Digital-first Habits of the Indian Traveler
The Indian travel market has been dynamic all these years, but 2025 has pushed hotels to adapt at a pace few anticipated. This always applied to the Indian International Travelers. However, there has been a stellar rise in the OTAs and domestic tourism, economy, and infrastructure. The market has increasingly become relevant to the domestic Indian travelers as well. With more than half the year behind us, several Indian traveler behaviours are already reshaping how hotels operate, market, and deliver experiences. These insights are not only relevant to domestic players but also to international brands seeking a stronger foothold in India.
How the Indian Traveler Prefers Short and Frequent Getaways
Rather than saving for long annual vacations, many Indian travelers are now opting for shorter, more frequent trips. Long weekends, workcations, and micro-holidays are becoming the new norm, creating demand for flexible packages and value-driven promotions. This has meant greater footfall and increasing round-the-year occupancies in almost all destinations that used to be weekend-only or summer vacation tourist hubs, such as hill stations like Shimla, Mussorie, Manali, Mahabaleshwar, Ooty, Darjeeling, Leh, Ladakh, Srinagar, etc., or cultural and religious hubs like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, Dharamsala, etc., in North India and Mangalore, Tirunelvelli, Madurai, Hampi, Tirupati, Rameswaram, just to name a few. Not to mention the upcoming and emerging, yet undiscovered destinations.
Sustainability matters
There used to be a time when eco-tourism was considered the domain of the few and far. Eco-conscious choices are no longer niche. Indian travelers are asking hotels about green practices, renewable energy use, and waste management. According to a 2023 study by Booking.com, 87% of Indian travelers consider sustainable travel important. Over 75% of them prefer booking eco-friendly accommodations. Brands that transparently showcase sustainability efforts are earning stronger trust and loyalty. This is a compelling proposition for hotels to build their operational strategy around sustainability principles. Thus, the hotel brands and stand-alone hotels in India and those catering to Indian travelers abroad can shape their marketing and customer relations strategy around the same.
Desire for authenticity
Alongside comfort, Indian travelers are seeking immersive experiences—local cuisine, cultural activities, and neighborhood exploration. A growing number of Indian travelers, especially the younger generation, are seeking more meaningful, authentic experiences as opposed to traditional luxury. They are increasingly going for meaning over indulgence and materialism, purpose over wandering, and discovery and stories over spectacle. They will reward a genuinely small, yet coherent, and comfortable offering. Hotels that go beyond standard amenities and connect guests to the spirit of a destination stand a greater chance of winning over the Indian Traveler.
Implications for hoteliers
The message is clear: to remain competitive, hotels must adapt quickly to the evolving mindset of the Indian traveler. Personalization, tech-driven services, and meaningful engagement are not optional anymore—they are expected. The message is clear: to remain competitive, hotels must adapt quickly to the evolving mindset of the Indian traveler. Personalization, tech-driven services, and meaningful engagement are now industry essentials. For instance, data from SiteMinder’s Changing Traveler Report 2025 shows that nearly 80% of Indian guests expect to interact with hotels digitally before arrival, using chatbots, apps, or WhatsApp-based concierge systems. Many now prefer customised room packages, such as workcation bundles or eco-friendly options, rather than generic deals.
Hotel brands like Taj Hotels have responded by offering hyper-personalised itineraries and curated local experiences through their digital platforms. Similarly, Hyatt and Marriott are leveraging AI-powered tools to suggest experiences based on guest history and preferences. This shift shows that technology isn’t just a convenience—it’s the backbone of emotional connection and loyalty for the modern Indian traveler.
We would love to hear from you on this trend. Do post your views in the comment box below or reach out to us on our contact page one-on-one to start a conversation…