Is Experiential Travel the Future of Tourism? Industry Experts Say It's Already Here
This evolution is not limited to niche experiences; it's being embraced on an institutional level too. According to Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, 'Experiential travel isn't just the next big trend—it's the future of meaningful tourism." Goa Tourism has been actively pivoting toward immersive and regenerative experiences through curated hinterland trails, spiritual circuits like the Ekadasha Teertha, heritage walks, and community-led homestays. 'We want every traveller to leave with a sense of place, a local connection, and a commitment to preserve the beauty they experience," says Naik.
From the government to the grassroots, the shift is palpable. Alok K Singh, Chairman and CEO of Travomint, notes that travellers today are choosing engagement over escapism. 'The desire isn't just to visit a place, but to truly engross in it. There's a heightening appreciation for local culture, human connection, and immersive storytelling." Whether it's learning crafts or sharing meals with local families, Singh emphasizes that authenticity is becoming the cornerstone of modern travel.
This insight is echoed by Mithun Jha, Director at Reservations Deal, who notes a surge in demand for 'immersive and alluring activities along with personalized experiences." According to Jha, data shows that travellers are increasingly choosing cooking classes, village tours, and offbeat explorations over lavish hotel stays. 'People are actively choosing partaking over profligacy. Experiential travel offers higher emotional ROI, making it an increasingly opted model in the evolving travel era," he says.
At the heart of this transformation are young travellers, especially Gen Z, who are driving the demand for experiential offerings. Pallavi Agarwal, Founder and CEO of goSTOPS, sees this as more than a trend—it's a movement. 'Gen Z craves experiences. They want to create long-lasting memories and find meaning in travel. We've noticed travellers curating their itineraries based on conversations with fellow guests, not internet-curated lists."
Even the way people plan travel is changing. Gaurav Malik, Country Director for India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, notes a sharp rise in travel linked to cultural events and festivals. 'Experiential travel is transforming how Indians explore. More travellers are seeking immersive connections through music festivals, concerts, and cultural events." He cites Coldplay's upcoming concert in Mumbai as a prime example, which led to a 33-fold spike in accommodation searches on Agoda. 'Such events not only boost tourism but enhance India's cultural appeal," he adds.
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As travel becomes more individualistic, the appeal lies in moments that are unscripted and soulful. Rahul Dhawan, Sales Director at Dial for Holidays LLP, observes that people aren't looking to escape anymore—they're looking to connect. 'Whether it's learning from a local artisan, joining a small ritual, or living the slow life in a rural community, it's about the deep involvement and not just about the distance travelled," he says. Dhawan believes experiential travel offers something grounding and emotionally nourishing in an increasingly digitized world.
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