India on the Move: Booking.com Unveils Comprehensive 'How India Travels' Report

India on the Move: Booking.com Unveils Comprehensive 'How India Travels' Report

By Author

Published on October 28, 2023

 Booking.com, in partnership with McKinsey & Company, has launched a groundbreaking report titled 'How India Travels', offering a deep dive into the dynamics of Indian tourism. The report reveals a fascinating shift in the travel behavior of Indians post-pandemic, marking a resurgence in both domestic and international travel with newfound preferences and spending patterns.

A Revived Travel Landscape:

The report underscores a robust rebound in Indian travel post-COVID-19. Indian tourists, once constrained by the pandemic, are now vigorously resuming travel. Their expenditure is expected to skyrocket from USD 150 billion in 2019 to an impressive USD 410 billion by 2030. This surge not only positions India as the fourth largest global spender but also highlights its rapid recovery, with India leading tourism expenditure recovery in 2022 in Asia.

Spontaneity and Unconventionality: A New Travel Ethos:

Indian travelers are setting trends with their spontaneity and unconventional travel choices. Preferring an average planning window of just 29 days, they are seeking new, offbeat destinations, driven by a hunger for authentic, immersive experiences. This change is reflected in their accommodation choices as well, with a significant uptick in bookings for alternative lodgings like hostels, campsites, and vacation rentals.

Exploring Beyond the Beaten Path:

The report notes a shift towards lesser-known destinations within India such as Varanasi, Coimbatore, and Kochi. This trend is mirrored in international travel choices as well, with countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal emerging as popular new destinations for Indian travelers.

The Role of Digital Media and Mega Events:

Digital media and large-scale events are playing pivotal roles in shaping travel decisions. Over 90% of Indian travelers are turning to platforms like YouTube and Instagram for inspiration, while events like the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the G20 Summit act as significant motivators.

Evolving Industry Dynamics:

In response to these trends, the travel industry is evolving rapidly. Destinations are crafting diverse offerings tailored to Indian travelers, with a focus on personalization and sustainability. This shift is notably visible in cities like Dubai, which cater to a broad spectrum of Indian tourists.

A Look into the Future:

The report, embraced by industry leaders like Santosh Kumar of Booking.com, signifies a transformative phase for the Indian travel industry. With the Indian traveler at the center of this evolution, the industry is poised for an era of unprecedented growth and diversification.

The Bigger Picture:

‘How India Travels’ serves not just as a snapshot of current trends but as a roadmap for the future of Indian tourism. It offers critical insights for industry stakeholders to align with the evolving preferences of Indian travelers, promising a vibrant and dynamic travel ecosystem in the years ahead.

About Booking.com:

Booking.com is a world leader in online travel and related services, offering a wide array of accommodations and experiences worldwide.


Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Q4 FY26 Revenue of INR 183.7 Cr

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Q4 FY26 Revenue of INR 183.7 Cr

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 30, 2026

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026, reporting steady operational growth supported by strong occupancy levels and continued expansion across key hospitality markets.

The company reported revenue from operations of INR 183.70 crore for Q4 FY26, compared to INR 177.32 crore during the same quarter last year. Operating EBITDA for the quarter stood at INR 52.99 crore, while profit after tax (PAT) was reported at INR 11.88 crore.

ASPHL recorded occupancy levels of 90 per cent during the quarter, reflecting sustained demand across both business and leisure travel segments and reinforcing the company’s position within India’s hospitality sector.

For the full financial year FY26, the company crossed the INR 700 crore annual revenue milestone for the first time, reporting revenue from operations of INR 707.28 crore. Annual PAT for the year stood at INR 65.72 crore.

The company stated that growth during FY26 was supported by expansion into Tier II and Tier III cities along with strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening its presence in high-potential hospitality destinations.

During the financial year, ASPHL acquired control of Zillion Hotels and Resorts Private Limited, Fisherman’s Grove Resorts Private Limited, and Thali Hotels and Destinations Private Limited. These acquisitions are expected to further strengthen the company’s hospitality presence across Mumbai and Kerala.

ASPHL also reaffirmed its long-term growth plans and said it remains on track to more than double its room inventory to 6,653 keys over the next five years.

The company’s bakery and confectionery brand, Flurys, also continued its expansion during FY26. The brand currently operates 110 outlets and recorded a 29 per cent year-on-year revenue growth during the financial year, supported by new store additions and strong performance across existing outlets.

Commenting on the results, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, said FY26 marked a significant milestone as the company crossed INR 700 crore in annual revenue for the first time. He added that Q4 reflected resilient operational performance with continued leadership in occupancy and RevPAR metrics.

Dewan further noted that the sale of serviced apartments at EM Bypass, Kolkata, contributed positively to cash flow during the year. He added that the company remains focused on long-term value creation through portfolio expansion, guest-centric experiences, operational efficiency, and margin improvement.

The company also highlighted that recent global recognition received by Ran Baas The Palace, Patiala and The Lotus Palace, Chettinad further strengthens its positioning as a design-led and experience-driven hospitality group.


ITDC Reports Record FY26 Profit Growth Amid Global Uncertainty

ITDC Reports Record FY26 Profit Growth Amid Global Uncertainty

By Hariharan U

Published on May 25, 2026

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has reported a strong financial performance for FY 2025–26 with a 14 percent increase in profit before tax (PBT) compared to the previous financial year.

The corporation also announced a dividend payout of Rs 22.02 crore to the Government of India, reflecting continued operational strength and improved financial performance despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties impacting the global hospitality and tourism sector.

According to the company, the growth was driven by enhanced operational efficiencies, strategic initiatives across business verticals, optimal resource allocation, and continued focus on customer-centric service delivery.

Commenting on the performance, Mugdha Sinha said the results reflect ITDC’s ongoing efforts towards strengthening service standards while building on the organisation’s long-standing legacy and institutional trust.

During the financial year, ITDC also introduced three operational manuals focused on procurement of goods and services, sound and light shows, and general clauses aimed at improving governance, standardisation, and transparency across institutional processes.

The corporation further highlighted its increasing focus on technology-enabled transformation through the adoption of AI-based solutions to improve operational agility, customer experience, and business planning capabilities.

FY26 also marked two major milestones for the organisation as ITDC celebrated 60 years of its legacy alongside 70 years of The Ashok, one of India’s most iconic hospitality properties.

The company stated that its future strategy will continue to focus on operational excellence, digital transformation, sustainability, and long-term value creation while strengthening its contribution to India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

The financial performance comes at a time when India’s hospitality and tourism sector continues to navigate evolving global market conditions, changing travel patterns, and increased focus on technology-led efficiencies across public and private sector enterprises.


Zepto Eyes Rs 11,000-Crore IPO Launch in July 2026

Zepto Eyes Rs 11,000-Crore IPO Launch in July 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 25, 2026

Quick commerce platform Zepto is reportedly preparing to launch its much-awaited Rs 11,000-crore initial public offering (IPO) in July 2026. According to people familiar with the matter, the Bengaluru-based startup is targeting a stock market debut before July 31.

If the public issue moves ahead as planned, Zepto will join competitors Zomato and Swiggy, which are already listed on Indian stock exchanges.

The company recently received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for its maiden public issue and is now expected to submit its Updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus (UDRHP). Zepto had earlier filed its IPO papers through the confidential route in December 2025.

Founded by Stanford University dropouts Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto has built its growth strategy differently from many players in the quick commerce space. A recent report by brokerage Bernstein highlighted that the company has focused more on strengthening existing markets rather than rapidly expanding into newer locations.

According to the report, Zepto currently has the highest concentration of dark stores in the quick commerce category, operating nearly 21 stores per city. In comparison, several competitors operate around nine stores per city.

The report also noted that Zepto currently runs 1,255 dark stores across 61 cities, while rival Blinkit has 2,222 stores spread across 243 cities. Instead of aggressively entering more markets, Zepto appears to be prioritising stronger penetration within the cities where it already operates.

Bernstein further pointed out that Zepto maintains the highest store-to-pincode ratio in the segment, reflecting its strategy of building density in selected urban markets.

The company's network continues to remain heavily focused on metro cities, where factors such as faster delivery timelines, higher order frequency and stronger customer engagement can help improve operations over time.

According to the analysis, rather than pushing growth through large-scale expansion, Zepto appears to be focusing on building stronger usage patterns and operational efficiency within a smaller number of markets.

With IPO plans now moving forward, Zepto is preparing for a major milestone that could further strengthen its position in India's growing quick commerce market.

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