Across regions, travel operators expect high occupancies this season, which is likely to reduce dependence on discounts and increase focus on service quality, wellness offerings, and longer-stay formats.
Travel demand shifting toward longer, experience-led stays
Ramit Sethi, Founder of Seclude Hotels, said travel behaviour is moving toward slower and more immersive holidays rather than short breaks.
“With the peak summer season approaching, our focus isn’t just on increasing demand, but on attracting the right kind of demand,” Sethi said.
He noted that travellers are prioritising what he called “emotional luxury.”
“The shift is towards longer, more immersive stays, alongside a growing preference for ‘do nothing’ holidays,” he said.
Sethi added that this is also pushing multi-generational travel and workcation demand, where connectivity and flexible spaces are becoming important alongside leisure experiences.
Value perception moving beyond pricing
Hoteliers say the definition of value-for-money is changing, with spending guided by experience, space, and overall stay quality rather than discounts.
Guests today are choosing how a place stays with them over what it lists, experts say.
High occupancy limits discounting, raises service expectations
Tarun Gulati, Director of Ganga Kinare Resorts & Hotels, said the summer season is expected to bring strong demand, reducing the need for heavy promotional pricing.
“Rooms tend to get sold out anyway,” Gulati said, adding that the main focus is ensuring service standards match higher expectations during peak occupancy.
He noted that a key priority this season is training and upskilling local teams to maintain consistent hospitality delivery under higher pressure.
Wellness, heritage, and regional travel gain traction
Michael Dominic, CEO of CGH Earth, said leisure travel continues to dominate, particularly family holidays centred around nature, culture, and wellness.
He highlighted growing interest in Ayurveda, heritage stays, and nature-led properties, with guests increasingly seeking authenticity in travel experiences.
“While value remains important, it is the depth and authenticity of the experience that is increasingly shaping guest choices,” he said.
Longer stays in hill destinations
Sumit Mitruka, Founder and CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said travellers in regions such as Sikkim and Darjeeling are opting for extended stays and flexible itineraries.
He added that while institutional business travel remains steady, leisure demand is stronger this season, with travellers balancing affordability with local experience-led travel.
Tips for travellers
With hotels expecting peak occupancies, industry trends suggest travellers may get less benefit from last-minute discounts and more value from early planning and flexible itineraries.
Longer stays, off-peak travel windows, and destinations offering integrated experiences such as wellness, nature, and cultural immersion are emerging as more efficient ways to optimise travel budgets.