The Great Indian Traveller — How Emerging Trends Are Redefining Travel In India
(By Alok K Singh)
The tourism sector in India is revolutionising and reaching new heights, and the credit for this dynamic transformation goes to today's modern Indian traveller who are wanderlust at heart, technologically skilled, experienced and intrigued to know about the hidden gems and discover them. Being the CEO of an online travel company, I’ve witnessed a major shift in how Indians explore places and what they demand from their past travel experiences.
ALSO READ: 5 Budget-Friendly Destinations In India To Visit This Summer
Beyond The Tourist Trail:
There was a time when tourists always wanted to visit popular destinations that resulted in overcrowding. But nowadays, Indian tourists expect adventurous experiences where they can explore hidden destinations, their culture, tradition and foods. This makes them informed and deeply connected to purpose. The current travel landscape is all about offbeat and immersive travel rather than fixed itineraries and routine destinations. From experiencing Kerala’s unique scenery of backwaters to picturesque Himalayan hamlets, the audience realise the true essence of traveling. These immersive travel ignites the spirit of discovering new things, and maintains the focus on authenticity, wellness, and culture.
The modern Indian traveller is reshaping the tourism landscape. The era of following the same travel routes and visiting predictable destinations is fading. Families are preparing for travel focussed on wellness, Gen Z is embracing solo adventure and slow-paced travels, while remote workers prefer workcations in destinations like the Himalayas and the beaches of Goa. Expectations nowadays circle around sustainability, personalisation and convenience, rather than treating themselves more like preferences.
Personalised Itinaries:
The rise of Customisation in travel is the new game-changer development in today’s modern world. Travellers seek journeys personalised to their passions, be it having the taste of Rajasthan’s food itinerary or exploring spiritual places of Uttarakhand. Through technological advancements these transformations have now become more accessible, like AI-powered suggestions, smartphone-first planning, and intuitive user experiences that are encouraging people to make smarter, faster, and more satisfying travel decisions.
We’re also seeing a demographic expansion in the travel industry. Senior citizens, who were not ready to travel for long hours, are now planning curated holidays, often with support for comfort and mobility. Families are opting for travel experiences that educate and engage their children through cultural fests and nature-driven education. Solo travel, earlier regarded as niche, has gotten a firm foothold, especially among women, powered by alarming safety, accessibility, and digital help.
Rise Of Offbeat Destinations:
This increasing demand for authenticity is also driving where and how people travel. Tier-2 and tier-3 cities are becoming primary departure points, and off-beat destinations of India like Tawang, Majuli, Spiti, and Hampi are gaining popularity. Travellers are shifting away from people-dense destinations and heading to off-beat options that provide peace, sustainability, and a stronger proximity to nature and heritage.
As we are moving ahead, we can feel that the potential is limitless. With young youths, growing global impact, and robust support from the government for the travel industry, India is determined to become a powerhouse in international travel trends.
Alok K Singh is Chairman and CEO at Travomint
lifestyle