\n<\/p>\n
Gautam Munjal, Founder of Minimalist Hotels, said travellers are making quicker decisions while expecting more personalised outcomes.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe are seeing a shift from room-centric bookings to experience-led stays, where guests choose properties based on what they can do rather than just where they stay,\u201d he said, adding that curated food experiences, social spaces, and community-driven interactions are gaining traction over traditional luxury add-ons.
This shift aligns with broader changes in booking behaviour.<\/p>\n
Vidya Sagar, General Manager at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, noted that booking windows have shortened as travellers prioritise flexibility amid uncertainty. At the same time, demand remains strong, particularly from families seeking privacy, space, and seamless experiences. Villa stays and family-centric travel formats are gaining prominence, reflecting a preference for comfort combined with exclusivity.<\/p>\n
Industry players also point to a wider tilt toward domestic travel.<\/p>\n
Alka Ladhani, Executive Director at Sincere Developers \u2013 Taj Agra, said geopolitical factors and ease of connectivity are encouraging more travellers to explore destinations within India. This has supported both individual travel and group segments such as meetings and events, particularly in well-connected regions.<\/p>\n
Across segments, experiences are emerging as the primary decision driver.<\/p>\n
Jose Ramapuram, Executive Director \u2013 Marketing at Evolve Back Resorts, cited travel trend data indicating that a significant share of Indian travellers are now planning trips around personal interests such as wellness, culture, and nature. He added that while room comfort remains important, travellers increasingly evaluate properties based on the experiences they enable.<\/p>\n
This preference is also reflected in the types of activities seeing higher demand. Wellness-led offerings\u2014such as yoga, meditation, and holistic therapies\u2014are gaining popularity, alongside culturally immersive experiences like local cuisine, heritage exploration, and community engagement. Coastal and nature-based activities, including curated excursions and private tours, are also witnessing strong interest.<\/p>\n
Ibrahim Musan, Cluster Yield & Revenue Manager at JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING, said shorter booking cycles are particularly visible among travellers from India and nearby regions. However, he noted that \u201cthe appetite for the right experience remains strong,\u201d with guests prioritising bundled, experience-led packages over standalone room upgrades.<\/p>\n
Another notable trend is the rise in intentional travel. Travellers are seeking meaningful and personalised journeys\u2014focusing on relaxation, connection, and enrichment rather than purely transactional stays.<\/p>\n
This has led to higher demand for longer stays in some segments, especially where properties offer integrated experiences that combine accommodation, activities, and wellness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n