New Report Reveals Changing Face of Luxury Travel in Asia Pacific

New Report Reveals Changing Face of Luxury Travel in Asia Pacific

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 3, 2024

The Luxury Group by Marriott International has launched an extensive research report, providing insights into the changing preferences and expectations of affluent travelers across six key markets in the Asia Pacific region. The findings reveal significant trends and shifts in luxury travel behavior, with a notable increase in spending and a strong preference for intra-regional holidays.

Key Findings:

Increased Spending on Leisure Travel:

  • 68% of affluent travelers plan to spend more on leisure travel in the next 12 months.

  • Among Indian high-net-worth (HNW) individuals, 89% are planning to increase their travel expenditure.

Top Destinations:

  • Australia tops the list of preferred destinations, with 46% of travelers planning a visit in the next year, followed by Japan.

  • 69% of Indian HNW travelers are planning trips to Australia, making it the top choice for travelers from India, Indonesia, Japan, and Singapore.

Primary Drivers for Travel:

  • High-end gastronomy is a major motivator, with 88% of respondents planning holidays around culinary experiences.

  • 83% of travelers choose destinations to visit award-winning restaurants.

New Luxury Traveler Personas:

  1. The Venture Travelist:

    • Prioritizes destinations that offer business opportunities alongside leisure.

    • Seeks to forge business connections and explore local products.

  2. The Experience Connoisseur:

    • Mainly millennials who travel for personal enrichment and exclusive experiences.

    • Values deep exploration and personalization.

  3. The Timeless Adventurer:

    • Over 65s keen on immersive travel experiences.

    • Prefers unique local attractions over popular tourist spots.

Extended Travel Experiences:

  • HNW travelers are planning frequent and longer holidays, with an average of six leisure trips in the next year.

  • 33% of respondents plan at least seven holidays, with short stays averaging three nights and long stays extending to two-and-a-half weeks.

  • Over 70% prefer traveling with family or friends, enhancing the travel experience through shared connections.

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Insights on Indian Travelers:

  • India emerges as the most active luxury travel market, with 89% of HNW individuals planning to increase their travel spend.

  • Group travel for celebrations and private events is popular, with 38% planning trips with friends and 33% for celebratory purposes.

Culinary Fascinations:

  • 88% of travelers select destinations based on new culinary experiences.

  • 81% choose hotels based on fine dining options, and 83% prioritize destinations with celebrated restaurants.

  • Fine dining remains a key experience, with 49% considering it an ideal night out.

Regional Preferences:

  • Singaporean travelers are the most self-sufficient, with 61% preferring to curate their own itineraries.

  • Australians and Indonesians are most likely to plan extended holidays, with a third expecting trips longer than three weeks.

Sustainable Travel Considerations:

  • Sustainability is a crucial factor, with 80% considering a hotel’s environmental practices in their decisions.

  • 43% look for locally-sourced food and effective management of food waste at hotels.

Security and Shopping:

  • Security is the top priority for luxury travelers, with 91% valuing a safe environment.

  • Shopping for locally made products drives travel decisions for 85% of respondents.

Luxury Travel Insights:

  • Authentic local cuisine is favored by 62% of travelers.

  • Discovering new destinations is considered essential by 78%.

  • Refined craftsmanship and exquisite design define luxury for 80% of respondents.

Oriol Montal, Managing Director, Luxury, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International, highlights the report’s value: "Our New Luxe Landscapes Report provides deeper behavioral insights and motivations into elite travelers from Asia and the Pacific. Whether it's discovering new culinary experiences, traveling with family or friends, or forging connections with the local community, our research has identified new traveler archetypes, offering Marriott International new understandings to cater to this discerning segment."

The comprehensive report is available for download and offers detailed data on luxury travel trends in the Asia Pacific region.

About Marriott International:

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is a global hospitality leader based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. It operates a portfolio of nearly 8,900 properties across 141 countries and territories, offering brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. For more information, visit Marriott International and Marriott News Center. Connect with Marriott on Facebook, and follow @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.


Akasa Air Enters Rajasthan with Daily Direct Flights to Udaipur

Akasa Air Enters Rajasthan with Daily Direct Flights to Udaipur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 29, 2026

Akasa Air has announced its entry into Rajasthan with the launch of daily direct flights connecting Udaipur with Mumbai and Bengaluru from October 15, 2026. The new services strengthen the airline's domestic network while enhancing connectivity to one of India's most popular leisure and hospitality destinations.

Bookings for the new routes are now open through Akasa Air's website, mobile application and authorised travel partners. The airline said the expansion reflects growing demand for leisure travel, destination weddings and premium tourism from key metropolitan markets.

Commenting on the launch, Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, "We are delighted to launch services to Udaipur, a city that represents India's rich cultural heritage and continues to see strong demand across leisure and hospitality travel. With direct connectivity from Mumbai and Bengaluru, customers will now have more convenient access to one of the country's most iconic destinations."

"As we continue to strengthen our domestic footprint, our focus remains on building a network that is relevant, customer-centric, and aligned with evolving travel demand. Udaipur is an important addition to our portfolio, and we look forward to offering travellers Akasa Air's warm, dependable, and efficient flying experience."

The airline said Udaipur's growing popularity as a destination for leisure holidays, weddings and experiential travel made it a strategic addition to its expanding network. The new routes are expected to improve access for both domestic tourists and business travellers while supporting the city's tourism and hospitality sectors.

Akasa Air added that the launch aligns with its strategy of building a demand-driven domestic network and improving connectivity to emerging tourism markets across India. The airline continues to expand its footprint by adding destinations with strong leisure and business travel potential.

Passengers travelling on Akasa Air can also benefit from the airline's customer-focused offerings, including its young fleet, onboard dining through Café Akasa, digital services and a range of ancillary products designed to enhance the overall travel experience.


Beyond the Forecast: Discovering Monsoon Travel at The Serai Resorts

Beyond the Forecast: Discovering Monsoon Travel at The Serai Resorts

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

As travel preferences shift towards slower, more meaningful experiences, a new mindset is reshaping the way people explore destinations. Trends such as “quietcations” and “hushpitality” are gaining momentum among Gen Z and millennial travellers, reflecting a growing desire to disconnect from digital overload and reconnect with nature. In this evolving landscape, the monsoon season offers a natural backdrop for mindful travel, and The Serai Resorts brings this philosophy to life across its properties in Chikmagalur, Kabini, and Bandipur.

At The Serai Chikmagalur, nestled within Karnataka’s Malnad region, the monsoon transforms coffee plantations into lush green expanses wrapped in mist and rain. The season enhances the estate’s natural beauty, offering guests slow mornings overlooking plantations, guided coffee estate walks, cycling trails through rain-kissed landscapes, and moments of stillness surrounded by drifting clouds. The experience encourages travellers to embrace a slower rhythm deeply connected to nature.

In Kabini, the monsoon breathes renewed life into the backwaters and surrounding forests, creating one of the most serene seasons in the region. At The Serai Kabini, guests can engage with nature through coracle rides, kayaking, speedboat excursions, and guided walks through thriving ecosystems. Family-friendly experiences such as archery and the Junior Chef programme add interactive elements, while the rains create a calming atmosphere of renewal and immersion.

Meanwhile, The Serai Bandipur offers a tranquil gateway to the wilderness on the edge of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. During the monsoon, the forests turn vibrant and alive, offering an ideal setting for unhurried nature walks, quiet wildlife observation, and reflective moments in the heart of the forest landscape. The experience is designed for travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature, supported by thoughtful hospitality and spacious accommodations.

Across all three destinations, The Serai Resorts positions monsoon not as a season to avoid but as an opportunity to rediscover travel in its most authentic form. In a world increasingly drawn to wellness, mindfulness, and experiential luxury, these retreats offer an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the beauty of nature at its most expressive.


From Summit Selfies to Stadium Seats: Father’s Day Travel Trends Redefining Family Getaways

From Summit Selfies to Stadium Seats: Father’s Day Travel Trends Redefining Family Getaways

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

Father’s Day in India is increasingly being redefined by experiences rather than material gifts, as families choose to celebrate through travel, shared adventures, and meaningful time together. Insights from travel companies such as Thomas Cook India Limited and SOTC Travel highlight a clear shift toward experiential getaways that bring fathers and families closer through curated journeys.

Adventure travel continues to be a strong favourite, with families heading outdoors for trekking experiences that combine physical activity with bonding moments. Destinations like the Valley of Flowers, Kashmir’s alpine meadows, Coorg’s coffee trails, and Meghalaya’s living root bridges are among the most sought-after choices, alongside international hiking routes in Switzerland, New Zealand, and Japan.

Road trips remain equally popular, driven by nostalgia and spontaneity. From Ladakh’s high-altitude highways to Rajasthan’s heritage circuits and coastal drives through Karnataka, families are embracing the journey as much as the destination. International scenic routes across Australia, Portugal, and New Zealand are also gaining traction for Father’s Day getaways.

Sporting experiences are emerging as a key travel driver, with families planning trips around live events such as cricket matches, Formula 1 races in Singapore and Abu Dhabi, and football fixtures across Europe. These experiences are increasingly seen as bucket-list moments shared across generations.

Wildlife safaris continue to attract families seeking immersive, nature-driven holidays. Parks such as Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, Kabini, Gir, and Kaziranga remain top domestic choices, while Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius are popular international alternatives offering rich biodiversity and unique wildlife encounters.

Multi-generational travel is another growing trend, with families choosing destinations that cater to all age groups. From Kerala’s backwaters and Rajasthan’s heritage stays to international favourites like Thailand, Singapore, and Switzerland, these trips are designed to bring grandparents, parents, and children together in shared celebration.

Wellness-focused travel is also gaining momentum, with families opting for slower, restorative breaks in destinations like Kerala, Goa, and Bali. Ayurveda retreats, spa resorts, and forest escapes are becoming preferred ways to help fathers unwind and reset.

Short-haul international escapes continue to appeal to families seeking quick but enriching holidays, with destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Mauritius offering a balance of accessibility and experience.

A growing trend within Father’s Day travel is passion-led holidays, where trips are designed around a father’s interests from golf and photography to culinary trails, cycling expeditions, and heritage journeys.

Overall, Father’s Day travel reflects a broader cultural shift: experiences are replacing gifts as families prioritise connection, shared memories, and meaningful time together over traditional celebrations

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