The Rise in Experiential and Immersive Stays in the Hospitality Industry

The shift toward immersive travel experiences

- Harkaran Sethi

The most successful hotels today are destinations in themselves.

Today's travellers have a story to tell and want more than conventional hotel experiences.

Whether waking up to a view of the jungle, staying in a vineyard, or checking into a hotel that feels more like a cultural hub than a traditional property, the hospitality game has changed. The hotels that create experiences, not just accommodations, will lead the future of hospitality.

TRAVEL HAS CHANGED—AND SO HAVE EXPECTATIONS

Domestic tourism in India shot up by approximately 95 per cent as more people chose quick getaways over long international vacations. Weekend road trips to nearby places in India like Rishikesh, Coorg, and Alibaug have replaced big overseas itineraries, and even within cities, staycations are booming. Hotels that once catered to long-haul business travellers are rethinking their offerings to appeal to this new wave of experience-seekers.

MORE THAN A ROOM: THE APPEAL OF EXPERIENTIAL STAYS