BOTT spoke to more than 30 leading industry professionals — including representation and country leaders, travel agents, tour operators and specialists — to decode the year so far and the trends set to drive the next phase of Indian outbound travel.
Compiled by Gunjan Sabikhi, Priyanka Saxena Ray & Shreya Shimpi
Isha Goyal
CEO, STIC Travel Group
2026 has been another year of volatility for the industry, and STIC has been no exception. The West Asia crisis has affected both flight schedules and fuel costs, making it a year of uncertainty and quick pivots. Even so, it has been a year of growth. We onboarded two significant partnerships, Philippine Airlines and Scenic Group River Cruising, strengthening our presence across aviation and premium travel. Philippine Airlines’ new flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Manila, launching this December, are a milestone we’re especially excited about. We have also continued building our cruise business, which is seeing strong traction as Indian travellers increasingly seek experiential and premium holidays. Diversification has been a key priority. The market has moved beyond simply selling a destination or a ticket.
Over the next 6–12 months, I expect Indian outbound travel to become even more experience-led, with travellers valuing depth of experience over ticking off destinations. Ease of access, connectivity, visa convenience and perceived value will continue to shape destination choices, supporting demand across Asia, including Japan, Southeast Asia and other well-connected short- and medium-haul markets. New direct connectivity, such as India–Manila, will also bring destinations like the Philippines firmly into consideration. We also see significant opportunity in premium and luxury travel, where personalisation, privacy, wellness, culinary experiences and curated itineraries are becoming central. Cruise is another segment to watch closely.
Sandeep Dwivedi
Managing Director, Amadeus South Asia
2026 has been a year of encouraging momentum for Amadeus. We are seeing a clear shift in travel from simply being digital to becoming more intelligent, connected and personalised. This is reflected in strong traction across AI, NDC and modern airline retailing, hospitality and data-driven solutions. AI is increasingly part of the everyday travel experience, helping travellers discover and plan, enabling personalised offers and supporting businesses with smarter operations. We also continue to see momentum around NDC, richer airline content and expanding hospitality capabilities.
Over the next 6–12 months, I think the story will be less about one destination and more about how Indian travellers choose to travel. Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, along with Japan and South Korea, is seeing strong interest. Shorter journeys, easier visas, better connectivity and value are increasingly important. Domestic travel will remain buoyant around wellness, adventure, culture and leisure. Experiential, personalised and technology-enabled travel will grow further, with AI influencing discovery, planning and booking. The opportunity is to understand travellers better and create a more connected journey around them.
Markus Tan
Regional Director – India, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (IMESA), Singapore Tourism Board
India’s performance in the first half of 2026 reflects the continued strength of the market, with visitor arrivals crossing 600,000 and tourism receipts reaching S$374 million in Q1 2026, an 8% year-on-year increase. This is particularly encouraging given the broader headwinds facing travel and reflects the strong relationships we have built with Indian travellers, airline partners and the travel trade fraternity over the years. Our focus remains on deepening these partnerships, giving travellers new reasons to choose Singapore and encouraging first-time visitors to discover the destination.
Looking ahead, MICE and cruise remain important areas of opportunity, supported by the continued growth of business events and Singapore’s expanding cruise offering. This opens new possibilities across corporate incentives, multigenerational travel and milestone celebrations. We are also seeing growing interest among Millennials and Gen Z in music, nightlife, food, culture and lifestyle. With a year-round calendar of sports, entertainment and cultural events, alongside new and evolving attractions, Singapore can connect with these travellers in fresh and relevant ways while remaining accessible, compelling and well positioned for long-term growth.
Haryanty Abu Bakar
Director (Western and Central India, Maldives), Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board
2026 has been an exciting year for Tourism Malaysia in India as we strengthen engagement with the travel trade and expand beyond major metropolitan markets. We have placed greater emphasis on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, while deepening partnerships with airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, media and other stakeholders. We are also seeing stronger interest beyond Kuala Lumpur, including Penang, Langkawi, Sabah and Sarawak. Leisure remains a key driver, alongside family travel, weddings and honeymoons, MICE and incentive travel, with experiential travel showing particularly strong traction.
Over the next 6–12 months, we expect experiential, family, wedding and honeymoon travel, together with MICE and incentive tourism, to remain key opportunities from India. There is considerable potential in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where international travel demand continues to evolve. We also see strong scope to promote Malaysia beyond Kuala Lumpur through Penang, Langkawi, Sabah and Sarawak. Personalised and interest-based holidays around gastronomy, wellness, nature, shopping, education and business events will continue to grow, creating opportunities for richer experiences, stronger connectivity and compelling products for Indian travellers.
Rohit Shorey
Founder & CEO, Kazin DMC
2026 has been a defining year for Kazin DMC. The conflict involving Iran and resulting airspace closures disrupted travel plans across the region and tested how our industry operates. For us, it became an opportunity to rethink how Kazin supports its partners — planning with greater flexibility, responding faster when circumstances change and building a business that can adapt without compromising the traveller’s experience. That thinking has shaped our growth. The opening of our Belgium office has strengthened our international reach, while we continue to deepen products and partnerships across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Belarus. We are seeing encouraging interest in incentive travel, luxury journeys and tailor-made leisure.
Looking ahead, I expect Indian travellers to continue exploring destinations that offer something distinctive without compromising on comfort or ease of travel. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia are well placed to meet that demand. Premium leisure, incentive travel and experience-led groups are key opportunities, along with journeys built around heritage, cuisine, landscapes, celebrations and corporate groups. Better connectivity and simpler travel formalities will help convert interest into bookings, but trade education and deeper product development will remain equally important for sustained growth.
Sheema Vohra
Managing Director, Sartha Global Marketing
2026 has been an interesting year for us. We have continued to build on long-standing client relationships while bringing new destinations on board. There has been steady momentum around the destinations we represent through trade engagements, partnerships and market initiatives. The response from the travel trade has been encouraging, particularly towards newer experiences and products, with partners exploring what more can be offered to the Indian traveller. These conversations have helped us understand changing market preferences, strengthen our clients’ positioning and develop partnerships.
Indian travellers are becoming more selective about vacations, with demand for personalised itineraries built around their interests. We see good potential in FIT travel, road trips, experience-led holidays, live events and sports-led travel. Repeat travel is another area, as travellers increasingly explore new destinations within countries they have visited. Luxury is also being defined differently, extending beyond hotels to fine dining, culture and immersive local experiences. Family travel will remain important, especially for memories and holidays together. The opportunity is to incorporate these changing preferences into well-designed itineraries that give travellers stronger reasons to choose a destination.
Pranav Kapadia
Founder and Director, Global Destinations
2026 has been a year of two very different halves for us. We started strongly, with a successful OTM followed by our three-city Global Destinations roadshow, and were looking ahead to ITB. The geopolitical situation then changed the environment dramatically, with uncertainty around international travel putting several projects and campaigns on hold. Our focus has been on strengthening existing partnerships, sharpening destination and product propositions and staying close to trade and media partners. Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vietnam and Cambodia have performed well, while Laos is showing early traction among discerning travellers.
The summer season was significantly impacted, so the coming months will be important for recovering lost business. Pent-up demand from travellers who postponed plans means the festive and year-end season should support stronger enquiries across high-value leisure, luxury, family and experiential travel. Indian travellers are becoming more discerning, seeking personal, immersive and meaningful experiences. Experiential luxury, curated FITs, multigenerational and special-interest travel should benefit, particularly where destinations offer distinctive experiences, accessibility and strong value. The larger opportunity is to move from volume to value through differentiated experiences.
Neeti Sharma
Director, Intrepid Marketing and Communications
2026 has been a year of exciting growth for Intrepid Marketing and Communications. We expanded our portfolio by onboarding Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority and winning projects for Sarawak Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism and PromPeru, while strengthening existing partnerships. It has also been a busy year on the ground, with trade roadshows, wedding planner events and PR engagements for clients including Morocco, Ajman, Sun Siyam and JanDec. We organised Mega FAM trips for media and trade to Morocco and Sun Siyam Maldives. OTM, SATTE and ITB India were key highlights, helping us connect with new partners.
Looking ahead, the ongoing conflict in West Asia will continue to shape travel decisions from India, particularly around air connectivity, fares and destination choice. Interest is shifting towards Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Japan and other parts of Southeast and East Asia. Experience-led and personalised travel will gain momentum, with wellness, multigenerational holidays, luxury, weddings and celebrations, culinary and cultural experiences, and MICE attracting demand. Travellers are also seeking slower, more meaningful holidays, creating opportunities for flexible offerings, stronger regional connectivity and lesser-known destinations.
Vasudha Sondhi
Managing Director, Outbound Marketing
2026 has been a positive and encouraging year for us. Indian outbound travel continues to show strong momentum, translating into healthy growth across our representation portfolio. We began the year on a high, while the second quarter was slower. From the third quarter onwards, we have seen a strong upswing in corporate incentives, FIT luxury travel and wedding enquiries for the last quarter and early 2027. Melia has added properties across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Jumeirah has announced new openings; Corinthia has opened properties in Europe; and our Boutique Collection has added properties in Asia.
Looking ahead, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka will continue to see strong growth, with Europe following. Africa is also growing, while the UAE should pick up. Discerning travellers are exploring lesser-known regions for culinary experiences, sporting events, wellness, adventure and life-changing experiences. Luxury travel, MICE and weddings or celebrations will continue to lead growth, while mid-market travel should also pick up. The industry should focus on distinctive, story-led experiences for the next phase of growth and differentiation.
Lubaina Sheerazi
CEO & Co-founder, BRANDit
2026 has been an interesting year for us because, despite a complex travel environment, the appetite for India from international tourism and hospitality brands remains strong. We added Auckland Convention Bureau to our destination representation portfolio and Royal Savoy Hotel and Spa Lausanne to our hospitality portfolio, while expanding work with existing partners. Client conversations have also evolved. Briefs are rarely about PR or trade in isolation; there is greater understanding that media, trade, content, partnerships, influencers and consumer engagement must work together. This has opened more strategic mandates and reflects a maturing market where India is viewed as a long-term investment.
Looking ahead, regional markets will become increasingly important as outbound growth moves beyond metros. Weddings, celebrations, business events, family holidays, wellness, sport, culture and other special interests are creating opportunities. Short and medium-haul destinations will benefit from easier visas, stronger connectivity and value, while long-haul travel will increasingly be driven by purpose, aspiration and meaningful experiences. For destinations, one India strategy will no longer be enough; understanding the traveller, origin market and motivation will matter just as much.
Pranay Nath
Founder & CEO, ILoveJapan DMC
2026 has been a year of consolidation, expansion and strengthening our operational capabilities. At Via East DMC, we brought our destination expertise across Japan, South Korea and Taiwan under a unified brand, enabling us to offer travel partners a more integrated destination management solution. Japan continues to see strong traction, while South Korea is gaining momentum as our Seoul operations strengthen our on-ground capabilities. Taiwan is also an established part of our portfolio. We have expanded our B2B network and strengthened offerings across FIT, groups, luxury travel, MICE, golf and educational tours, while continuing to focus on destination expertise and reliable ground services.
Over the next 6–12 months, we see considerable opportunities in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan as Indian travellers increasingly explore beyond conventional holiday circuits. Japan should remain strong across seasonal travel, premium FIT, family holidays and educational groups, while South Korea offers opportunities through popular culture, shopping, lifestyle and experiential travel. Taiwan also has potential for distinctive cultural and leisure experiences. Luxury travel, customised itineraries, MICE, golf and educational travel should remain important growth areas, alongside demand for seamless destination management, authentic experiences, dependable ground handling and personalised services.
Paramjit S. Bawa
Founder & Principal, Auxilia Networks
It has been a mixed year. The Middle East conflict affected travel drastically to the west and obliterated travel to the Middle East, with the trade losing the summer peak outbound season, particularly to Europe. Encouragingly, enquiries are reviving for the last quarter of 2026 and into summer 2027. At Auxilia, we strengthened our Association vertical by signing with the Nordic Tourism Collective, alongside the European Tourism Association, ETOA. We also signed leading tour operators in Iceland/Nordics and North Queensland, Australia. Australian Attractions Pty. Ltd. was restructured into ICON!Q Experiences. Overall, it has been a busy year with positive growth.
Looking ahead, leisure travel is shifting from location-based to experiential, with sports, wellness, culinary, soft adventure and religious travel gaining importance. Cruise is seeing strong growth, particularly in the Nordics, Alaska and Southeast Asia, while India’s cruise demand remains at an embryonic stage with significant potential. Short, punchy and impactful messaging across social media and WhatsApp is increasingly important. Secondary and tertiary markets remain vital, and we continue to focus strongly on trade engagement in these cities.
Noel Saxena
CEO & Founder, BlinkBrand Solutions
2026 has been a year of consolidation as well as expansion for BlinkBrand Solutions. We have strengthened our existing destination mandates while adding significant new business, including the Bhutan Tourism Board, with a mandate covering India and Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Our portfolio across destinations such as Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Sabah has generated strong engagement with the Indian travel trade and press. The strongest traction has come from destination marketing, PR and trade engagement, with increasing demand for integrated campaigns be that be B2B outreach, unique curated events, mega roadshows or familiarisation programmes.
Over the next 6–12 months, we expect Southeast Asia to remain a major growth engine, particularly destinations offering easy access, strong connectivity, and competitive value. Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand are well placed, while destinations like Japan and South Korea should also attract well healed Indian visitors.
We also see considerable potential in emerging Central Asian markets like Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, Bhutan and the Middle East as connectivity, access and market confidence grow. Beyond destinations, the bigger opportunity lies in changing traveller behaviour: premiumisation, experiential and luxury travel, MICE, multi-generational holidays and shorter booking windows.
Lavin Dhansinghani
Voyage 1 DMC
2026 has been a year of growth, consolidation and expansion for us. At Voyage 1 DMC, we have focused on strengthening our destination network and building a more integrated DMC platform for the international travel trade. This year, we expanded across Dubai, Almaty, Baku, Georgia, Japan, Vietnam, Kenya and South Africa, while developing new local partnerships and strengthening B2B relationships in key source markets. We have seen particularly strong traction in FIT, premium travel, MICE and customised group movements, alongside growing demand for experiential and value-driven itineraries rather than traditional sightseeing packages. Our focus remains on competitive, reliable and locally managed products through a single DMC network.
Over the next 6–12 months, I expect Indian outbound travel to become more diverse, with Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Japan, Vietnam and Africa offering strong opportunities. Premium FIT, family travel, MICE, destination celebrations and experiential holidays should remain important growth segments. Travellers are becoming more informed and are seeking personalised itineraries, authentic local experiences, better service and flexibility. For the industry, stronger destination partnerships and seamless end-to-end DMC services will be key, combining competitive pricing, quality, local expertise and quick response with deeper collaboration between Indian travel companies and international DMCs.
Hemant Mediratta
Founder & CEO, One Rep Global
2026 has been the year our thesis started to prove itself. We set out to build density and reach across regions and categories that matter most to Indian luxury travellers, and the results are showing. Across our Sales and Integrated Marketing divisions, we added a new account every ten days. Our roster now includes AYANA Hospitality, Regent Bali Canggu, COMO Point Yamu, COMO Uma Paro and Uma Punakha, Jetwing Hotels Luxury Reserves, Mitsis Group Hotels and Airelles Collection. Being named Official Partner for ILTM India puts us at the table where global luxury travel sets its agenda.
Over the next 6–12 months, I expect Indian outbound travel to become more personal, experience-led and purpose-driven. Geopolitical turmoil will influence destination choices, making flexible booking, advisory and travel insurance more important. I am watching MICE and destination weddings, wellness and longevity, culinary and cultural travel, adventure, nature-based experiences and multigenerational holidays. The luxury traveller wants access and authenticity. For brands, the opportunity is to build a real India ecosystem through deeper trade relationships, curated experiences and media and creator partnerships.
Tekla Maira
Founder, And The Story Continues
2026 has been a strong year for And the Story Continues, with our portfolio growing through new clients, particularly from Europe and the subcontinent. Our Dubai business was impacted as the regional situation disrupted flights, while travel to the west was also affected because Middle East carriers are preferred by luxury travellers. Things are moving towards normalcy and travel is picking up for this quarter and the next. We have deepened existing partnerships, with hotel partners visiting the market and returning positive about the rest of the year.
Looking ahead, we expect Asia to remain strong, while sentiment for Europe is positive as travellers reschedule trips affected by disruptions or high airfares. Azerbaijan and Eastern Europe should remain popular, while visa-free destinations will continue attracting Indians. Dubai demand should return as connectivity recovers. Hotels across Asia and Japan are also showing interest in the Indian market. Milestone celebrations, multigenerational family travel and corporate groups remain important. The Indian market has proved resilient, and international hotels see India as a market to invest in.
Sucheta Nagpal
Director & CEO, Travstarz
2026 has been a year of adaptation and consolidation for us. The outbound market has navigated high airfares, geopolitical uncertainty and cautious consumer spending, but we have also seen a recovery in travel intent. At Travstarz, our B2B business remains the core driver, with FITs, groups, MICE and experiential travel showing encouraging demand. We have expanded our focus across Egypt, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka and the Philippines while strengthening DMC and supplier partnerships. Business from India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets is increasing, with agents becoming more confident in selling holidays.
Over the next 6–12 months, Indian outbound travel should become more experience-led, diversified and geographically broader. Japan and South Korea have significant potential, while Egypt continues to benefit from history, cruising and relatively strong value. Experiential FITs, small groups, MICE, destination weddings and premium family travel will remain important, with travellers willing to spend more for differentiated experiences. Tier 2, 3 and 4 cities are among the industry’s biggest opportunities. Technology will support this growth, but relationships, destination knowledge and personalised service will remain critical.
Arjun Mukundd
Director Tourism, T&A Consulting
(Official representative of Tourism Western Australia, Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Sands China’s Resort Macao in India)
2026 has been a year of strategic growth and sharper focus on measurable outcomes. At T&A Consulting, our portfolio spans destination marketing and hospitality, including Tourism Western Australia, Marina Bay Sands and Sands Macao, giving us visibility across the travel ecosystem. India remains a significant growth market, with 32.83 million international departures in 2025, up 6.3% year-on-year, and leisure accounting for 43.5% of departures. Across our portfolio, the strongest traction has been in B2B partnerships, travel trade engagement, luxury, experiential travel, MICE and integrated consumer campaigns. We are also seeing a clear shift towards quality of demand. For Tourism Western Australia for example, Indian visitors generated A$142 million in spend in the year ending March 2026, with average spend of around A$2,864 per visitor.
We expect the next phase of Indian outbound travel to be driven by increasingly diverse traveller segments rather than a single destination trend. Travellers are also taking more flexible, shorter breaks, with Agoda’s 2026 outlook putting the average Indian trip at 4–7 days. Among Gen Z, 73% plan one to six trips a year, indicating a shift towards more frequent, experience-led travel.
Across our accounts, we see continued potential in luxury, family and multi-generational travel, MICE, experiential holidays and short-haul premium breaks. For Tourism Western Australia, connectivity and year-round appeal remain critical.
Alpa Jani
CEO & Founder, Ace Connect
2026 has been a year of resilience, consolidation and renewed momentum for Ace Connect. The geopolitical situation created uncertainty, affecting traveller confidence and slowing demand for several destinations early in the year. Morocco and South Africa saw a temporary slowdown, but enquiries and bookings are picking up. Seychelles has remained a strong short-haul favourite for Indian travellers, for honeymoons and family holidays. A milestone was our work with Uganda Tourism on its first India roadshow. We also strengthened our portfolio after Ace Connect was appointed India sales and marketing representative for Wild Horizons, focusing on Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Over the next 6–12 months, experiential and luxury travel will continue to evolve. Luxury will increasingly mean space to slow down and reconnect, with privacy, personalisation, authenticity and connection with people and place shaping this definition. Advance planning for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia presents opportunities to combine cricket with safaris, Victoria Falls and immersive Southern African experiences. The broader trend will be purpose-led travel centred on sport, wildlife, nature, wellness or culture.
Sara Sodhi Juneja
Founder & CEO, Sara Consulting Services
2026 has been a strong year of growth and portfolio expansion for Sara Consulting Services, particularly across Finnish Lapland. We deepened our partnership with Visit Rovaniemi and continued working with Strawberry/Nordic Hotels & Resorts, Apukka Resort and Eckerö Line. We also added Halo Igloos Rovaniemi, Arcora Boutique Hotel & Villas and Wilderness Hotels Finland, bringing distinctive luxury, wilderness and experiential products into our portfolio. A major highlight was our Finland–India Tourism Showcase, which brought 22 Finnish tourism partners to Mumbai, Ahmedabad and New Delhi, the biggest tourism delegation ever from Finland.
Over the next 6–12 months, I expect experiential and personalised luxury travel to be a key driver from India. Affluent travellers increasingly seek privacy, exclusivity, authentic experiences and distinctive accommodation rather than conventional sightseeing. I see strong potential for the Nordics and Arctic Europe, especially Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland. Within Finland, the opportunity is to develop Lapland beyond Christmas and the Northern Lights through summer and autumn wilderness, wellness, gastronomy and slow travel. Quiet luxury will also grow, alongside UHNI, multigenerational, celebration, private family, MICE and incentive travel.
Shubhangi Chitre
Director, BTFL Travel
2026 has been a year of evolution and consolidation for BTFL Travel. Our focus has been on building the right partnerships, strengthening existing markets and creating deeper engagement with the Indian travel trade, while retaining the personal touch that remains the backbone of BTFL Travel. We expanded our portfolio with Antica Experience, a Morocco luxury DMC, and Down Under Connect Australia DMC, while continuing to strengthen Morocco, Hong Kong & China, Europe and South Africa through our partnerships. We are seeing strong traction across Morocco, Hong Kong & China and experiential Europe, alongside growing enquiries for luxury FITs, MICE, destination weddings and special-interest travel.
Looking ahead, I believe the next 6–12 months will see a stronger shift from destination-led to experience-led travel. Indian travellers increasingly want authentic, immersive and personalised experiences. Europe, Japan, Korea, Australia, Africa and the Middle East should remain strong, while lesser-explored regions, slow travel, wellness, luxury FITs, MICE and destination celebrations offer significant potential. Tier 2 and Tier 3 India will also be an important growth engine. The opportunity is to move beyond selling a destination and start curating a story around culture, food, communities and memorable experiences.
Deepika Khanna
Founder and CEO, Aanchor Destination
General Secretary – ETAA North India Chapter
2026 has been another year reminding us that consistency, patience, responsive service and added knowledge skills bring you back into business, even when circumstances such as war affect the overall situation. We remained consistent with our approach of selling destination experiences rather than just packages. Our personalised approach with clients and vendors has led to stronger bonding and relationships. Despite high airfares, we have seen particular traction in Europe, with visas processed in Q2 and travel scheduled for Q3. Maldives, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Finland, Sri Lanka and Singapore have remained among the top destinations. Our DMC and B2B wholesale business has also gained momentum.
Looking ahead, hassle-free visa and short-haul destinations such as Maldives, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand should continue to do well, alongside experiential travel to Australia, Iceland, Finland, Scandinavia and Europe. Self-drive experiences in New Zealand, Mauritius and Iceland are gaining huge momentum. Cruise experiences to Alaska and Antarctica expeditions are seeing client’s pre-book at least eight to nine months in advance. Overall, watch out for offbeat and unique experiences to offer clients.
Himanshu Patil
President, OTOAI
2026 has been a year of both challenges and opportunities for us. The geopolitical situation, ongoing war conditions and the impact on the Middle East have influenced travel sentiment and destination demand, requiring us to remain agile and responsive. At the same time, Indian outbound travel has shown strong resilience. Japan, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Southeast Asia and Africa have delivered good numbers from India. Travellers are increasingly looking beyond conventional sightseeing towards premium accommodation, wellness, gastronomy, soft adventure and meaningful cultural experiences. Our focus has been on strengthening our destination portfolio and deepening international partnerships.
Over the next 6–12 months, I see strong potential across experiential luxury, family and multigenerational travel, wellness, cruises, celebrations, soft adventure and special-interest journeys. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and parts of Europe are well placed, while Asia will benefit from accessibility, connectivity and diverse experiences. Luxury is increasingly about personalisation, privacy, access and experiences rather than hotel price or category. Emerging destinations will gain interest, while technology and AI will influence discovery and planning. Expert travel advisors will remain important for complex, high-value journeys.
Manoj Samuel
CEO & Director, Riya Travel & Tours
2026 has been a year of growth for us in market presence and outbound travel opportunities. We have built on collaborations with the Saudi Tourism Board, Azerbaijan Airlines, Lufthansa, ITA Airways and Rail Europe. Air travel continues to be our strongest suit. With more travel partners moving towards NDC, we integrated our chatbot ASK RIYA for quick assistance, followed by a centralised WhatsApp number. We strengthened our footprint through new offices in Riyadh and the Philippines. Another milestone was bringing Riya Connect to the UAE and wider Middle East, with its relaunch at ATM 2026.
Indian outbound travel continues to diversify. Kazakhstan, Vietnam and the Caucasus are seeing strong leisure interest, while the UAE, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore continue to perform well. Saudi Arabia is emerging as a promising destination. Vietnam and Malaysia have grown strongly, supported by easier visas and affordable connectivity. Georgia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are attractive alternatives to the traditional European circuit. Travellers increasingly seek accessibility, value, unique experiences and simpler visa processes. Technology will play a larger role in how travel is bought and managed, but human expertise, guidance and reassurance will remain equally important.
Irshad Dadan
Founder / Managing Director (Global)
One Above Global DMC Network
2026 has been a year of consolidation for One Above, bringing scale and structure to a network already growing fast. Our merger with Adi Holidays brought Masroor Ahmad Khan’s UAE operation directly into the group, strengthening our contracting base across the Gulf alongside our depth in Africa, Central Asia and the Far East. We added dedicated packages around calendar-anchored demand, such as Hong Kong’s Diwali and Halloween window alongside the Cricket Sixes. The strongest traction has come from our white-label model, while Get It Fast has grown alongside it, with visa and insurance turnaround becoming a deciding factor for agents.
Looking ahead, I’d watch three things. First, event-anchored travel, where agents build trips around fixed dates rather than seasons. Second, airfare-led substitution, pushing demand towards Central Asia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and East Africa. Third, the maturing of Tier-2 and Tier-3 agents, who now expect metro-level rate access. The deeper shift is consolidation. Global ground supply remains fragmented, and businesses that organise it into something agents can transact on instantly will define the industry’s next phase.
Varun Sarda
Co-Founder, DMC Bazaar
2026 has been a year of expansion for DMCBAZAAR, both in scale and geography. We now work with 7,000+ travel agencies across India, the Middle East and Africa, expanding across the USA, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Eastern Europe, Taiwan, China and Central Asia. We also added 100+ global supply partnerships across hotels, transfers and experiences, while strengthening destination contracting. The strongest traction has come from FIT and dynamic holidays, particularly multi-city itineraries and standalone services. Agents increasingly want to build and modify trips themselves, shaping our focus on making bookings faster and easier.
Over the next 6–12 months, I expect Vietnam and Central Asia to remain strong, Africa to grow for experiential travel, and the USA to benefit from travellers looking beyond conventional itineraries. Experiences, self-drive, safaris, sporting events and independent FIT travel should gain share. Another shift is the increasingly unbundled traveller, buying different parts of a trip at different moments. AI will make travel information abundant; access and execution will become scarce. The winners will combine technology, global inventory and human expertise to fulfil traveller needs.
Jay R. Bhatia
Director, Tulsidas Khimji Holidays
2026 began positively for us before the Middle East crisis disrupted travel sentiment in the latter part of the first quarter. Interestingly, the uncertainty reinforced the relevance of trusted travel professionals. Clients turned to us for real-time airline updates, alternative routings and guidance on changing destinations. While the Middle East and parts of Europe were impacted, we saw stronger interest in the Indian Ocean islands, Japan and South Korea. Travellers are considering longer, experience-led holidays. Luxury and personalised FIT travel continue to show strong traction, especially self-drive and chauffeur-driven journeys, premium accommodation and curated local experiences.
Looking ahead, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Australia and Seychelles look promising, while experiential Europe will evolve. Improved connectivity and easier visa access will open opportunities across Asia. Winter and ski holidays are gaining interest, with Courchevel and the Swiss Alps appealing to Indians beyond traditional European itineraries. Geopolitical stability, safety, direct air connectivity, visa facilitation and value will influence choices. Tourism boards that engage with the Indian trade, support destination education, simplify visas and provide reliable local assistance through reputed DMCs will have a distinct advantage.
Riaz Munshi
MD, N. Chirag
2026 has been eventful for international travel. Disruptions in West Asia affected flight connectivity and travel plans, requiring travellers and the industry to adapt quickly. We have seen interest in Finland, Australia, Japan, Africa and Antarctica, alongside Europe and Southeast Asia. We strengthened relationships with hospitality brands and preferred partner programmes, giving clients privileges and benefits. A significant development has been the launch of Somewhere Fine, our curated hotel booking platform featuring selected exceptional hotels with preferred rates and benefits. We are seeing strong interest in experience-led journeys, from Arctic travel and wildlife to expedition cruising and remote stays.
Over the next 6–12 months, we see strong potential in the Nordic region, Australia, Africa and Antarctica, alongside expedition travel, wildlife journeys and smaller luxury cruises. The hotel is playing a bigger role in deciding where people travel. A remarkable lodge, private island, heritage property or remote retreat can start an itinerary. Clients are better informed than ever; expertise lies in knowing what is worth doing, how to put it together, and having the relationships to make it happen.
Harmandeep Singh Anand
Managing Director, Jagsons Travels
Despite global uncertainties and fluctuating airfares, 2026 has been a year of strategic expansion and resilience. We have seen extraordinary traction in high-end leisure, experiential outbound travel and multi-destination European itineraries, particularly multi-port luxury ocean cruising. We strengthened our cruise vertical while expanding B2B trade outreach across Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets. The strongest growth has come from non-metro hub cities, where high-net-worth travellers are seeking curated long-haul experiences, bespoke family holidays and premium group travel. Digital tools and tech-enabled booking solutions have also helped partners and clients navigate shifting market demands seamlessly.
Over the next 6–12 months, visa-friendly destinations across Southeast Asia, CIS and the Middle East will drive short-haul travel, alongside demand for immersive European and long-haul journeys. Experiential luxury, multigenerational family travel, MICE, and European river and ocean cruises are segments to watch. Travellers are prioritising value-added experiences, shoulder-season travel and seamless connectivity. The key opportunity lies in empowering Tier-2 and Tier-3 travel trade ecosystems with niche outbound products, robust technology and specialised training to unlock untapped potential and drive the next wave of outbound tourism growth.
Ajay and Hema Chhabria
Founders, Intime Travels by Design
At Intime Travels, this year has been exceptionally superb. We hit a roadblock in April during the war issues, but come May, the surge was tremendous. Many travellers put their fears at rest and returned to their travel plans with renewed confidence. The momentum has remained ever since, and we continue planning Diwali and Christmas vacations. Europe saw a slight dip, while we did exceptional work in Japan, Thailand, Bali and the Dolomites, and introduced South Korea to our clients. Demand for luxury brands has also been exceptional, with travellers upgrading hotels, transfers and vehicles.
Wellness vacations are on the rise, and we foresee significant growth, while beauty treatments in South Korea are gaining traction. Clients are extremely discerning, with dinner reservations at top places often made well in advance. Food menus, curated culinary choices, and bars and restaurants with exceptional views are now integral to itinerary planning. This may also explain why more destinations are investing in FAM trips, helping travel professionals gain deeper destination knowledge and first-hand experience so they can better curate and recommend evolving travel experiences.
Neil Patil
Founder, COO & CTO, Veena World
2026 has been a year of consolidation and expansion in equal measure at Veena World. We launched Veena World Flights, moving from a pure tour operator model into a broader travel enablement platform. We have put fresh weight behind our MICE and Corporate Tours division, running successfully for twelve years and now on a clear path to becoming a ₹100 crore sub-brand. Group departures and outbound leisure travel have shown the strongest traction, with guest retention improving through cohort-level data analysis. Despite a testing year, Indian outbound travellers have continued prioritising experiences over deferral.
Millennial travel will be one of the strongest growth segments, and we are investing heavily here. We expect strength in accessible long-haul markets as airfares stabilise, along with demand from smaller cities where aspiration is high and international travel exposure is low. Travellers are becoming more discerning about who they book with, favouring operators who demonstrate reliability and on-ground experience over price alone. Families and multigenerational groups will remain resilient. Operators investing in retention and service infrastructure, rather than only acquisition, will benefit as sentiment recovers.
Guldeep Singh Sahni
Managing Director, Weldon Tours & Travels
While the war had an impact on travel, there has also been a recovery. The numbers may not be very high, but the overall picture has remained stable, and we still have a quarter to go. Vietnam, Eastern and Central Europe, where visa on arrival is granted with certain valid visas, Morocco, Sri Lanka, cruises, Australia and Europe have continued to attract tourists from India. Despite the challenges through the year, travellers have remained interested in international holidays and the market has continued to move at a measured pace.
Looking ahead, let us keep our fingers crossed. If all goes well, India will once again be the most sought-after market. AI is becoming a must for every travel company, especially as Gen Z increasingly makes bookings through digital channels. Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Oman, Jordan, and Central and Eastern Europe are likely to attract Indian travellers over the next 6–12 months. The opportunity for travel companies will be to remain relevant to changing booking behaviour while continuing to offer strong destination knowledge and service.
Meha Vashi
Director, Nivalink Holidays
Despite geopolitical uncertainty, high airfares and changing traveller sentiment, demand for personalised international travel has remained strong among our well-travelled clientele. We have expanded our portfolio, with strong interest in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South America, South and East Africa, Antarctica and the Arctic, alongside curiosity around Kazakhstan, Oman and Eastern Europe. Luxury, wildlife, wellness, multigenerational travel and milestone celebrations have seen traction. Clients are looking beyond gateway cities for immersive experiences, distinctive stays and curated journeys. We have strengthened global partnerships through destination engagement, FAMs and product development.
Over the next 6–12 months, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, East Africa and the USA should continue attracting Indian travellers, while Kazakhstan, Oman and Eastern Europe have potential. The opportunity lies in how Indians are travelling: immersive, experience-led journeys rather than conventional sightseeing. Luxury wellness, wildlife, polar and Arctic experiences, multigenerational holidays, milestone celebrations and private journeys are gaining momentum. Travellers will increasingly explore smaller destinations and regions, while visas, connectivity and air capacity will shape demand. The industry must focus on differentiated experiences rather than simply offering more destinations.
Shravan Bhalla
Director, High Fly er
2026 is no different from 2025 for us. It has been a roller coaster ride, with periods of big movement followed by declines and cancellations. However, we remain very positive about an increase in numbers in the coming months. We have brought destination weddings back into our portfolio after stopping them during Covid and added more short-haul and long-haul destinations for repeat clients. We are revamping our website and social media, featuring new destinations and attractions for high-end clients, honeymooners and celebrations. We are also seeing strong demand for Sri Lanka, Italy, Spain and the Philippines.
Clients always look for special offers, and once airlines or hotels present lucrative deals, they tend to book well in advance. I feel destinations with new direct flights, such as Russia, Greece, the Philippines and Tanzania, along with Visa on Arrival or e-Visa destinations like Sri Lanka, Thailand and Macau, will perform well. Special airline and promotional offers should enhance business to these markets. We are also seeing increased queries for Germany, Almaty, Russia and Courchevel for winter activities and Christmas markets in December.
Shalini Bajaj
Founder, Journey N Beyond Travels
2026 has been a positive year for us. We have seen growth in highly personalised, experience-led travel, with clients increasingly seeking unique destinations and meaningful, tailor-made experiences rather than conventional itineraries. There is particular interest in destinations offering exceptional hospitality, privacy, wellness, culture, gastronomy or unique experiences. Bespoke luxury travel has shown the strongest traction, especially family and multigenerational holidays, milestone celebrations, private experiences and experiential journeys. Repeat travellers are also looking beyond traditional luxury hotspots towards lesser-explored destinations and immersive experiences, while trusted destinations continue to perform strongly when they offer something differentiated.
Looking ahead, Southeast Asia will remain a major driver, particularly Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, supported by connectivity, visas, value and strong luxury hospitality. Japan should remain strong, while South Korea, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Africa have strong potential. At the luxury end, wellness, safaris, cruises, private journeys, family and multigenerational travel, destination celebrations and special-interest journeys should perform strongly. Growth from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, expanded direct flights and demand for highly personalised, value-enriching experiences will continue shaping the Indian outbound traveller.
Rajat Sawhney
CEO, Rave Tours & Travels
2026 has been a moderate year for Rave Tours & Travels, though we have seen healthy growth in outbound travel, particularly in luxury and high-value segments. Travellers increasingly want personalised journeys, authentic experiences and flexibility rather than conventional packages. Europe has been our strongest-performing region, with Italy particularly popular, including Rome, Florence and Venice, while interest in lesser-known destinations and immersive experiences is growing. We have also expanded our focus on destination weddings and high-end FITs. Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan are showing potential for luxury holidays, events and weddings. Bespoke luxury travel has seen the strongest traction, with clients increasingly investing in personalised experiences.
Looking ahead, Europe should remain a key driver, particularly Italy, Spain, Switzerland and France, while destination weddings and luxury FITs continue to grow. Domestically, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan and Kerala offer significant opportunity across luxury leisure, weddings, events and MICE. We also see potential in inbound luxury travel to India, with enquiries and confirmations picking up. The broader opportunity is to move away from standardised packages and focus on seamless, highly personalised journeys.
Sunu Mathew
Founder and CEO, C World Holidays India
Looking ahead, seasonal experiential travel is seeing unprecedented momentum, heavily propelled by younger travellers who favour authentic cultural moments over generic sightseeing. For the upcoming winter season, we are seeing immense demand for Nordic adventures across Finland, Norway and Iceland, where travellers are seeking winter wonderlands, chasing the Northern Lights and opting for immersive local stays.
At the same time, classic European festive journeys, particularly Christmas market circuits across Switzerland, Austria and Germany, are driving strong mid-to-late winter bookings. The major opportunity for travel operators lies in tailoring themed, high-experience itineraries that align with seasonal peaks. As younger Indian travellers increasingly prioritise milestone celebrations, slow travel and unique local encounters, the trade must adapt by offering flexible, narrative-driven packages rather than static holiday templates.
Komal Seth
Founder & Director, Linkin Reps
2026 has been an exciting year of growth and expansion for Linkin Reps. We strengthened partnerships with Royal Jordanian Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, STIC Travel Group and Elivaas. A key highlight has been conducting FAM trips and destination-led engagements, bringing media, influencers and travel partners together to experience destinations and products first-hand. These initiatives strengthened destination visibility and trade engagement. Another important milestone has been the launch of Linkin South Asia DMC, our new outbound destination management vertical focusing on key Asian markets and curated travel experiences.
Over the next 6–12 months, we see strong potential in Asia and the Middle East, alongside growing interest in experience-led outbound travel. We will focus on destinations where connectivity, unique experiences and strong trade partnerships can drive demand. We are planning two FAM trips to Jordan in November and two media FAM trips to Royal Brunei. Strengthening media relationships will remain a priority as we build deeper connections with journalists and travel publications. The biggest opportunities will come from combining destination experiences with stronger trade and media engagement.
Amit Thadani
Director, Nik N Ami Travels
2026 has been a positive year for Nik N Ami Travels. Despite high airfares, geopolitical issues and changing travel patterns, we have seen steady growth. We added new clients, strengthened our destination portfolio and developed international partnerships. Our association with Aaroha World Tours & Travels in New Zealand has been an important addition. We have also seen demand for corporate travel, MICE, group travel, cruises, luxury holidays and customised packages. Scandinavia, Iceland, Finland and Antarctica are seeing good interest, alongside Argentina, Albania, Bolivia and Courchevel. Dubai continues to be a strong market, supported by our DMC operations.
Over the next 6–12 months, we expect New Zealand, Georgia, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Southeast Asia to remain popular. River cruises, luxury holidays, family holidays, MICE, destination weddings and customised trips should grow. Travellers increasingly want new experiences, good hotels, personalised itineraries and less crowded destinations. Better flight connectivity and simpler visa processes will support outbound travel. The key for the industry will be to offer good value, personal service and complete support from planning through the traveller’s return.
Christine Galle Luczak
Founder and CEO, Heavens Portfolio
2026 has been a year of continued growth, with several distinctive new partnerships across luxury hospitality and travel. We welcomed Ol Jogi, Castelfalfi, Fregate Island, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), Luxury Action, La Reserva Rotana, Jiva Hoa Lu, The Leading Trains and Virgin Limited Edition into our portfolio. This has strengthened our offering across experiential travel, wellness, safari, private islands, luxury rail and destination-led stays. Indian luxury travellers are becoming increasingly discerning, seeking authenticity, privacy, wellbeing and a genuine sense of place, while we continue strengthening media, trade and consumer engagement through curated events, roadshows and marketing activations.
Over the next 6–12 months, we expect experiential, multigenerational, wellness-led and highly personalised private holidays to remain key areas of interest from India. Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa and select European destinations continue to offer opportunities, particularly for immersive experiences. We also see strong potential in culinary journeys, adventure activities and conservation-focused stays. The opportunity lies in understanding the increasingly diverse Indian luxury traveller and creating propositions around specific interests, supported by stronger destination storytelling and meaningful partnerships.
Lokesh Chawla
Director, Xtra Mile Travel Services
2026 has been a year of resilience, recalibration and transformation for us. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, high airfares and changing traveller sentiment, demand for outbound travel has remained encouraging, particularly for personalised FIT, premium holidays and MICE. We have continued strengthening our destination portfolio and specialist partnerships, including our Australia & New Zealand positioning, while seeing strong business from repeat and referral clients. What has been particularly interesting is how technology and AI are changing the customer journey. Travellers increasingly use AI, social media and digital platforms to research, compare and even build initial itineraries before approaching a travel professional.
The next 6–12 months will be shaped not just by where Indians travel, but by how they discover and curate travel. Japan, Vietnam, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Greece and emerging Central Asian destinations should remain relevant, alongside experiential long-haul travel, luxury family holidays, celebrations and MICE. The bigger disruption, however, is technological. Gen Z and younger travellers are increasingly using AI, VR and AR to visualise destinations, curate itineraries, compare experiences and make decisions. Technology will not replace travel professionals; travel professionals who refuse to embrace technology, however, may eventually be replaced.
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