Travel & Hospitality in 2024: A Year of Resilience, Innovation, and Growth

The travel and hospitality industry has emerged from a challenging period of uncertainty with remarkable resilience, adaptability, and a forward-looking approach in 2024. As the global economy stabilizes and tourism rebounds, industry players have navigated a landscape marked by shifting consumer behaviour, technological advancements, and the pursuit of sustainable practices. This year, more than ever, innovation has been the driving force, propelling businesses to meet evolving demands and redefine the traveller experience.

A Resilient Industry Rebounds

2024 marked a decisive turning point for the travel and hospitality sectors. After years of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, the industry saw a substantial recovery, with travel demand skyrocketing. People, eager to reconnect with the world, returned to planes, trains, and hotels, while businesses adopted a more agile, customer-centric approach.

The Role of Innovation in Driving Growth

The year 2024 has been defined by cutting-edge technology that has helped businesses streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and even create new revenue streams. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to contactless check-ins and sustainable design innovations, technology has been central to the way businesses have adapted.

Sustainability has also taken centre stage in 2024. More brands are actively embracing eco-friendly practices, reducing their carbon footprint, and creating sustainable travel options for consumers who are increasingly concerned about their environmental impact.

Changing Consumer Trends

As the world continues to adapt to post-pandemic life, the travel and hospitality sector has witnessed evolving customer preferences. Experiences centred around wellness, adventure, and personalized services have risen in demand, with a growing interest in domestic travel.

Meanwhile, the rise of “bleisure” (business + leisure) travel has become a notable trend, especially among millennials and Gen Z. This demographic has changed the way businesses approach work and leisure travel. More companies are offering flexible working arrangements, encouraging employees to blend their business trips with leisure, thereby boosting the demand for long stays and hybrid accommodations.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

The achievements of 2024 have set the stage for even greater things in the coming years. As the travel and hospitality sectors continue to thrive, there is no doubt that the innovations of today will pave the way for even more exciting developments. However, the future also brings its share of challenges, from maintaining sustainability practices to navigating potential economic shifts.

In 2024, the travel and hospitality industry demonstrated its resilience, embraced innovation, and laid the groundwork for future growth. With exciting trends and technological advancements shaping the landscape, the industry is poised for even more success in 2025 and beyond.

Voices That Shape the Future: Insights from Industry Leaders

Naina Parekh, Founder, EUME says:

The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for the travel and tourism sector, characterized by recovery, innovation, and evolving traveller expectations. As global connectivity strengthens, the industry has embraced personalization, sustainability, and technology to redefine travel experiences. Travel is no longer just about reaching a destination; it’s about creating moments that resonate with individual preferences and values. Whether it’s the growing interest in wellness retreats, offbeat adventures, or the convenience of tech-enabled itineraries, the focus has shifted to meaningful and seamless journeys.

Looking ahead to 2025, these trends are set to grow further, especially in industries aligned with travel, like premium luggage. The demand for sustainable tourism will intensify, driving innovation in travel essentials designed for eco-conscious explorers. Premium travel solutions, such as thoughtfully crafted luggage, are gaining momentum as travellers seek quality and functionality. With features like smart compartments, built-in charging capabilities, and the use of sustainable materials, luggage is transforming into a vital travel companion that enhances convenience and complements luxury experiences. As these trends evolve, 2025 promises to redefine not only how we travel but also the tools and accessories that support seamless and meaningful journeys.

Ashwani Khurana, Founder & Chief Eternal Optimist, Karma Lakelands:

The travel and hospitality industry in 2024 demonstrated remarkable resilience, with a renewed emphasis on sustainability and wellness. At Karma Lakelands, we have witnessed a growing demand for eco-conscious luxury, where guests seek deeper connections with nature and a more mindful approach to living. This year, we enriched our offerings to provide an immersive blend of leisure, wellness, and sustainability, highlighted by the launch of the Seven Seas Spa, which aligns seamlessly with the evolving preferences of modern travellers. The growing importance of sustainability as a cornerstone of travel has been truly inspiring, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement. As we look to the future, we remain committed to redefining travel by harmonizing luxury with responsibility.

Deepak Meena, Co-founder and CEO at Flyzy:

2024 was a pivotal year for the travel and hospitality industry. It was marked by growth, resilience, and innovation. The shadow of the pandemic mayhem was finally gone, and the world was moving towards unexplored possibilities in travel and hospitality enabled by technology. As travellers’ expectations evolved, the industry adapted and focused more on enhanced personalisation and convenience, both in terms of the travel experience and the booking process. Technology played a pivotal role and became the cornerstone for this transformation, seamlessly integrating into every step of the travel experience. At Flyzy as well, we worked on addressing two major challenges in the B2B travel space: the inefficiencies caused by multiple layers in the supply chain, which drive up costs and degrade service quality, and the lack of trust in sourcing authentic inventory. So, we built tech-driven solutions to address both these issues by offering greater transparency and streamlining operations. We are helping clients save up to 20% on business travel!

Sandeep Arora, Director of Brightsun said: 

As we reflect on 2024, we can confidently say it has been a remarkable year of recovery, transformation and innovation. Post-pandemic wanderlust has evolved into a desire for unique and meaningful experiences. Today, travellers are prioritising authenticity and meaningful experiences over cookie-cutter itineraries and over-crowded tourist attractions. Sustainability continues to influence our journeys in 2024, as eco-conscious travel grows, and mindful choices take centre stage. Technology has revolutionised the way we plan and experience travel, making it more personalised and seamless than ever before. At Brightsun Travel, we are proud to have been part of this exciting journey, helping our customers discover new destinations, offering expert guidance and ease of travel while keeping safety, and customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.

Owais Altaf Syed, Director, Skyview By Empyrean:

Looking back at 2024: Skyview by Empyrean, a premier mountain harbour at Sanget-Patnitop, Jammu made remarkable progress in guest experience and sustainable tourism. The Patnitop Marathon saw over 500 participants from 48 cities promoting health and fitness. The Sama-Vaya Art Retreat showcased the works of eight artists, celebrating Jammu’s vibrant culture. Through influencer partnerships, Skyview shared its breathtaking views and warm hospitality with wider audiences. The property also hosted 30 travel agents to boost local tourism. The arrival of Chef Lalit Kumar elevated dining at Banana Leaf with innovative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The year ended with grand festive celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Skyview was also recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with guests praising its eco-friendly practices, gondola rides, and adventure activities.

Looking Ahead to 2025: As the landscape of travel and tourism continues to evolve, India stands out as a vibrant destination for both leisure and business travellers, promising a bright future for the hospitality sector. Skyview by Empyrean has outlined several strategic initiatives and expectations for 2025, focusing on expansion, sustainability, and enhancing guest experiences.

Our strategy includes expanding our room inventory to nearly 60 rooms over the next 24 months, introducing new amenities such as an indoor heated pool, a wellness area, and a spa. We believe that these additions will elevate the guest experience and cater to the growing demand for luxury and family-friendly destinations. By aligning with the government’s vision and integrating sustainability into our operations, we aim to position Skyview by Empyrean as a must-visit destination that offers adventure, luxury, and an authentic experience of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Rajesh Ghanshani – Director of Partnerships, STAAH:

India’s hospitality landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, fuelled by surging travel demand, evolving consumer preferences, and robust digital infrastructure. Increasingly, hoteliers across the country are not just recognizing technology as a strategic asset but they are embracing it as the cornerstone of future success. In fact, many no longer ask ‘if’ they should invest in technology; instead, the focus has shifted to ‘when’ and ‘how’ to deploy advanced solutions that boost operational efficiency, revenue, and guest satisfaction.

Our own experience with Indian hoteliers highlights this transformation. With STAAH solutions—such as the Channel Manager, Booking Engine, and ReviewMinder, hoteliers have reported significant revenue gains and enhanced guest journeys, from pre-arrival research to post-stay feedback. The momentum is tangible: we now partner with over 5,000 hotels across India, and forecasts suggest an even more substantial expansion in 2025. This adoption is not limited to high-end chains or luxury resorts; even boutique and budget properties are adopting innovative distribution platforms to deliver seamless, personalized experiences. As Indian travellers become increasingly digitally savvy, their expectations continue to rise, and technology providers are poised to respond with more adaptive, predictive, and intuitive solutions that define the future of Indian hospitality.

Sumit Prakash, Country Director, India and South Asia, Collinson International

As travel recovery across the Asia Pacific continues to return at pace, India is one of the key markets that is and will continue to drive this growth as we move into 2025. According to recent industry reports, international outbound departures from India are forecast to rise from 17.4 million in 2019 to over 50 million by 2030; and by 2027, India is earmarked to become the fifth-largest outbound market globally. This growth is further bolstered by the country’s investment in significant infrastructure developments, such as building more airports and increasing airline capacity.

Echoing this robust growth in travel volumes, Collinson International also saw a 34% increase in visits from Indian travellers to our global network of airport lounges and travel experiences, when comparing January to October 2024 with the same period last year. The top three international destinations that saw the highest number of visits made by Indian travellers were the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and Singapore. 

According to Collinson International’s latest ‘2024 Travel Benefits and Customer Engagement Report’, travel has emerged as one of the highest credit card spend categories for survey respondents in India; accounting for almost a third (27%) of annual expenditure. Millennials in India spend the most on travel (USD 6,031 per annum) when compared to other generations. The report also revealed that besides access to airport lounges, there is a growing appetite towards broader travel-related experiential offerings (such as dining experiences and duty-free offers) and travel-related benefits (for instance, security fast-track and airport transfers) among Indian travellers. Catering to the strong recovery of travel, we have expanded our global Priority Pass network to comprise over 1,700 airport lounges and travel experiences; including dining, retail, sleep and spa, in over 725 airports in 145 countries.

Not only are Indians travelling and spending more, they are also exploring lesser-known destinations and travelling for different purposes. Wellness travel is on the rise, as well as sports and music tourism. For instance, Coldplay’s 2024 Asia tour boosted music tourism in the region and a similar trend is anticipated for the band’s trip to Mumbai in 2025. Echoing this are findings from Collinson’s recent report, ‘The Value of Sports and Music Tourism’, which revealed 96% of Indian survey respondents have travelled to a new city or country for a sports or music event; allowing fans to experience different cultures and locations while indulging their passion for sports and music. 

This strong growth of travel presents new opportunities for brands to enhance their customer value propositions by providing value-added experiences. Ultimately, travel is aspirational and about creating more memorable moments in life. If brands can play a part in creating these moments, they can deepen relationships with their most valued customers and in turn, generate measurable impact for their business. 

Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere:

As we look at travel trends for 2025, the shift in Indian outbound tourism is significant as discerning Indian travellers seek immersive and authentic explorations that transcend the ordinary. From secluded private islands to curated culinary adventures and wellness retreats, the modern Indian traveller values moments that enrich their perspective and provide a sense of exclusivity.  At RAAYA by Atmosphere, we redefine luxury through bespoke offerings tailored to these evolving aspirations. Anchored in our philosophy of the Joy of Giving, RAAYA’s legacy shines as a beacon of personalised service and curated exceptional experiences, setting a new standard in Maldivian hospitality.

Christopher Baker, General Manager, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, Maldives:

Multi-generational travel has redefined the luxury hospitality landscape, particularly in India, where deeply rooted family bonds shape travel preferences. As we look to 2025, we will focus on crafting bespoke experiences—engaging adventures for children, tranquil retreats for seniors, or moments of togetherness that transcend generations. At OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, our goal is to curate engaging adventures that spark the imagination of young travellers to serene retreats that provide moments of relaxation for seniors. We elevate this vision through our signature tropical island experience, blending carefree indulgence with vibrant energy. Families can explore invigorating activities that foster connection and revel in a buzzing party vibe that brings everyone together.

Shiv Bose, General Manager, Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa:

As sustainability becomes a key driver in travel decisions, the new year will see a rise in demand for low-carbon, eco-conscious experiences. Travellers are increasingly prioritizing destinations that align with their environmental values. At Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa, this shift is already underway with the launch of an EV-charging station underscoring our commitment to sustainable practices. With more guests seeking to preserve the natural beauty of places like Jaisalmer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the trend toward sustainability will continue to shape the hospitality industry,”.

Monica Coppetta, General Manager, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI:

Travel trends may change, but the essence of exploration remains timeless: seeking new experiences, embracing diverse cultures, and forging connections in places both familiar and unfamiliar. In today’s world, travellers are no longer merely ticking destinations off a list; they are in pursuit of immersive experiences that resonate with their personal values and curiosities. Whether it’s participating in local traditions, engaging with sustainable travel practices, or discovering hidden gems away from the crowds, modern travellers are increasingly drawn to journeys that transform them. It’s about the stories they bring back, the people they meet, and the personal growth they experience along the way.”

Harish Khatri Founder and MD, India Assist:

The travel industry experienced a significant resurgence in 2024, with Indian travellers displaying a renewed enthusiasm for exploration. This revival was marked by a shift towards immersive and luxury experiences and a growing interest in sustainable and wellness tourism. The travellers also demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability to tech-based solutions, mainly AI-driven planning tools and real-time assistance apps.

Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate that travellers will continue seeking unique and meaningful journeys, particularly focusing on eco-friendly destinations and wellness retreats. At India Assist, we have observed these evolving preferences and are dedicated to supporting travellers in navigating this dynamic landscape. Our role involves providing real-time assistance and personalized services that cater to the increasing demand for seamless and enriching travel experiences, tailored to individual needs. By staying attuned to these trends, we aim to facilitate journeys that align with the aspirations of modern travellers, ensuring their adventures are both memorable and fulfilling.

Author: Jaun Shahi

Journalist, Sub-Editor, Travellers’ World Jaun is a soft-spoken and gentle soul who thrives as a Journalist with his exceptional observation skills and an eye for intricate details. He is a true multitasker who efficiently handles various tasks and always brings a professional approach to everything he does. His genuine team spirit makes him an integral part of the TW family, as he consistently collaborates and supports his colleagues.