From sightseeing to soulful experiences, Indians redfine outbound travel goals

India's experiential tourism is reshaping travel with immersive cultural, adventure and wellness experiences. Young travellers lead this shift, prioritising authenticity, personalised journeys and memorable activities over conventional sightseeing.

- GARIMA SHARMA

One of the several ways in which outbound travel from India has changed dramatically in the post-pandemic period is the shift towards experiential tourism and away from merely sightseeing.

Almost five years later, the evolution of experiential travel continues and it is reshaping how people travel, with greater adoption of immersive encounters that connect travellers deeply with cultures, nature and communities. In some ways, it has transformed travel into a journey of self-discovery, emotion and meaningful engagement.

According to various reports, experiential tourism sector is booming in India, propelled largely by Millennials and Gen Z travellers. Forecasts suggest this market will reach USD 45 billion by 2027 as the trend widens to involve more travellers seeking more interactive travel. But the trend remains overwhelmingly driven by younger travellers.

A survey conducted by WanderOn, a travel agency in Gurugram, between 60-65 pc of experiential travel revenues in India come from those aged 18-35 as they prefer journeys defined by emotional depth and personal transformation, rather than ticking off tourist hotspots.

“The affluent Indian traveller prioritises immersive experiences over fixed itineraries. At Away & Co, we focus on extraordinary experiences that truly connect with the traveller. It is travel that offers authentic, memorable activities that touch emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social levels, turning trips into impactful experiences,” Ruchi Kohli, Chief of Experience, Away & Co, a boutique travel agency in Gurugram, tells India Outbound.

Increasing diversity of options