By Anirban Dasgupta
New Delhi: Varanasi might just be the next stop for Neel Ghosh — Country Manager and GM of Skyscanner India — and his family. Speaking at the latest edition of Travel Trends by Skyscanner, Ghosh emphasised how travel has evolved into something more intimate and purposeful.
“Today, it’s all about self-exploration, quality time with family and friends, and finally ticking off those personal experiences we’ve been meaning to have,” he said, setting the tone for a warm and insightful afternoon.
The gathering brought together key figures from the media industry, travel delegates, and guests, all in an atmosphere of casual cheer. Delicious food, refreshing drinks, and top-notch event management made it a memorable occasion.
New Discoveries on the Horizon
In his presentation, Ghosh revealed fascinating shifts in travel preferences among Indian tourists. Lesser-known destinations — such as Jorhat in Assam and Jaffna in Sri Lanka— are seeing exponential growth in searches and visitor interest. The rise of Artificial Intelligence as a “co-pilot” for travel planning, particularly in India’s booming tourism market, is also shaping how people discover and book their journeys.
Cricket Meets Travel
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the day was the introduction of Skyscanner’s newest brand ambassador — *Suryakumar Yadav, popularly known as SKY, captain of the India T20 international cricket team.
A relaxed and smiling SKY engaged with the audience and media, blending humour with heartfelt anecdotes. “My wife is the real sky-scanner in the family when it comes to planning and picking our vacations,” he laughed, adding, “I’m a beach person, but I wouldn’t mind exploring the mountains too.”
A Positive Outlook for Indian Travel
The insights shared reflect a booming travel landscape. With 59% of Indian travellers planning to travel more in 2026, both domestic and international journeys are set to rise steadily. The combination of evolving personal preferences, interest in offbeat destinations, and the integration of AI-driven travel tools signals exciting times ahead for the industry.
From vibrant cities like Varanasi to untouched landscapes across Asia, Indian travellers are making it clear: the world is waiting, and they’re ready to explore — with heart, curiosity, and a personal touch.
