How Indian Travellers Are Turning Their Stays Into Unique Destinations — A Closer Look at Booking.com’s Findings

The New Wave of Indian Travel Experiences

There’s an exciting shift underway in the world of travel among Indian tourists: accommodations are no longer just places to rest but have become integral destinations themselves. According to the recent study How India Travels 2025 by Booking.com, in partnership with Accenture, nearly 80% of Indian travellers now place the stay experience front and center when planning their trips.

From Transactional Stops to Immersive Experiences

This transformation is fueled by the desire for travel that delivers curated, immersive, and shared experiences. Indian travellers increasingly opt for unconventional stays — boutique hotels, homestays, and hotels with unique themes — turning their lodging into a story worth telling. No longer is a stay just about the room; it’s about the atmosphere, activities, and community that the property offers.

Understanding the Emerging Traveller Segments

• Trip Architects: Mostly women aged 26–55, who take charge of destination and budget planning.
• Next-gen Co-pilots: Children under 15 influencing family travel choices.
• Unscripted Explorers: Travellers in their 30s who seek themed getaways focused on wellness, food, or nature.
• Timeless Travellers: Those aged 60 and above, placing value on cultural and spiritual connections.

The Stay as the Main Event

One striking finding is that over 80% of Indian travellers intend to spend most of their vacation time on the property itself, far surpassing the global average of just over 50%. This trend has propelled hotels and resorts to evolve beyond traditional lodging, creating experiences such as art exhibitions, wellness retreats, or community workshops to engage guests.

How Technology is Shaping Travel Choices

Technology plays a starring role in this evolution. Around 83% of travellers say AI simplifies travel decisions by helping with trip planning and itinerary suggestions. Additionally, tech-enabled payment solutions like UPI and flexible card options are boosting bookings, particularly among younger demographics eager for convenience and speed.

Domestic Travel on the Rise: A Growth Snapshot

The appetite for travel within India has surged notably, with domestic travel-related searches climbing from 103 million in 2022 to an estimated 141 million by 2024. Correspondingly, the hotel room supply is expected to expand by nearly 25%, from 2.48 million rooms today to over 3.1 million by 2029 — a clear indication of rising accommodation demand.

Yet, a significant chunk — nearly 70% — of India’s lodging market remains unbranded, highlighting fresh opportunities for innovative stays, especially in smaller cities and towns beyond the major metros.

Government Initiatives Boosting Regional Tourism

• Efforts like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD are nurturing regional tourism circuits.
• Public-private partnerships are targeting the development of 50 model destinations.
• Focus remains on sustainability, local community engagement, and inclusive growth.

The Changing Indian Traveller’s Profile

The landscape of Indian travel has become richly diverse, reflecting segments with varying motivations and preferences. Many travellers now seek not only leisure but also personal enrichment, wellness, and cultural ties. Importantly, the rise of experience-driven travel is complemented by the use of digital tools that enhance transparency and choice.

LocalsRide.com, a platform that empowers users to select their exact vehicle, view detailed information about drivers and cars, and enjoy transparent pricing, fits perfectly into this new travel ethos. For travellers wanting a seamless, personalised transfer experience—whether to the airport, city exploration, or a special destination—LocalsRide blends convenience with trust.

Summary Table: Key Travel Trends in India

Why This Matters for Taxi and Transfer Services

As stays become the central draw, the role of smooth, reliable transport services gains fresh importance. Whether arriving from an airport or exploring the local area, travellers expect their transfer experiences to match the quality and uniqueness of their chosen accommodation. Platforms like LocalsRide.com, which provide clear details on available vehicles, driver licenses, and prices upfront, are poised to meet these rising demands.

Putting It All Together

In essence, today’s Indian traveller values personalised, digitally-enhanced travel journeys where the stay itself is an attraction. The expanding domestic travel market and diversification of accommodation types make it an exciting time for hospitality and related services, such as taxi and private transfers, to innovate and grow alongside.

Even the best reviews and most honest feedback, while insightful, can rarely replace firsthand experience. On platforms like LocalsRide, travellers can book cars with drivers from verified providers offering competitive prices without hidden fees. The ease of comparing multiple options, ranging from private sedans to spacious seater vehicles, combined with transparent fares, empowers travellers to choose precisely what suits their journey.

Reserve su viaje and discover the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle variety LocalsRide.com offers to make every trip exactly how you envision it. LocalsRide.com

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Travel and Tourism

The trend of accommodation-led travel experience is not just a passing phase but reflects a deeper shift in how tourism is evolving in India and beyond. While the immediate global impact may be modest, this growing preference for immersive, digitally linked stays highlights the importance of adaptable services and platforms that prioritize traveller choice and transparency. LocalsRide aims to stay aligned with these global travel currents, offering reliable transfer bookings that keep pace as the world changes.

Reflexiones finales

The way Indian travellers view their journeys is transforming, with stays shaping the entire travel story. Combined with technology’s role in enhancing choices and convenience, this offers fresh prospects for the travel ecosystem, including the taxi and transfer industry. Whether jetting off to a cultural hotspot or retreating into a wellness-focused hideaway, seamless transfers with transparent pricing and verified vehicle options, like those available on LocalsRide.com, fit perfectly into this new travel landscape.