Wander, Wonder, Repeat - The Travel Makeover
- Vinita Khar
- Sep 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 6
Vinita Khar
Co founder of Aumentar Hospitality alliance a hospitality sales consulting organisation;
India’s travel and tourism journey is unlike any other, a living reflection of the country’s vibrant diversity, soaring ambitions and remarkable power to adapt.
Step into the story, where each decade brings fresh perspective, each challenge births opportunity and every experience weaves new colours into the national tapestry.
A Decade of Dreaming and Doing
In the years before COVID-19, Indian travellers redefined possibility.
Gone were the days when holidays meant visits to relatives or repetitive sightseeing.
Instead, trends painted a bold picture: more than 10 million Indians travelled abroad in 2019, chasing curated luxury escapes, destination weddings and tailored retreat experiences.
The rapid growth of budget airlines, slashed ticket prices put remote corners within reach for millions.
While digital platforms surged, India saw online travel bookings cross $10 billion just before the pandemic halted the world’s movement.
Social media was the magic carpet transforming discovery.
‘Insta travel’ became a buzzword; searches for hidden beaches and mountain hideaways soared, with travel influencers guiding the way.
MICE events, once reserved for metro elites, grew 30% year-on-year, making business journeys a powerful engine for hotels and local economies.
The Pandemic: A Sigh and a Splash of Local Colour
Then, the unthinkable.
By mid-2020 global tourism fell by over 70%, and Indian states shut borders to protect citizens.
But as restrictions eased, a new wave emerged.
Domestic travel volume rebounded sharply, hitting nearly 2 billion trips in 2023, fuelled by the rise of homestays, boutique resorts and “bleisure” trips where work blended seamlessly with leisure.
Traveler priorities shifted.
Hygiene protocols, contactless check-ins, and private stays were non-negotiable.
Travelers hunted for authenticity, indigenous festivals, sustainable stays, village walks became the new cool.
Indians spent over $500 million on local experiences in 2024 alone.
This pivot breathed life into rural economies, spotlighted lesser-known destinations like Meghalaya’s living root bridges and Gujarat’s salt desert and made travellers more conscious and connected.
Navigating the Maze: Politics and Policies
The road to recovery in India’s travel sector has been anything but straightforward.
In 2024, the travel landscape buzzed with renewed energy and an appetite for both familiar comforts and fresh discoveries.
Domestic tourism thrived as travellers sought immersive experiences in offbeat locations like Chopta Valley in Uttarakhand and the expansive, rugged beauty of Ladakh.
On the international stage, Indian travellers gravitated towards top destinations such as Dubai’s luxurious urban charm, Singapore’s family-friendly vibe, Thailand’s vibrant beaches and nightlife, Bali’s tropical allure and the Maldives’ idyllic overwater resorts.
Personalization was the hallmark of these journeys; travellers placed experience above mere sightseeing, embracing culinary explorations, wellness retreats, cultural festivals and slow travel.
The growing popularity of wellness and spiritual tourism, showcased by events like Pushkar Camel Fair and Jaipur Literature Festival, highlighted the evolving tastes of Indian travellers.
Meanwhile, business and luxury travel surged, reflecting a shift towards journeys that blend comfort with meaningful connections and sustainable memories that endure long after the trip ends.
The New Promise: Personal Touch, Green Spirit, Deep Craft
2025 and beyond will be defined by personalization and purposeful travel.
Recent data reveals that over 80% of Indian travellers now prefer itineraries tailored around their unique passions; be it exploring the rich food trails of Lucknow, stargazing under clear skies in Spiti, or indulging in Ayurveda healing retreats in Kerala.
This shift towards a personal touch highlights how travellers seek experiences that resonate deeply with their individual desires and lifestyles.
At the same time, the green spirit is transforming the industry, with eco-friendly properties moving firmly into the mainstream;
by the end of 2025, more than 30% of new hotel openings in India are expected to be certified sustainable, reflecting a growing commitment to responsible and environmentally conscious tourism.
Adventure and culture are taking centre stage, especially among younger travellers under 35, with wildlife safaris, art residencies, and immersive heritage walks becoming highly sought-after.
This aligns closely with the concept of deep craft—travellers are increasingly drawn to authentic, immersive experiences that connect them to local craftsmanship, traditions and stories.
Technology continues to elevate these journeys, with AI-powered trip planners and personalized recommendations making travel smarter, safer, and richer than ever before.
Together, these trends mark a new promise for Indian tourism—one that blends meaning, mindfulness, and personalization to create unforgettable, transformative journeys.
Your Next Chapter: Why Ordinary Won’t Do
Aumentar Hospitality thrives on originality.
Not just holidays, but hand-crafted journeys—whether it’s tracing forgotten trails in the mountains, serenading sunsets by serene lakes or discovering the heart of India via community-led cultural immersions.
Every experience is a promise of delight, transformation and a dash of surprise.
Ready to challenge the routine with the truly exceptional?
The road less travelled is open.
Reach out to Aumentar Hospitality—where your most unforgettable story is waiting to be written, starting now.
Vinita Khar
+91 9930798687
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