The Changing Face of Luxury Travel in Asia Pacific: Insights from Marriott's New Report

The Changing Face of Luxury Travel in Asia Pacific: Insights from Marriott's New Report

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 3, 2024

Luxury travel in the Asia Pacific region is evolving rapidly, according to a comprehensive new report by The Luxury Group by Marriott International. The study, which surveyed affluent travelers across six key markets, highlights shifting preferences and emerging trends among high-net-worth (HNW) individuals in the region.

Key Findings

The report reveals that 68% of respondents plan to spend more on leisure travel over the next 12 months. This trend is especially pronounced among Indian HNW travelers, with 89% intending to increase their travel expenditure. Additionally, 74% of all respondents are planning trips within the Asia Pacific region.

Australia has emerged as the most popular destination, with 46% of respondents planning a visit within the next year, surpassing Japan and Hong Kong. Indian travelers are particularly keen on Australia, with 69% including it in their travel plans.

High-end gastronomy is a primary motivator for luxury travel, with 88% of respondents planning holidays around culinary experiences. Fine dining is a significant draw, with 83% of travelers choosing destinations to visit award-winning restaurants.

The report identifies three new categories of luxury travelers:

The Venture Travelist

These travelers combine business and leisure, seeking destinations that offer business opportunities alongside family vacations. They are entrepreneurial, looking for local products and business connections during their trips.

The Experience Connoisseur

Predominantly millennials, these travelers prioritize personal enrichment and wellness. They seek deep, personalized experiences and exclusive one-of-a-kind adventures.

The Timeless Adventurer

Over 65s who defy traditional expectations, seeking immersive and unique experiences. They focus on the essence of a destination rather than its tourist attractions.

Travel Patterns and Preferences

Extended and Frequent Travel

HNW travelers in the Asia Pacific region are planning an average of six leisure trips over the next year, with some planning as many as seven. Short stays typically last three nights, while long stays can extend to two-and-a-half weeks. Traveling with family or friends is popular, enhancing the overall travel experience.

India’s Growing Luxury Travel Market

India stands out as the most active luxury travel market. Indian HNW travelers are not only spending more but also traveling more frequently. Many trips are tied to key milestones or celebrations, with 38% planning trips with friends and 33% for celebratory events.

Culinary Experiences as a Priority

Food continues to be a significant driver of travel decisions. Nearly half of the respondents describe fine dining as their ideal night out, and 83% choose destinations to visit renowned restaurants. Additionally, 81% consider fine dining options when selecting hotels.

As these trends continue to develop, the industry must adapt to meet the sophisticated demands of today's affluent travelers. For more detailed insights, the full report is available for download.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. is a global leader in the hospitality industry, with nearly 8,900 properties across over 30 brands in 141 countries. For more information, visit Marriott’s website and follow them on social media for the latest updates.


Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

As part of Operation Sindoor, commercial flights have been suspended at 27 airports across north, west, and central India. The move has led to widespread disruptions in air travel, with over 430 flights cancelled across carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.

To ensure safety, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued new advisories mandating heightened airport security across the country. All passengers are now required to undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), and visitor access to airport terminals has been suspended until further notice.

Aviation authorities have also instructed airports to ensure that all CCTV systems are fully functional and have directed the deployment of air marshals based on priority and random selection.

Airlines have issued urgent travel advisories.

  • Air India posted: Passengers are advised to arrive at airports at least 3 hours before departure. 

  • SpiceJet posted: Check-in closes 75 minutes prior to flight. and Akasa Air urging passengers early arrival and limiting cabin baggage to one handbag up to 7 kg.

  • All passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry.

List of Airports Closed under Operation Sindoor:

Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj.

According to flight tracking services like Flightradar24, the airspace over India’s western corridor from Kashmir to Gujarat, currently shows minimal civilian air traffic, highlighting the scale of the shutdown. Airports are expected to resume commercial operations by 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10, but travelers are urged to stay updated through airline channels.

Passengers are strongly advised to recheck flight schedules, plan ahead, and cooperate with the enhanced security procedures to ensure smooth transit during this sensitive period.


A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

In a time where celebrations are becoming more meaningful and curated, Indian couples are making a clear choice: Destination weddings. Through the lens of Mr. Dilbir Sahni—affectionately known in the industry as Bob—this evolving trend comes to life. As the founder of IndoBangkok, a company at the forefront of luxury events and weddings in Thailand, Bob shares insights shaped by two decades of experience creating unforgettable moments for Indian families.

Once considered aspirational, destination weddings are now a conscious decision. The trend is catching on fast—up from 18% in 2022 to 26% in 2024. And leading this dreamy escape? Thailand.

Gone are the days of crowded banquet halls and logistical juggling. Today’s couples are opting for intimate beachfront vows, hilltop pheras, and royal-themed parties at luxury resorts. Thailand, with its postcard-perfect landscapes, warm hospitality, and ease of planning, offers a spectacular stage for love stories to unfold.

Why More Couples Are Choosing Destination Weddings

So what’s fueling this shift? It’s about simplifying the complex. Destination weddings allow couples to focus on what really matters: spending meaningful time with loved ones. With everyone gathered in one location, the chaos of multiple venues fades away, replaced by a relaxed, immersive vibe.

And it’s not just better for the couple—it’s a win for guests too. Think of it as a wedding with built-in vacation vibes. Guests enjoy quality time, beautiful settings, and great food—all while creating memories that go far beyond the ceremony.

The impact is showing in travel numbers. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 2.1 million Indian tourists, many attending weddings. The message is clear: this is not just a trend—it’s a movement.

Why Thailand?

Thailand has become the ultimate canvas for Indian weddings. Whether it’s a sunset beach affair, a jungle-meets-ceremony celebration in Chiang Mai, or a royal-style event in a palace-like resort, Thailand offers variety without overwhelming complexity.

Short flights, simple visa processes, and English-speaking staff ease the journey. Add to that a robust network of Indian planners, chefs who know their dal makhani from their dal tadka, and venues that are nothing short of magical—and you’ve got a celebration that feels both familiar and fresh.

Best of all? The country offers five-star luxury at surprisingly affordable prices, making premium experiences accessible for a broader range of families.

Weddings as a New Form of Travel

Weddings are no longer just personal milestones. They’re catalysts for economic and cultural exchange. Each wedding brings life to a destination—boosting tourism, creating local jobs, and reviving small businesses. In many ways, these celebrations are a new kind of travel, one rooted in love, community, and shared joy.

Final Thoughts

Thailand isn’t just a backdrop—it’s becoming an integral part of Indian wedding stories. With its blend of beauty, accessibility, and cultural understanding, it’s no surprise that Thailand is emerging as India’s favourite wedding playground.

Because at the heart of every great wedding is a story worth travelling for.


Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2025

Several airports across northern India were temporarily shut down this morning as India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, conducting targeted military strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Srinagar airport was among the first to suspend operations, confirmed airport officials. Alongside Srinagar, other impacted airports included Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala, as mentioned in a post by SpiceJet on X.

Air India announced that all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot would remain cancelled until 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that its Bikaner operations were also affected by the disruptions.

Airlines took to social media to alert passengers about potential delays and cancellations, urging them to check their flight status and plan their travel accordingly.

Flight tracking platforms showed no commercial flights operating north of New Delhi, reflecting the scale of the airspace shutdown. This situation will affect domestic air traffic in the northern part of India.

Further updates are expected in the coming hours.

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