From AI to UPI: How tech is redefining travel for Indians in 2025
Remember when booking a vacation meant standing in line at a travel agency, flipping through glossy brochures, and hoping your hotel looked something like the pictures? Fast forward to 2025, and Indian travel planning is less 'bargain at the counter' and more chatting with AI bots any time of the year.
Whether you're craving a sunrise trek in the Sahyadris or a last-minute beach escape to Bali, all it takes is a swipe, tap, or even a voice note.
The new trend of turning to the AI for everything under the sun, to UPI payments that zap money across time zones in seconds, tech has turned travel from task to treat. No more overpacking printed tickets or arguing over directions, you have got your smartphone and you are covered.
In this digital travel renaissance, Indians are no longer willing to just travel; they're tech-powered explorers charting the globe one algorithm at a time.
Bon voyage, but make it digital.
Therefore, in 2025, technical breakthroughs, shifting traveler preferences, and a boom in digital adoption have all contributed to a dramatic shift in India's online travel scene. With the online travel market expected to reach USD 124.10 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%, internet travel platforms are significantly changing the way Indians book, plan, and enjoy their travels.
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AI-powered personalisation: Crafting tailored travel experiences
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of revolutionising the travel industry. In terms of online platforms, there are ample choices, which have also introduced AI-driven tools, such as the Vacation Planner, which leverages advanced models to curate personalised itineraries based on user preferences . Similarly, the platforms also offer customised hotel and homestay recommendations by analysing your past searches and booking patterns .
These innovations cater to the growing demand for hyper-personalized travel experiences, ensuring that travelers receive suggestions that align with their unique interests and budgets.
Mobile-first approach: Empowering travelers on the go
We now need mobile phones for almost everything. Right from booking vacations to making payments, mobile phones are the answer. Well, we can't ignore the proliferation of smartphones and the affordable internet has positioned mobile platforms as the primary interface for travel bookings.
User convenience features such as real-time updates, rapid payments, and discounts available only on mobile devices, are some things that we get in our finger tips.
To reach a wider audience, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, travel agencies are optimising their apps with voice search, support for vernacular languages, and AI chatbots. This mobile-first strategy ensures that travelers can plan and manage their journeys seamlessly, anytime and anywhere.
Digital payments and blockchain
The premium features of digital payment systems that have been incorporated to enhance the booking process and offer speedy and secure transactions are e-wallets and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). We are now so used to using these systems that most of us rarely have cash in hand. Reports add that in October 2024, UPI processed 16.58 billion transactions, worth INR 23.49 lakh crores, a 45% rise over the previous year.
Blockchain technology also increases transparency and reduces fraud risk, particularly when making reservations for a hotel, transportation, or ticket. These advancements boost the efficacy of the travel sector while simultaneously boosting user confidence.
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AI assistants and chatbots
AI-powered travel assistants are transforming customer service by offering real-time support, personalized itinerary suggestions, and seamless booking experiences.
These assistants analyze traveler preferences, offer predictive recommendations, and assist with dynamic pricing, ensuring a more efficient and tailored travel planning process.
Mindful and sustainable travel
Meanwhile, reports also indicate that Indian travelers, as well as global travellers, are increasingly prioritising eco-conscious and wellness-focused journeys. Like for example, a report revealed that around 70% of Indian respondents aim to be more mindful of their health and well-being while traveling .
This shift is evident in the rising interest in wellness itineraries that not only offer them the freedom of travel but also offer long-term benefits.
Seeing this tend, travel platforms are actively responding to their needs by incorporating sustainable options, such as carbon-neutral travel and community-based tourism initiatives, into their offerings .
Social media and pop culture
In today's age and culture, social media platforms and pop culture are significant influencers in travel planning.
It has been found put that as many as 68% of Indian travelers turn to social media for travel ideas, whereas as many as 57% rely on online media, including newspapers and magazines . Further, films and television also serve as an inspiration for their travel, which makes up to 52%. This trend shows how much the digital content is responsible in shaping travel preferences and decisions.
Dynamic booking tools
To cater to these much evolved travellers, online travel platforms are going on full throttle to serve them by introducing tools to address challenges like fluctuating booking patterns and limited ticket availability.
Now, features such as Seat Availability Forecast and Sold-out Alerts are available to help travellers to anticipate the chances of securing a confirmed seat and notify them when tickets become available for fully booked trains .
These features empower travelers with real-time information, enabling quicker and more informed booking decisions.
The demographics and habits of travellers are becoming more diverse in the Indian tourism market.
Around 60.7% of tourists are under 35, demonstrating Gen Z and millennials' predominance. This group shows a predilection for immersive and unusual activities, such as wellness retreats, adventure travel, and cultural excursions. Furthermore, a 34% rise in international solo travel shows that people are becoming more interested in independent and customised travel experiences.
In 2025, online travel platforms in India are not just facilitators of bookings but are integral to the entire travel experience. Through AI-driven personalisation, mobile-first strategies, secure digital transactions, and a focus on sustainability and wellness, these platforms are reshaping how Indian travelers explore the world. As technology continues to evolve and traveler preferences shift, the role of online travel platforms will only become more central in crafting memorable and meaningful journeys.
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