Post-COVID Travel Trends in India and the Rise of Personalized Tourism

Post-COVID travel trends in India are reshaping the tourism landscape. From the rise of revenge travel to the growing preference for personalized, experiential journeys, India’s travel industry is witnessing a transformation like never before. In this article, we dive into insights shared by a veteran of the travel world with 22+ years of experience, revealing how travelers are thinking, spending, and exploring in the post-pandemic era.

The New Face of Indian Tourism: Post-COVID Travel Trends You Must Know!

1. The New Wave: What is Revenge Travel?

“Revenge travel” describes the post-COVID surge in travel demand, where people are eager to make up for lost time. In India, this has led to:

• A 5X rise in road travel
• A boom in private resorts, cottages, and luxury stays
• Travelers ready to pay more for unique experiences

People now seek memorable journeys, not just sightseeing. This behavioral shift has driven growth in curated travel experiences.

2. From Passion to Profession: A Travel Entrepreneur’s Journey

Our guest, a Hyderabad-based entrepreneur, began his journey with ₹1,500/month and is now:

• Founder of the Tours and Travel Agents Association of Telangana
  
• CEO of ABC Water Sports Telangana
  
• CEO of a top 10 travel agency in the state
  

With over 22 years of experience, his mission is built on one core value: personalized service that makes travel unforgettable.

3. OTA Domination vs. Personalized Offline Experiences

OTA vs Offline Travel: Industry Snapshot

4. The Water Sports Revolution in Telangana

After Goa, water sports are now gaining traction in Telangana, thanks to initiatives like:

• Amaravati Boating Club (ABC) in Bhavani Island
• Adventure water sports at Lumbini Park (Jet Skis, Jet Attacks, Water Rollers)
• Upcoming 15+ activities at Malkam Cheruvu, including:
  
  • Donut Boats
  • Pedal Boating
  • Birthday Party Boats
  • Kayaking

These projects aim to expand across states, boosting regional tourism and job creation.

5. The Real Threat: Fear & Geopolitics in Travel

Travel Disruption Due to Conflict

Recent incidents like the Pulwama attack caused:

• Complete shutdowns in Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan
• Closure of 27 airports
  
• 60–70% of planned travel cancellations

This has become a major threat to peak season revenues, especially from March to May, which contribute to 60–70% of annual earnings for many agencies.

6. Alternative Destinations Trending in 2025

With instability in Turkey and Azerbaijan, Indian travelers are now exploring safer and equally stunning alternatives:

These destinations are now being aggressively promoted by Indian travel agents.

7. Southern India’s Hidden Gems

From waterfalls to jungle resorts, South India is blossoming with eco-luxury escapes and monsoon tourism:

Popular South Indian Travel Spots

These offer a perfect blend of nature, luxury, and culture.

8. Building a Career in Tourism: Beyond Just Tickets

Tourism isn’t just about booking tickets — it’s a multi-billion dollar industry that includes:

• Luxury Travel
  
• Hospitality
  
• Aviation
  
• Experiential Tourism
  

Unfortunately, many students limit their dreams to ticketing jobs. The truth? Tourism can offer salaries that compete with IT and software industries.

“Why not build your career in luxury experiential travel?” – our guest encourages.

9. Conclusion & Pro Tips for Safe and Smart Travel

As the Indian travel industry reinvents itself, here’s how to travel smarter in 2025:

• Choose trusted OTAs or reputed offline agents
  
• Always verify ratings and reviews on Google
• Visit travel agency offices if possible before booking
• Beware of cyber frauds and WhatsApp scams