India’s Travel Landscape In 2025: Sustainability, Culture And Connectivity Take Center Stage

As the world marks World Tourism Day 2025, India’s travel and tourism sector is standing at a pivotal juncture shaped by new aspirations, new geographies, and new ways of moving. From tier-2 cities becoming cultural hotspots to private aviation unlocking access to destinations beyond the commercial grid, the future of Indian tourism is being defined by sustainability, inclusivity, and connectivity.

“World Tourism Day is a reminder that travel is more than movement, it’s about creating impact, shaping cultures, and driving economies forward,” says Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip. He believes India’s travel landscape is at an inflection point, with tier-2 and tier-3 cities emerging as new hubs of growth. According to Pittie, nearly

65% of young travellers now seek journeys that “recharge and reconnect them with purpose.” From boutique stays powered by solar energy to villages opening doors to immersive cultural experiences, the shift is towards authentic, responsible tourism.

EaseMyTrip, he adds, is aligning with this evolution by opening its doors to professionals, vendors, and startups working across holidays, hotels, airlines, buses, trains, cabs, and other travel-tech solutions. “As the industry steps into a new phase powered by metro and non-metro cities alike, we want to build the next chapter of Indian tourism with resilience and purpose,” notes Pittie.

Connectivity as a Catalyst for Tourism

Alongside cultural and tech-driven transformation, connectivity is becoming just as important as experiences themselves. “Tourism in India is defined as much by access as by attraction,” explains Kanika Tekriwal, CEO & Founder, JetSetGo. While commercial aviation connects roughly 120 airports, India has over 250 operational airstrips and runways, many near cultural and natural destinations that remain underserved.

Private aviation bridges this gap by doubling the number of reachable destinations and bringing travellers closer to heritage circuits and eco-tourism hubs. “We see demand not only for metros and state capitals but also for cities like Jodhpur, Bhuj, Aurangabad, Dehradun, and Mysuru, which serve as gateways to cultural and eco-tourism experiences,” adds Tekriwal. The flexibility of operating point-to-point, often on short notice, means travellers are no longer bound by commercial airline schedules.

The Road Ahead: Sustainability and Growth

Looking forward, JetSetGo expects the role of private aviation to grow as secondary airports modernise and sustainable aviation fuels become more widely available. “Private aviation will further expand India’s tourism footprint and play an essential role in shaping how the world experiences the country,” Tekriwal emphasizes.

Together, these shifts reflect a new chapter for Indian tourism, one that blends purpose-driven travel, cultural authenticity, sustainable practices, and greater access. On this World Tourism Day, the industry is not just celebrating journeys but reimagining how those journeys can impact communities, economies, and the planet.