Indian travelers are increasingly traveling internationally, with outbound trips expected to reach 50 million a year by 2030. Royal Brunei Airlines has launched a new direct service between Chennai, India and Bandar Seri Begawan to capture share among Indian travelers. This route aligns with India’s vision for 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, part of the ‘Act East Policy’ to deepen relations with Southeast Asian countries.
Air India has launched a new service called ‘Fly Prior’ to offer more flexibility to passengers, allowing them to take an alternative flight departing up to 12 hours before the originally booked flight. Minor Hotels recently held a three-day roadshow in India to showcase products catering to the needs of Indian travelers, especially for destination weddings and multi-generational trips. StayVista has launched a new brand called Vize to partner with real estate developers to build vacation homes and extend its services to a wider audience.
Goibibo has launched the next chapter of its ‘No-Compromise’ campaign targeting travelers in Tamil Nadu and Kerala states, featuring father-son brand ambassadors Jayaram and Kalidas. This is part of a trend where Indian companies are using Bollywood celebrities to promote their brands, as seen with Hilton, Accor, and Mandarin Oriental partnering with Indian actors. SAMHI Hotels has announced a new 170-175 room hotel in Hyderabad as part of their expansion plans, following the acquisition of Innmar Tourism and Hotels.
India’s potential as a key source destination for international travel is highlighted by reports from OECD and McKinsey and Company, projecting Indian travelers to make over 50 million trips a year by 2030. This growth is driven by Indians’ increasing interest in exploring new destinations, with a preference for proximity as a deciding factor. Air India’s new service and Royal Brunei Airlines’ route aim to cater to this growing demand for international travel among Indian travelers, especially to popular destinations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Minor Hotels’ expansion plans in India, including opening 50 new hotels over the next 10 years, reflect the growing importance of the Indian market in the hospitality industry. StayVista’s new brand Vize and Goibibo’s ‘No-Compromise’ campaign are examples of companies innovating to meet the evolving needs of Indian travelers and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. SAMHI Hotels’ strategic acquisitions and development projects in Hyderabad and Bengaluru demonstrate the company’s commitment to capitalizing on opportunities for growth in the Indian hospitality sector.
Overall, the trends in the Indian travel and hospitality industry point towards a future of increasing international travel among Indians, with a focus on convenience, flexibility, and personalized experiences. Companies are adapting to these trends by launching new services, expanding their presence in India, and leveraging partnerships with Bollywood celebrities to connect with Indian consumers. The growth potential of the Indian market, combined with the unique preferences of Indian travelers, presents exciting opportunities for both domestic and international players in the travel and hospitality sectors.
