As India’s hospitality landscape evolves, design has become a powerful force shaping how travellers experience comfort, connection, and culture. In this conversation with Travellers World Online, Reema Diwan, Vice President – Design & Technical Services, India & South Asia, shares insights on how design is redefining the future of travel, sustainability, and guest experiences in India’s evolving hospitality landscape.
Q: How do you see design shaping the future of travel and guest experiences in India’s hospitality industry?
The future of travel in India is moving towards simplicity, comfort and sustainability. Travellers today seek experiences that feel effortless yet meaningful. This means moving away from unnecessary complexities and focusing instead on intuitive design that enhances well-being. Whether it’s through ergonomic spaces, sustainable materials or locally inspired aesthetics, design will increasingly determine how comfortably and responsibly people travel.
Guest experience, on the other hand, is becoming deeply personal. The days of one-size-fits-all luxury are over. The next phase of hospitality design lies in personalisation, basically spaces that adapt to individual needs, preferences and moods. It’s about crafting experiences that feel authentic and emotionally resonant, whether it’s through curated local art, custom lighting or a sense of home that connects travellers to the culture around them.
Q: What role does sustainability play in redefining luxury and comfort for modern travellers?
Sustainability is no longer a design afterthought; it is the new definition of luxury. Modern travellers increasingly associate comfort with consciousness. Sustainable design brings authenticity to spaces, giving them a story and purpose beyond aesthetics. It enhances commercial visibility because travellers want to engage with brands that reflect their values. From eco-friendly architecture to energy-efficient systems and locally sourced materials, sustainability elevates both form and function. True luxury today lies in being sustainable, in offering beauty that is responsible and comfort that is guilt-free.
Q: How are guest expectations evolving, and how can design respond to these changing travel behaviours?
Guest expectations are becoming more diverse and dynamic. Travellers are no longer looking for standardised experiences; they want to feel a sense of belonging and individuality wherever they go. To meet this broader spectrum of expectations, design must evolve to be versatile and adaptive. The key lies in unlocking the true essence of each destination, allowing its culture, climate and community to shape the guest experience. Design should be fluid enough to create both familiarity and surprise, blending global standards with local soul.
Q: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for hospitality design in Tier-II and Tier-III cities?
India’s Tier-II and Tier-III cities represent immense untapped potential. As business, leisure and domestic travel expand, these cities are becoming new frontiers for brand growth and innovative concepts. Their distinct local identity and storytelling potential offer a rich canvas for design. Moreover, lower land and construction costs allow for greater experimentation and improved returns on investment when done sensibly.
However, the challenges cannot be ignored. Limited infrastructure and supply chain constraints can affect design execution. Time overruns in hotel construction remain a major concern, often impacting long-term project sustainability. Balancing creativity with practicality will be crucial to realising these opportunities.
Q: How can young designers contribute to creating responsible, innovative, and emotionally engaging travel spaces?
Young designers hold the key to the future of hospitality. They bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency and a deep understanding of global design trends. By embracing the principles of design thinking, they can create meaningful, innovative solutions that deliver long-term value to projects. With empathy, experimentation and collaboration, they can craft spaces that are not only visually appealing but also responsible and emotionally engaging. Their ability to blend technology with human-centred design can deliver outstanding, future-ready solutions that add long-term value to both guests and businesses.
