In an insightful conversation with Sumit Lulla, spokesperson for The Gypsy Travel Festival, we explore the festival’s evolution, its distinctive approach to travel expos, and the immersive experiences it offers. From interactive workshops to trends like pet tourism and extreme adventures, Sumit shares how the festival connects everyday travellers with the world of unique travel opportunities and highlights the evolving preferences shaping the travel industry.
What inspired you to create The Gypsy Travel Festival, and how has it evolved over the years?
The idea for The Gypsy Travel Festival came from a simple realization—there wasn’t a space for everyday travellers to connect with the world of possibilities. Most travel events in India catered to businesses, and the last big consumer-focused travel show happened over a decade ago. That left a gap for people like you and me, looking for something more personal while planning their holiday that went beyond the standard itineraries.
The idea was simple: bring together diverse travel brands and offerings under one roof, onboard experts, making it easier for people to plan their next adventure with insight and inspiration.
Over time, the festival has evolved to reflect changing trends. Post-pandemic, preferences like staycations, luxurycations, and slow travel have become popular. We’ve adapted to these shifts, curating experiences that cater to adventure lovers, hobbyists, and families alike. The festival continues to celebrate the joy and diversity of travel, offering something for every kind of explorer. What would draw people to the festival is the chance, once a year, to engage directly with experts and discover unique travel offerings. Every participant at the festival brings a distinctive product or experience, not just the standard sightseeing packages.
How does The Gypsy Travel Festival stand out from other travel expos in India?
The Gypsy Travel Festival is unique because it’s the only B2C travel show in India, offering an immersive, experience for attendees. We focus on creating hands-on previews of destinations and travel products. This allows people to experience first-hand what they’re signing up for, rather than relying solely on online content.
For example, if someone’s curious about Astro Tourism, they can enjoy a hands-on stargazing workshop at the festival. This interactive approach transforms travel planning into a personal and engaging journey, making us more than just a showcase—it’s an experience in itself.
What new features or experiences can attendees expect at the third edition of the festival?
This year’s edition, brings even more immersive experiences to the table. Attendees can sip on regional drinks inspired by destinations like Seychelles and Azerbaijan, craft personalized travel souvenirs in DIY workshops, and learn to make perfumes rooted in Qatar’s rich fragrance traditions.
We’re also introducing stargazing workshops under the Dark Sky initiative, offering an interactive way to explore the cosmos. To add a global touch, fun language workshops will let attendees pick up unique phrases from around the world. These additions ensure every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories and inspiration for their next adventure.
How do you envision the role of virtual reality and interactive workshops in shaping travel planning for Indian travellers?
Beyond the internet, there aren’t many platforms where people can truly immerse themselves in a travel destination before visiting it. Virtual reality bridges this gap by providing an authentic preview of places that are otherwise hard to imagine—be it the Arctic, Antarctic, or even niche activities like bungee jumping and sailing on a cruise ship.
These technologies make travel planning more engaging and accessible, giving people a sense of what to expect from their adventures and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones.
What are some key insights or trends in the travel industry that you’re excited to share at this year’s event?
The travel industry is evolving in exciting ways, and this year’s event will spotlight some fascinating trends. Pet tourism is gaining traction, with more travellers including their furry companions in their plans. Extreme adventure travel has also seen a surge, as Indian travellers embrace high-adrenaline activities and destinations.
Antarctica, often called ‘The Final Frontier,’ is becoming increasingly accessible, sparking interest in polar expeditions. Another trend is the rise of ‘travel for nothing,’ where people intentionally plan trips to relax without any schedules or itineraries, prioritizing mindfulness and unwinding. These shifts highlight how travel is becoming more inclusive and purpose-driven, catering to a broader range of preferences and passions.
