 50% of income
RARE FINDS


As travellers prioritise on-property experience, once "hard-to-access" places are now prized as rare finds—not just for their setting but for what the stay itself delivers.

“Leisure travelers, in particular, are seeking immersive and memorable experiences that go beyond the room. We’re seeing a strong uptick in demand for wellness offerings, culinary journeys, and curated local experiences that reflect the cultural richness of our surroundings. These elements are no longer optional; they are becoming essential to guest satisfaction and loyalty.”

MONISHA DEWAN

VP Sales and Distribution South Asia, Marriott International

“Leisure travelers, in particular, are seeking immersive and memorable experiences that go beyond the room. We’re seeing a strong uptick in demand for wellness offerings, culinary journeys, and curated local experiences that reflect the cultural richness of our surroundings. These elements are no longer optional; they are becoming essential to guest satisfaction and loyalty.”

MONISHA DEWAN

VP Sales and Distribution South Asia, Marriott International

80%

of Indian travellers spend most of the time at Hotel in 2025

50%

Non-room revenue now accounts for about 50% of income
RARE FINDS


As traveller's prioritise on-property experience, once "hard-to-access" places are now prized as rare finds—not just for their setting but for what the stay itself delivers.

80% OF INDIAN TRAVELLERS SPEND MOST OF THEIR HOLIDAY ON PROPERTY IN 2025

80% OF INDIAN TRAVELLERS SPEND MOST OF THEIR HOLIDAY ON PROPERTY IN 2025

The global average is 51%.

The global average is 51%

DIGITAL NOW:

TRAVEL'S INVISIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE

DIGITAL NOW:

TRAVEL'S INVISIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE

DIGITAL NOW:

TRAVEL'S INVISIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE

PAYMENT INNOVATIONS: EMPOWERING THE MODERN INDIAN TRAVELLER

PAYMENT INNOVATIONS: EMPOWERING THE MODERN INDIAN TRAVELLER

India’s major wallets and payment providers are no longer peripheral. They’re embedding travel services directly into their ecosystems. UPI now accounts for over 85% of India’s retail digital payments. With innovations like UPI 3.0’s voice-pay, tap and pay, and merchant-led auto debit, travellers are navigating booking journeys without ever leaving their favourite app.

India’s major wallets and payment providers are no longer peripheral. They’re embedding travel services directly into their ecosystems. UPI now accounts for over 85% of India’s retail digital payments. With innovations like UPI 3.0’s voice-pay, tap and pay, and merchant-led auto debit, travellers are navigating booking journeys without ever leaving their favourite app.

“UPI and wallet payments, while not influencing booking intent, have significantly enhanced transaction convenience. As a result, cash now accounts for just 1–2% of volumes, down sharply from a few years ago.”

JATIN KHANNA

CEO, Sarovar Hotels

85%

UPI now accounts for over 85% of India’s retail digital payments


UPI now accounts for over 85% of India’s retail digital payments



83%

value AI technology for making travel easier, according to the AI Sentiment Report.

In 2025, the BNPL travel segment saw hotel booking fulfilment rates surge 70% year-on-year, led by mobile-native Gen Z's appetite for deferred spending and impulse booking.

“I book based on what shows up on my ‘For You’ page. A reel about an under-the radar- heritage stay, I’m there next weekend. I don’t over-plan–but I know exactly what I want: comfort, novelty, and a few good photos.”

JATIN KHANNA

CEO, Sarovar Hotels

“UPI and wallet payments, while not influencing booking intent, have significantly enhanced transaction convenience. As a result, cash now accounts for just 1–2% of volumes, down sharply from a few years ago.”

JATIN KHANNA

CEO, Sarovar Hotels

85%

UPI now accounts for over 85% of India’s retail digital payments



40%

of consumers in Tier III-VI cities using digital payment services on a daily basis according to Chase India’s The State of Digital Payments in India report

As traveller's prioritise on-property experience, once "hard-to-access" places are now prized as rare finds—not just for their setting but for what the stay itself delivers.

HOW AI IS RESHAPING THE JOURNEY

HOW AI IS RESHAPING THE JOURNEY

AI-powered travel: Booking.com’s 2025 Global AI Sentiment report shows

AI-powered travel: Booking.com’s 2025 Global AI Sentiment report shows

OVER HALF OF INDIAN TRAVELLERS

OVER HALF OF INDIAN TRAVELLERS

are familiar with generative AI (gen AI) in trip planning

are familiar with generative AI (gen AI) in trip planning

BUILDING FOR

THE NEXT FIVE BILLION JOURNEYS

BUILDING FOR

THE NEXT FIVE BILLION JOURNEYS

BUILDING FOR

THE NEXT FIVE BILLION JOURNEYS

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR RESETTING THE HOSPITALITY OPERATOR

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR RESETTING THE HOSPITALITY OPERATOR

  • Reimagine accommodations by moving beyond the one-size-fits-all bed and board model that wields price as its only selling point.

  • Tier-II, III cities and beyond are the next engines of growth

  • As bookings continue to shift online, optimise digital storefronts to capture the widening shift

- Reimagine accommodations by moving beyond the one-size-fits-all bed and board model that wields price as its only selling point.



-Tier-II, III cities and beyond are the next engines of growth



-As bookings continue to shift online, optimise digital storefronts to capture the widening shift

5.2 Billion

By 2030, Indians will take nearly 5.2 billion trips

As traveller's prioritise on-property experience, once "hard-to-access" places are now prized as rare finds—not just for their setting but for what the stay itself delivers.

5.2 Billion

By 2030, Indians will take nearly 5.2 billion trips

By 2030, Indians will take nearly 5.2 billion trips

The challenge, and the opportunity, is to meet that momentum with intent—by adapting to evolving preferences, expanding relevant supply, strengthening physical and digital infrastructure, and placing the modern Indian traveller at the heart of hospitality growth.

“Over the past decade, domestic tourism has grown not just in volume but also in character, signaling a shift from mere sightseeing to experience-seeking. We are actively working to ensure smaller towns are seamlessly linked, creating comprehensive destination infrastructure through Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. Digital platforms are critical in discovery, itinerary planning and seamless bookings. Hospitality companies will be central to bridging the significant shortfall in rooms, particularly in underserved destinations.”

SUMAR BILLA

Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

“Over the past decade, domestic tourism has grown not just in volume but also in character, signaling a shift from mere sightseeing to experience-seeking. We are actively working to ensure smaller towns are seamlessly linked, creating comprehensive destination infrastructure through Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. Digital platforms are critical in discovery, itinerary planning and seamless bookings. Hospitality companies will be central to bridging the significant shortfall in rooms, particularly in underserved destinations.”

SUMAR BILLA

Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

TOP THREE POLICY IMPERATIVES
TO POWER TRAVEL

TOP THREE POLICY IMPERATIVES
TO POWER TRAVEL

01

Flagship initiatives like UDAN, PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan have shown that government efforts almost always lead to growing industry investments in developing critical travel infrastructure that’s critical to attract and host tourists.

02

Short-term rentals and other forms of alternative accommodation represent

the next frontier of supply growth.

03

Anchor growth in sustainability and inclusion to future-proof the sector.

01

Flagship initiatives like UDAN, PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan have shown that government efforts almost always lead to growing industry investments in developing critical travel infrastructure that’s critical to attract and host tourists.

02

Short-term rentals and other forms of alternative accommodation represent

the next frontier of supply growth.

03

Anchor growth in sustainability and inclusion to future-proof the sector.

“Over the past decade, domestic tourism has grown not just in volume but also in character, signaling a shift from mere sightseeing to experience-seeking. We are actively working to ensure smaller towns are seamlessly linked, creating comprehensive destination infrastructure through Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. Digital platforms are critical in discovery, itinerary planning and seamless bookings. Hospitality companies will be central to bridging the significant shortfall in rooms, particularly in underserved destinations.”

SUMAR BILLA

Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

About Booking.com:

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out oftravel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day.

For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.

About Booking.com:

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out oftravel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day.

For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.