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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India Experiential Travel Market: Experiential Travel in India to Hit $45 Billion by 2027 Driven by Gen Z, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App India's experiential travel market is expected to touch USD 45 billion by 2027, with Gen Z emerging as the segment's dominant force, according to a new survey released by travel company WanderOn. The data reveals a growing shift in traveller preference—from conventional sightseeing to immersive experiences such as guided tours, cultural exchanges, concerts, solo trips, and offbeat report attributes this growth to the rise in aspirational spending, particularly among India's younger population. 'Nearly 60–65 per cent of our revenues are coming from the younger generation within the age group of 18–35 years,' said Govind Gaur, Founder & CEO, WanderOn. 'We are witnessing a rising demand for curated, hassle-free, and immersive travel experiences , particularly among the 18–45 age group.'The report notes that 93 per cent of young Indian travellers now make independent travel decisions within their families, further strengthening their influence in the industry. Solo travel, once a niche preference, is now increasingly common among Gen Z, reflecting a broader desire for self-discovery and consumer insights also indicate that the average ticket size has nearly doubled since the company's inception. 'When we started, our average ticket size ranged from INR 12,000 to 16,000, which has now nearly doubled,' Gaur noted. 'We look forward to expanding by offering more premium, customised experiences that match evolving traveller preferences.'The broader travel sector is seeing rapid expansion, fuelled by India's 2.5 billion domestic tourism visits in 2023. The industry overall is expected to grow by USD 125 billion by 2027. Experiential travel's rise reflects changing priorities, particularly among younger Indians who are increasingly prioritising meaningful travel over material Gen Z actively choosing personalised experiences and offbeat destinations, the segment is poised to reshape India's travel economy in the years ahead.
News18
15-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Boycott Calls Trigger Over 2,000 Travel Cancellations To Turkey, Azerbaijan; Bookings Decline
Last Updated: Boycott Turkey, Azerbaijan: Though this accounts for less than 5% of travel bookings to the two countries, travel sentiment is shifting rapidly amid geopolitical tensions. Boycott Turkey, Azerbaijan: Amid rising calls to boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan, Indian travellers are cancelling trips to these countries to prioritise national interest, with travel platforms reporting over 2,000 cancellations in just a few days, according to a report by Moneycontrol. The sentiment shift comes in the wake of the two countries' unfavourable stance towards India amid the border tension with Pakistan. Indian travellers are pressing pause on non-essential travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan, as tensions rise over their stance towards India on geopolitical matters. The slogan 'nation first" has resonated widely across social media and beyond, translating into tangible travel decisions. According to Moneycontrol, a senior airline official said, 'We have received around 2,000 cancellations and rescheduling requests in the last week for travel to Istanbul and Baku over the next three months." Though this accounts for less than 5 per cent of all travel bookings to the two countries as of now, travel sentiment is shifting rapidly amid geopolitical tensions. Booking Trends Show a Sharp Turn According to the report, travel companies are witnessing a wave of cancellations: Cleartrip reported a 260% surge in cancellations over the past week. Yatra has seen over 50% of holiday packages cancelled to Turkey and Azerbaijan since May 7. 'In solidarity with the nation and in the interest of standing together during this time, we urge everyone to defer all non-essential travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan," Cleartrip said. MakeMyTrip stated on May 14, 'We stand in solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces. We strongly support this sentiment and advise against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey." The company has discontinued all promotions and offers for the two countries. According to the report, Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder of EaseMyTrip, also confirmed a dip in sentiment, 'Many potential travellers are now opting to delay their trips… This shift reflects a growing sense of awareness and prudence among Indian tourists in the light of the ongoing geopolitical situation." The platform has recorded 22% cancellations for Turkey and 30% for Azerbaijan. Flights Still Operational – But with Fewer Enquiries Despite the rising cancellations, no direct flights between India and Turkey or Azerbaijan have been cancelled yet, according to flight tracking platform Flightradar24. IndiGo continues to operate two daily flights to Istanbul from Delhi and Mumbai. Turkish Airlines runs daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai and a weekly flight to Chennai. IndiGo also operates the only direct service between Delhi and Baku. However, demand is falling. Govind Gaur, CEO and founder of travel platform WanderOn, said, 'Most Indian travellers with existing bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan are cancelling their plans and have requested a refund or to reschedule to other destinations." Travel Industry Voices Echo National Mood Several industry stakeholders have joined the call to boycott these destinations. The Karnataka State Travel Operators Association and various travel entrepreneurs across India have said that despite the two countries benefiting over Rs 1,200 crore annually from Indian tourism, 'no business is above our nation's security and dignity." Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, which has suspended bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, said: 'Some Indian tourists are enquiring about travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan but we are responding to them with suggestions to other safer destinations." Financial Hit for Turkey and Azerbaijan India is one of the largest outbound travel markets for both countries, second only to China in terms of growth potential. Over 2.7 lakh Indian tourists visited Turkey in 2024, up 20.7% from 2023. Azerbaijan welcomed about 2.43 lakh Indians in 2024, a jump from 60,731 in 2022. Indian tourists spend Rs 1–1.25 lakh per trip in Azerbaijan and Rs 2.9–3.35 lakh in Turkey. According to the report, Rikant Pittie said, 'Trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan often involve high-value segments such as destination weddings, luxury holidays, and corporate retreats. The financial impact of Indian tourism is considerable." He warned of a broader impact across the tourism ecosystem, adding, 'A decline in travel from India is likely to have a considerable effect across various parts of the tourism ecosystem in both countries." Gaur added, 'The sudden drop in Indian tourists will impact their revenue streams, especially in sectors like luxury travel, weddings, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions)." Shift in Travel Preferences With Turkey and Azerbaijan falling out of favour, Indian travellers are looking elsewhere. Southeast Asian countries are becoming preferred alternatives. According to Sabina Chopra, COO and co-founder of Yatra, 'Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia have emerged as the preferred choices due to their affordability, ease of travel, and diverse experiences." Georgia is also gaining traction, with Indian tourists showing interest in Tbilisi and Stepantsminda for their scenic charm and easier visa processes. Ganapathy added, 'Some Indian travellers are switching to safer destinations like Morocco and Cambodia, which continue to see strong interest due to their accessibility and safety for Indians." Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN News18. Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : azerbaijan boycott turkey Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 15, 2025, 12:37 IST News business Boycott Calls Trigger Over 2,000 Travel Cancellations To Turkey, Azerbaijan; Bookings Decline
Hindustan Times
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Feast on a frittelle or explore a hidden palace: Top 10 things to do in Venice
The moment you step into Venice, it is like travelling back in time. The narrow streets echo with laughter, carnival masks hide mischievous smiles and the air carries the scent of freshly made frittelle. Nothing prepares you for the sheer magic of it all for even those who know what to expect in the city. If you are heading to Venice this year, Govind Gaur, CEO and Founder of WanderOn Experiences Pvt. Ltd., suggested some of the top things to do in the city, especially if you are attending a ball or a carnival. If you are attending a carnival, walk into a tiny shop near Campo Santo Stefano, surrounded by walls full of handcrafted masks, each telling its own story. Wearing a mask is not just about blending in; it is about becoming a part of Venice's history. Whether you buy one or attend a mask-making workshop, this is the best souvenir you can take home. Imagine boats transformed into floating stages, performers in extravagant costumes and music filling the air– all happening on the Grand Canal. Find a good spot near Rialto Bridge or San Polo to witness the magic unfold. Okay, this one is straight out of a movie. Candle-lit chandeliers, violins playing in the background and people in stunning historical outfits – it is surreal. If you want to experience Venice like the aristocrats once did, book a masquerade ball. It is pricey but 100% worth it. This is where Carnival truly comes to life. The moment you step into Piazza San Marco, you will feel like you are walking through a live painting. Every corner had someone in a costume more elaborate than the last and the energy is unmatched. Even if you are not dressing up, being in the middle of it all is an experience in itself. You can't stop at one. Frittelle is this insanely delicious, deep-fried, sugar-coated, cream-filled snack that you will find at every bakery during Carnival. Grab some from Pasticceria Tonolo – the locals swear by it. Venice is one of the most extravagant and magical cities in the world, blending centuries-old traditions with opulent masks, grand balls and an electric atmosphere. Adding to the list, Hari Ganapathy, Co-Founder of Pickyourtrail, recommended some of the top must-do experiences to make your trip unforgettable. Step into the shoes of a true Venetian and learn to navigate a traditional gondola with a hands-on, 90-minute rowing lesson. Under expert guidance, you'll quickly gain the skills to manoeuvre the boat using the distinctive wooden oar, mastering the rhythms of the city's intricate waterways. This immersive experience offers more than just technical skills—it's a window into a centuries-old tradition that defines life in Venice. A maze of narrow alleyways, towering buildings, and lively squares, this area—divided into the Vecchio, Nuovo and Novissimo ghettos—offers a glimpse into a rich cultural and historical legacy. While you can certainly wander its streets on your own, a guided tour provides deeper insight into the community's resilience, traditions and daily life over the past 500 years. The Historical Jewish Ghetto and Magnificent Cannaregio Private Tour unveils the hidden stories of this unique enclave, concluding in a charming neighbourhood bar where history and modern life seamlessly intertwine. Nestled along the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a treasure trove of modern art, offering an intimate yet profound journey through the 20th century's most influential movements. Housed in Guggenheim's former Venetian residence, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the museum showcases an extraordinary collection of Surrealist, Abstract and Cubist masterpieces, featuring works by Picasso, Dalí, Pollock and Kandinsky. More than just a gallery, the collection is a testament to Peggy Guggenheim's visionary role in shaping the modern art world. Whether you are an art aficionado or a casual admirer, this museum provides a rare, up-close encounter with some of the most groundbreaking works of the last century —all in a setting as captivating as the art itself. Step beyond the grand halls and gilded chambers of Doge's Palace and uncover the hidden heart of Venetian power on the Secret Itineraries Tour. Once the epicenter of the Venetian Republic's political and financial might, the palace harbours centuries of intrigue, coded iconography and clandestine decisions that shaped history. This exclusive tour takes you behind the scenes into restricted chambers, secret passageways and the notorious Piombi prison, where legendary figures like Casanova made daring escapes. Alongside monumental art and awe-inspiring architecture, you will gain a rare glimpse into the workings of Venice's once-mighty empire—an experience that brings the city's storied past to life in an unforgettable way. Carnival in Venice is also a culinary delight! Indulge in seasonal delicacies like frittelle (sweet fried dough balls with raisins or cream), galani (crispy pastry strips) and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines). Pair these with a glass of Prosecco for a true Venetian experience.
