News

Experiential Travel Set to Lead India’s Tourism by 2030

India’s travel industry is undergoing a structural shift from traditional sightseeing-led itineraries to immersive and experience-driven journeys, according to Govind Gaur of WanderOn. The transition reflects changing traveller preferences, particularly among younger demographics seeking deeper cultural engagement and personal enrichment. Historically, travel patterns were centred on fixed itineraries, including hotel stays, standard sightseeing circuits and limited local interaction. However, travellers are now prioritising authentic experiences such as community engagement, cultural immersion and sustainable living practices over conventional tourism formats.

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Civil Aviation Ministry Pauses 60% Free Seat Directive

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has kept in abeyance its earlier directive requiring airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats free of charge on flights, pending further review. In a communication to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ministry stated that the matter had been re-examined following representations from the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air, which highlighted operational and commercial concerns, including the potential impact on fare structures and alignment with the deregulated tariff regime. The Ministry noted, “In view of the above, and pending a comprehensive examination of the issue, it has been decided that the provision relating to offering at least 60% of seats free of charge shall be kept in abeyance till further orders.”

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Flights to Leh Rise to 18 Daily Ahead of Peak Season

Flights at Leh airport have increased from eight to 18 per day to boost air connectivity ahead of the peak tourism season, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said on Sunday. “Ladakh is all set to welcome a larger number of visitors than before. Pleased to announce a major boost to air connectivity with Leh, as the tourist season begins in Ladakh,” Saxena said. These operations include two charter flights to Delhi and Chandigarh, along with regular scheduled services connecting Leh with major destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Chandigarh, officials said. “With our concerted efforts, the flight operations at Leh Airport have significantly increased from eight flights to 18 flights a day, as on April 2, connecting major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and Chandigarh. Two more flights are expected to begin operations soon, thereby providing greater flexibility to visitors to plan their journey,” the L-G took to X.

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The future of luxury traveller - Why meaning, privacy, & transformation are more important than status

Luxury travel is not dramatically changing. It is quietly maturing. For a long time, luxury was visible. It was defined by scale, by precision, by experiences designed to impress. Arrival lounges, expansive suites, and perfectly choreographed service signalled success, both for the traveller and the destination. Travel was an outward expression of achievement. But today, what guests seek is not recognition, it is resonance. They are less concerned with where they go and more with how a place makes them feel. They do not necessarily want more, they want meaning.

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India’s Tourism Growth to Be Driven by Skills and MSMEs

Ram runs a small bamboo handicrafts shop on the outskirts of Shillong. His neatly woven baskets draw interest from foreign tourists who visit Meghalaya for its pristine landscapes and local craftsmanship. With the right language skills and access to digital payments, Ram can seamlessly serve a growing base of global visitors. His story captures the larger opportunity in India’s tourism sector — one where local enterprises and communities unlock growth by making every visitor experience smoother, safer, and more memorable. Momentum and Direction India’s tourism sector has regained strong momentum. The country welcomed over 9 million foreign visitors in 2023, while domestic trips crossed 1.5 billion, driven by rising incomes, better connectivity, and post-pandemic travel recovery. The Union Budget 2024–25 rightly identifies tourism as a driver of inclusive growth and employment, highlighting skill development and destination management as core priorities.

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Hilton Partners with Royal Orchid to Launch 125 Hampton Hotels in India

Hilton has signed one of its largest expansion agreements in India, partnering with Royal Orchid Hotels to develop 125 Hampton by Hilton properties across the country over the next decade, in a move that underscores growing global investor interest in India’s mid-market hospitality segment. Announced on April 8, the agreement will see the hotels developed primarily across western and southern India, including markets such as Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

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