Airbnb Unveils Key Insights into India’s Evolving Travel Trends

Airbnb Unveils Key Insights into India’s Evolving Travel Trends

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 31, 2025

India’s travel landscape witnessed a remarkable transformation in 2024, driven by an increased enthusiasm for domestic exploration, international adventures, and group travel. According to Airbnb’s latest data, the platform experienced a 30% rise in domestic bookings, fueled by a growing trend of long weekend getaways, road trips, and experiential travel.

Surge in Domestic & International Travel

Domestic travel continues to be a major trend, with Indian travelers actively seeking diverse experiences. Goa remains the most-booked destination, renowned for its leisure and cultural appeal. Following closely are Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Pune, and Hyderabad, which have seen significant growth due to business travel, events, and proximity to tourist attractions.

On the international front, Indian travelers are increasingly exploring vibrant global destinations, with top choices including:
 Dubai – A favorite for shopping and modern attractions
 London – A blend of history and contemporary charm
 Kuala Lumpur – Known for its cultural diversity
 Milan – A hotspot for fashion and art
 Bangkok – A lively mix of nightlife and heritage
 Paris – The ever-enchanting city of romance

Rise in Group Travel & Experiential Stays

A standout trend in 2024 has been group travel, with bookings for larger groups (2+ travelers) rising by more than 30%. Friends, colleagues, and interest-based communities are increasingly prioritizing shared travel experiences, making Airbnb an ideal choice for their stays.

Another exciting shift has been the rise of Gen Z travelers, whose bookings have doubled in the first three quarters of 2024 compared to 2023. Millennials also contributed significantly, with bookings increasing by almost 30%.

Travelers are now seeking more immersive experiences, with a growing demand for stays near national parks, iconic cities, tropical locations, and homes with stunning pools.

Airbnb’s Vision for the Future

Commenting on these evolving travel patterns, Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India & Southeast Asia, stated:
"Our platform continues to serve as a bridge between cultures, connecting travelers with authentic local experiences. By empowering hosts across India to share their homes and traditions, we're fostering meaningful cultural exchanges while supporting local economies. We look forward to hosting more travelers and continuing to connect people through unique, local experiences on Airbnb."

With India’s travel aspirations reaching new heights, Airbnb remains committed to enhancing the travel experience by offering diverse and enriching stays, ensuring that every journey is a memorable one.


Ospree Duty Free Celebrates Onam with ‘Osam Onam’ at Thiruvananthapuram Airport

Ospree Duty Free Celebrates Onam with ‘Osam Onam’ at Thiruvananthapuram Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on September 3, 2025

Ospree Duty Free has brought the joy of Kerala’s most cherished festival to the airport with its ‘Osam Onam’ celebrations at Thiruvananthapuram airport. Running through the festive season, the campaign aims to give travellers a true taste of Onam while turning their shopping journey into something special.

The store has been decked up with vibrant Kerala-inspired décor, highlighted by a striking installation of the legendary King Mahabali. Passengers are welcomed by staff dressed in traditional attire, setting the mood for a warm and authentic festive experience. A special photo corner featuring Mahabali allows shoppers to capture the spirit of Onam and carry home memories beyond their purchases.

The ‘Osam Onam’ celebrations extend beyond décor and experiences. Shoppers can explore a wide selection of categories from fragrances and cosmetics to food, Indian gourmet, electronics, sunglasses, and watches. Along with seasonal shopping, the campaign is packed with rewards, including the chance to win exciting prizes like an iPhone 15 Pro Max, one-gram gold coins, and even a Jawa Bike, all linked to threshold-based shopping offers.

Sharing more about the initiative, an Ospree Duty Free spokesperson said, “At Ospree, we focus on curating thoughtful, value-led selections that not only enhance the traveller's journey but also bring added joy to regional celebrations. With the Osam Onam campaign, we wanted to go a step further by celebrating Kerala's most important festival in a way that feels both festive and rewarding for our shoppers. From traditional touches to exclusive prizes, the campaign is designed to create memorable experiences for everyone passing through our Thiruvananthapuram store”.

Ospree Duty Free, formerly known as Mumbai Duty Free, is the flagship brand of Mumbai Travel Retail Private Limited (MTRPL), India’s leading duty-free retail operator. With a presence in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram, Ospree Duty Free continues to be a trusted destination for travellers seeking luxury shopping and exclusive offers.


Vegas Mall Hosts 13th Dwarka Half Marathon & Charity Run with Record Participation

Vegas Mall Hosts 13th Dwarka Half Marathon & Charity Run with Record Participation

By Hariharan U

Published on September 3, 2025

Vegas Mall, Dwarka’s landmark lifestyle and shopping destination, successfully hosted the 13th edition of the Dwarka Half Marathon & Charity Run 2025 as its proud Venue Partner. The event drew an overwhelming turnout of over 2000 fitness enthusiasts, professional runners, and families, making it one of the city’s most memorable fitness gatherings.

The marathon encouraged health, wellness, and community spirit, with participants competing across categories such as the 5K Run, 10K Run, 15K Run, Half Marathon, and the 5KM Walkathon. Kicking off at 5:00 AM, the run energized the city with its vibrant atmosphere.

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Expressing his delight, Mr. Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall, said, “Vegas Mall has always been committed to encouraging a healthy lifestyle and creating a sense of community. Hosting the 13th Dwarka Half Marathon was an honor, and we are delighted to see such enthusiastic participation. The energy and spirit of the runners truly made this event a grand success”.

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This year’s edition also carried a noble purpose, with proceeds supporting welfare initiatives through the event’s Charity Partner. A strong network of healthcare, hydration, and training partners ensured runners received complete support throughout the marathon.

The celebration continued post-run at Vegas Mall, where participants and their families enjoyed shopping, dining, and entertainment, turning the day into a holistic experience beyond the race itself.

With such initiatives, Vegas Mall continues to stand out as a community-first destination, combining lifestyle, wellness, and social engagement at the heart of Dwarka.


VITSKAMATS Group Expands Presence with New Hotel in Bengaluru

VITSKAMATS Group Expands Presence with New Hotel in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

The VITSKAMATS Group has marked another milestone in its growth journey with the launch of a new business hotel in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This addition reflects the group’s strategic vision of expanding into South India’s most dynamic and future-focused city, offering its signature mix of comfort, practicality, and warm hospitality.

Strategically located at Service Road, 5th Block, Ashwath Nagar, HBR Layout, the Bengaluru property offers 40 well-designed rooms and suites. Each space is thoughtfully created with natural light, spacious layouts, and a blend of elegance and functionality. Ideal for both short and extended stays, the hotel aims to serve business travellers as well as the growing number of domestic tourists drawn to Bengaluru’s culture, commerce, and innovation.

This new launch is part of the group’s larger nationwide expansion strategy. VITSKAMATS already operates hotels across key destinations such as Aurangabad, Lonavala, Panchgani, Dwarka, Goa, and Gurugram. With an upcoming property in Kolkata, the group is steadily strengthening its presence across India.

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Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vikram Kamat, Chairman and Managing Director of the VITSKAMATS Group, said, “Bengaluru is a city that beautifully represents the India of today which is forward-looking yet deeply rooted in tradition. Entering South India with this new property holds a lot more significance than a business expansion for us. It is a chance to be part of a market that thrives on innovation, diversity, and opportunity. Our philosophy has always been to provide premium yet practical hospitality, with a focus on comfort, great food, and a personal touch. With this hotel, we are excited to bring that promise closer to our guests in Bengaluru.”

As the hospitality industry in South India continues to grow, the VITSKAMATS Group remains committed to thoughtful expansion, rooted in service, quality, and trust. With Bengaluru now open and Kolkata soon to follow, the group continues to strengthen its nationwide footprint with confidence and care.

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