'Indians opting more for leisure travel, Holi weekend apt': MakeMyTrip co-founder & Group CEO, Rajesh Magow
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Indian travellers are set to make the most of the upcoming Holi long weekend, with demand for premium accommodations and short-haul international trips seeing a sharp rise. According to Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, Indian travellers are seizing every chance to go on a leisure vacation, with the upcoming long Holi weekend being apt for such a getaway.
“Indian travellers are increasingly seizing every opportunity for leisure travel, and the upcoming Holi long weekend provides the perfect occasion for this. The demand for premium stays remains strong, with booking share of properties priced above ₹4,500 per night rising as compared to last year,” Magow said.
Domestic travel is witnessing a surge, with cultural hubs like Jaipur and Udaipur, temple towns such as Amritsar, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Madurai, and beach destinations like Pondicherry, Alibaug, and Mandarmani experiencing steady growth in bookings. Drive-to destinations, including Jim Corbett, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Mahabaleshwar, and Coorg, are also seeing robust demand as Indian travellers increasingly opt for quick getaways.
"Bookings for accommodations in cultural hubs like Jaipur and Udaipur, temple towns such as Amritsar, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Madurai, and beach destinations like Pondicherry, Alibaug, and Mandarmani show steady growth," Magow said.
Internationally, short-haul destinations are gaining traction, with Vietnam, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia emerging as top choices for Indian travellers. Magow attributed the rise in short-haul travel partly to the conclusion of board exams in many parts of India, which has created an ideal window for quick overseas trips.
October 2025
As India’s growth story gains momentum and the number of billionaires rises, the country’s luxury market is seeing a boom like never before, with the taste for luxury moving beyond the metros. From high-end watches and jewellery to lavish residences and luxurious holidays, Indians are splurging like never before. Storied luxury brands are rushing in to satiate this demand, often roping in Indian celebs as ambassadors.
The strong momentum in the premium travel segment underscores a shift in Indian travel behaviour, with travellers prioritising comfort and experiences over cost. As Holi approaches, the trend highlights a growing appetite for both domestic and international travel among Indian consumers.
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