Industry players say festive and long-weekend demand could accelerate adoption further, even as they flag the need for responsible usage.
How TNPL works?
Anil Goteti, Founder & CEO of Scapia, described TNPL as “short-term credit tailored for travel expenses, enabling users to enjoy their trips upfront while managing repayments responsibly within agreed timelines.”
Ankur Sharmaa, Chief Business Officer, Via.com (Ebix Travel), said the option is extending beyond traditional credit facilities.
“Historically, credit in travel was largely reserved for corporate clients. With TNPL, the same flexibility is now available to individual customers, widening access to high-value bookings like international flights and holiday packages,” he said.
Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox and Kings, added that the model reflects a shift in consumer behaviour. “It allows people to plan holidays without immediate financial stress, and this flexibility is increasingly valued by travellers looking for smarter ways to manage expenses,” he noted.
Who is using it?
At Scapia, about 20% of bookings use TNPL, with international flights showing nearly 90% higher demand compared to domestic travel. Goteti said Gen Z is driving this growth, using the product to plan first trips abroad and enhance overall experiences.
Sharmaa confirmed that the strongest uptake is among aspirational first-time international travellers. “The upfront cost of an overseas trip can be prohibitive. TNPL helps them cross that barrier and access travel opportunities earlier,” he explained.
According to Agarwal, the 26-45 age group in metros is adopting the model quickly. He cited Singapore, the Maldives, and Mauritius as key international destinations, while Goa and Kerala remain strong on the domestic side.
Festive travel impact
With fares typically higher during festivals and long weekends, TNPL is seen as easing the pressure of peak bookings. Goteti said it “fits the lifestyle of travellers who want affordability without delaying their plans.”
Sharmaa pointed out that it enables travellers to secure availability in advance. “This is particularly valuable during high-demand periods, though, like any credit instrument, it should be used with discipline,” he said.
Agarwal added that shorter festive getaways are becoming more viable. “The option is making peak-season travel accessible for families and young professionals who otherwise may have deferred their plans,” he said.
Outlook ahead
Goteti believes TNPL is moving beyond niche usage, supported by the broader Buy Now, Pay Later market, which is expanding in India at over 13% annually.
“As adoption rises in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, TNPL will become a mainstream travel financing option,” he said.
Agarwal said demand for flexible payments will continue to grow as travellers prioritise experiences. “It has the potential to become an integral part of how India travels, provided transparency is maintained,” he added.
Sharmaa, however, called it a “transitioning phase.”
He noted that while TNPL is expanding in high-value segments, “mainstream adoption will take longer, as cash-based payments still dominate large parts of the market.”
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