By Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, Chief Executive of Red Hat Communications and Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council
India tourism trends
India’s tourism sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation, driven by rapidly evolving traveller expectations and an industry preparing for a more dynamic, technology-enabled future. As experiential, sustainable, and culturally immersive travel gains momentum, the ecosystem is responding with renewed focus on skills, innovation, and collaboration. Strengthened by government vision, rising domestic demand, and a shift towards responsible growth, the sector stands on the brink of unprecedented opportunity.
In this context, Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, Chief Executive of Red Hat Communications and Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, reflects on the reforms, trends, and entrepreneurial possibilities that will shape the next chapter of Indian tourism and chart the road ahead for a globally competitive, future-ready industry.
1. With traveller preferences changing rapidly, how do you see India’s tourism landscape adapting, and what trends stand out to you?
Traveller behaviour is changing faster than ever, and India’s tourism landscape is responding with a sense of urgency and optimism. Today’s traveller wants meaning, safety, culture, and value in the same journey. We are seeing a clear rise in experiential travel, hyper-local exploration, wellness-led itineraries, and a strong desire for responsible tourism. Younger travellers are shaping this shift with their focus on authenticity. They want to try local food, meet local communities, and engage with places in a deeper way. Domestic tourism has also grown at an incredible pace, and that has encouraged states to invest in infrastructure, connectivity, and better visitor experiences. What excites me most is how India is slowly integrating technology into travel planning and discovery while still holding on to its cultural soul. Travellers are open to AI-based recommendations, contactless systems, digital guides, and virtual previews, yet they still value the warmth and personal connection that Indian hospitality is known for. This balance between tech-forward thinking and cultural depth will define our next chapter.
2. What role can skill development and industry mindset change play in making India’s tourism workforce globally competitive?
Skilling has moved from being an add-on to becoming the foundation of India’s tourism growth. As Chairperson of THSC, I see firsthand how a skilled workforce can transform the sector. Tourism is a people-driven industry. It needs professionals who understand service, communication, cultural sensitivity, digital tools, and changing consumer expectations. We cannot compete globally unless we invest in our people with the same seriousness that we invest in infrastructure. Under the Prime Minister’s vision for a skilled and future-ready India, the hospitality and tourism ecosystem has begun prioritising specialised training, micro-certifications, and global industry alignment. But skills alone are not enough; we also need a shift in mindset. The industry must view tourism jobs as aspirational, & not merely transactional. When organisations treat talent as partners in growth, the workforce responds with commitment and innovation. Today’s travellers demand speed, digital readiness, sustainability, and personalisation. If our people are trained in these areas and supported with a growth-oriented workplace culture, India can easily become a global benchmark for service excellence. This is the moment to invest in skills to unlock long-term competitiveness.
3. How do you see Indian tourism and hospitality businesses embracing digital innovation while maintaining focus on sustainable and authentic experiences?
Digital adoption is accelerating across the tourism value chain. From contactless check-ins to AI-driven travel assistance, digital payments, and virtual destination previews, technology is making travel more efficient and enjoyable. But what reassures me is that Indian tourism businesses are not using technology to replace authenticity; they are using it to enhance it. A heritage hotel using digital storytelling to explain its history, a wildlife lodge using data to monitor footfall and reduce ecological pressure, or a travel agency using AI tools to personalise experiences: these are examples of how technology and sustainability can coexist. Younger travellers want convenience, but they also want responsibility. They want to experience local culture without harming it. That is pushing businesses to adopt energy-efficient systems, rethink waste management, partner with local communities, and train staff in sustainable hospitality practices. Technology is helping track, measure, and execute these efforts better. The future belongs to businesses that combine innovation with purpose. When technology supports transparency, efficiency, and environmental sensitivity, it strengthens rather than dilutes the authenticity of Indian travel experiences.
4. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a global tourism hub, what key reforms or collaborations are needed to unlock the sector’s full potential?
The Prime Minister has repeatedly emphasised tourism as a major force for economic growth, job creation, and India’s global brand. To match this ambition, we need deeper collaboration between government, private industry, academia, and skilling bodies. Infrastructure investment is already happening at a strong pace: highways, airports, pilgrimage circuits, tourism clusters, and connectivity projects have significantly improved travel accessibility. Now, the focus should shift to ease of doing business, faster policy clearances, uniform taxation, and simplified compliance for travel enterprises. Visa reforms, global marketing campaigns, and stronger partnerships with destination boards can expand India’s international footprint. We also need to empower local communities through skilling and entrepreneurship so that tourism growth is inclusive. Creating high-quality experiences across wellness tourism, medical tourism, adventure circuits, cruises, and heritage destinations will require specialised training and modernised curriculum across institutions. Collaboration is essential because tourism is not one industry but many industries working together. When policy, people, and partnerships move in the same direction, India can genuinely emerge as one of the world’s most powerful tourism economies.
5. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges you foresee for Indian travel entrepreneurs and agencies in the next five years?
The next five years will be both exciting and demanding for Indian travel entrepreneurs. On the opportunity side, we’re seeing a surge in outbound travel, a booming domestic market, and a new generation of travellers who value curated, meaningful journeys. Medical tourism, wellness travel, spiritual circuits, cruises, adventure travel, and destination weddings offer huge growth potential. Entrepreneurs who innovate, personalise, and adopt digital tools will capture this wave. The challenge lies in staying competitive in an arena shaped by frequent digital transitions, rising customer expectations, and global platforms that operate at scale. Many small agencies still need support in technology adoption, financial management, and compliance. Skilling becomes crucial here. When entrepreneurs and their teams understand digital engagement, sustainability, experiential design, and global service standards, they can scale faster. Another challenge is the volatility caused by geopolitical events and climate-related disruptions. The entrepreneurs who build resilient models backed by technology, partnerships, and strong service quality will lead the next era of Indian tourism. This is a moment of reinvention, and those who adapt will thrive.
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