\n<\/p>\n
Across regions, travel operators expect high occupancies this season, which is likely to reduce dependence on discounts and increase focus on service quality, wellness offerings, and longer-stay formats.<\/p>\n
\nTravel demand shifting toward longer, experience-led stays<\/strong> \u201cWith the peak summer season approaching, our focus isn\u2019t just on increasing demand, but on attracting the right kind of demand,\u201d Sethi said.<\/p>\n He noted that travellers are prioritising what he called \u201cemotional luxury.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe shift is towards longer, more immersive stays, alongside a growing preference for \u2018do nothing\u2019 holidays,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Sethi added that this is also pushing multi-generational travel and workcation demand, where connectivity and flexible spaces are becoming important alongside leisure experiences.<\/p>\n Value perception moving beyond pricing<\/strong><\/p>\n Hoteliers say the definition of value-for-money is changing, with spending guided by experience, space, and overall stay quality rather than discounts.<\/p>\n Guests today are choosing how a place stays with them over what it lists, experts say.<\/p>\n High occupancy limits discounting, raises service expectations<\/strong><\/p>\n Tarun Gulati, Director of Ganga Kinare Resorts & Hotels, said the summer season is expected to bring strong demand, reducing the need for heavy promotional pricing.<\/p>\n \u201cRooms tend to get sold out anyway,\u201d Gulati said, adding that the main focus is ensuring service standards match higher expectations during peak occupancy.<\/p>\n He noted that a key priority this season is training and upskilling local teams to maintain consistent hospitality delivery under higher pressure.<\/p>\n Wellness, heritage, and regional travel gain traction<\/strong><\/p>\n Michael Dominic, CEO of CGH Earth, said leisure travel continues to dominate, particularly family holidays centred around nature, culture, and wellness.<\/p>\n He highlighted growing interest in Ayurveda, heritage stays, and nature-led properties, with guests increasingly seeking authenticity in travel experiences.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile value remains important, it is the depth and authenticity of the experience that is increasingly shaping guest choices,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Longer stays in hill destinations<\/strong><\/p>\n Sumit Mitruka, Founder and CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said travellers in regions such as Sikkim and Darjeeling are opting for extended stays and flexible itineraries.<\/p>\n He added that while institutional business travel remains steady, leisure demand is stronger this season, with travellers balancing affordability with local experience-led travel.<\/p>\n Tips for travellers<\/strong><\/p>\n With hotels expecting peak occupancies, industry trends suggest travellers may get less benefit from last-minute discounts and more value from early planning and flexible itineraries.<\/p>\n Longer stays, off-peak travel windows, and destinations offering integrated experiences such as wellness, nature, and cultural immersion are emerging as more efficient ways to optimise travel budgets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Ramit Sethi, Founder of Seclude Hotels, said travel behaviour is moving toward slower and more immersive holidays rather than short breaks.<\/p>\n