In a time where celebrations are becoming more meaningful and curated, Indian couples are making a clear choice: destination weddings. Once considered aspirational, these 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.

In the wake of recent unrest in Srinagar, a new report by Sciative Solutions, a leader in AI-driven pricing optimisation, has unveiled a sharp contrast in how the hospitality and airline sectors have reacted through pricing — spotlighting the growing need for ethical checks in AI algorithms.

The report found that hotel prices in the Srinagar region dropped by an average of 22%, with some properties slashing rates by up to 46% to attract bookings amidst plunging demand. Meanwhile, outbound airfares from Srinagar soared by 46%, with some routes, such as Srinagar to Kolkata, witnessing a staggering 213% increase, jumping from ₹7,666 to ₹24,000.

While inbound flights to Srinagar saw prices fall by up to 53%, the imbalance created a fragmented environment for tourism — one that significantly impacted local occupancy rates and raised pressing questions about pricing ethics in times of uncertainty. Hotel occupancy reportedly fell by 30%, as both domestic and international tourists steered clear of the conflict-hit region.

“Dynamic pricing can be a powerful tool, but during times of crisis, the human element must be prioritized,” said Ms. Vijeta Soni, Co-founder & CEO of Sciative Solutions. “Our analysis shows how pricing algorithms, without ethical safeguards, can exacerbate vulnerabilities. Businesses must not allow profitability to overshadow the human impact of their pricing decisions.”

Adding to the conversation, Dr. Anshu Jalora, Founder & Managing Director, noted,

“The stark contrast between hotel and airline pricing during the unrest underscores the complexities of dynamic pricing systems. While technology enables efficiency and profitability, we must be mindful that these algorithms reflect the values we program into them.”

The report underscores the urgent need for responsible AI frameworks, especially in sectors as sensitive as travel and hospitality. Without ethical constraints, algorithm-driven systems risk deepening inequalities or exploiting crises for gain. Sciative’s call to action: businesses must balance smart pricing with social responsibility, ensuring fair access and compassion in emergency situations.

About Sciative Solutions:

Sciative Solutions is an innovation-focused AI firm dedicated to transforming pricing strategies for businesses across sectors. From retail to hospitality, the company delivers smarter, more profitable pricing outcomes while promoting ethical practices in artificial intelligence. With a commitment to responsible innovation, Sciative helps clients unlock new growth opportunities in today’s dynamic marketplace.

Despite a steady daily traffic of over 50,000 passengers, Chennai Airport continues to fall short in attracting international travelers. Industry experts point out that unless fresh strategies are put into place, the airport’s growth in the global sector may remain stunted.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chennai had gained good momentum with direct connections to major global cities like Paris, Tokyo, and even the Reunion Islands. But that progress has slowed, and travelers now face added hurdles when flying abroad. For instance, a passenger flying to Tokyo from Chennai currently has to transit through Delhi, adding unnecessary travel time and raising overall costs, this is a key reason for declining interest in international routes from Chennai.

Interestingly, while infrastructure upgrades are underway  including the construction of a second phase of the international terminal to support 35 million passengers annually, international traffic hasn't picked up pace. This mismatch between growing capacity and underwhelming global reach raises questions about future planning and execution.

Many believe the return of direct international flights from Chennai could play a pivotal role in bringing back the pre-pandemic passenger volume. Passengers are eager for seamless travel options, and delays in restoring direct global connections could hurt Chennai's standing among international flyers.

On a positive note, officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have confirmed that steps are being taken to revive the discontinued international routes. They remain optimistic that global traffic will gradually rise in the coming years, provided the needed services are reinstated.

Hospitalitynews has conducted its research on this initiative to provide verified and timely information to its readers.