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Travel no longer a luxury but a lifestyle priority for Indians despite rising costs: Allianz study

Indian travellers are emerging as some of the most resilient holidaymakers globally, continuing to prioritise vacations despite rising costs, geopolitical instability, climate concerns and financial pressures, according to the first edition of the Allianz Partners Global Travel Confidence Index 2026.

The study, conducted by Ipsos across 10 countries, found that 87 per cent of Indians plan to travel this summer, significantly higher than the global average of 74 per cent. Yet beneath this strong travel petite lies a more complex reality: travellers are becoming increasingly cautious, value-conscious and risk-aware.

The findings suggest that travel has evolved beyond a discretionary expense and is increasingly being viewed as a lifestyle necessity.

Charu Kaushal, MD, Allianz Partners India

“More than 87 per cent of travellers indicated that taking an annual holiday is important to them. Travellers are not rejecting travel; they are adting their choices to fit their budgets and priorities,” said Charu Kaushal, Managing Director, Allianz Partners India, during an interaction.

Domestic travel emerges as the big winner

The trend comes at a time when consumers are increasingly looking for value-for-money experiences while navigating rising travel costs and economic uncertainty.

The findings also resonate with recent industry trends that have seen growing demand for destinations closer to home, shorter travel durations and domestic leisure circuits across India.

Travel survives inflation, but spending habits change

The findings are particularly relevant given recent global developments, including geopolitical tensions in West Asia, increasing weather-related disruptions and growing concerns around cyber security.

According to the study:

  • 85% are concerned about geopolitical instability
  • 83% say safety concerns influence destination choices
  • 84% consider environmental and climate-related risks when planning travel
  • 80% worry about delays and cancellations
  • 78% are concerned about cyber risks during travel

These concerns are increasingly influencing not only where people travel but also how they prepare for their journeys.

Experience replaces destination

The survey also reveals a growing shift towards experience-led travel.

Rather than simply visiting destinations, travellers are increasingly building trips around specific activities, events and personal interests. Around 75 per cent of respondents expressed interest in attending concerts, festivals or cultural events while travelling, while a similar number indicated interest in wellness retreats, cruises, sports events and hobby-based experiences.

According to Kaushal, this reflects a broader evolution in consumer expectations.

Travel today is increasingly about personal fulfilment, wellbeing and creating meaningful experiences. Travellers want trips that align with their interests and lifestyles rather than just ticking destinations off a list, she noted.

The findings align with broader industry trends that have seen strong growth in experiential travel, wellness tourism, cruise holidays and immersive cultural experiences across India and overseas markets.

AI reshes travel planning

Technology is emerging as another defining force shing travel behaviour.

The study found that 82 per cent of Indian travellers either use or plan to use artificial intelligence tools while researching and planning trips. This makes India one of the most digitally engaged travel markets globally.

From itinerary recommendations and destination discovery to budget planning and travel assistance, AI is becoming deeply integrated into the travel planning journey.

Kaushal believes this trend will only accelerate.

Travellers today expect faster information, more personalised recommendations and seamless digital experiences. AI is helping simplify decision-making while also making travel planning more accessible, she said.

The growing adoption of AI also reflects the increasing confidence of Indian consumers in using technology to navigate an increasingly complex travel environment.

The changing role of travel insurance

Perhs one of the most significant shifts highlighted by Kaushal is the changing role of travel insurance itself.

Traditionally viewed as a post-incident reimbursement product, travel insurance is increasingly evolving into a broader travel assistance and risk-management ecosystem.

As travel becomes more complex, travellers are looking for confidence and support throughout the journey, not just financial compensation after a disruption, she explained.

Modern travellers increasingly expect real-time assistance, emergency support, medical guidance, digital claims processing and proactive alerts related to travel disruptions.

This shift is being driven by the growing unpredictability of global travel, ranging from extreme weather events and geopolitical tensions to operational disruptions and health-related emergencies.

Work and leisure continue to converge

The study also points to the continued rise of blended travel.

More than 70 per cent of respondents indicated an interest in extending trips to combine work and leisure, reflecting how flexible work arrangements continue to influence travel decisions.

The rise of remote working, digital nomadism and hybrid work cultures has created new opportunities for destinations, hotels and travel providers catering to longer stays and flexible travel patterns.

What it means for the travel industry?

For travel suppliers, destinations, airlines and hospitality companies, the findings underscore the emergence of a more informed and deliberate traveller.

The Indian traveller of 2026 is digitally savvy, value-conscious and increasingly aware of global risks. At the same time, their petite for travel remains remarkably resilient.

The report suggests that future growth in the sector will depend not only on offering attractive destinations and experiences, but also on providing reassurance, flexibility and seamless digital support throughout the travel journey.

As global uncertainties continue to she consumer behaviour, the challenge for the travel industry will be adting to travellers who are not travelling less—but travelling differently.

And in that shift lies one of the most important travel trends of the decade: confidence today is no longer defined by the willingness to travel, but by the ability to travel prepared.

  • Published On Jun 1, 2026 at 11:40 AM IST

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Air Cargo Demand Up 4.0% in April Amid Middle East Disruption

Air Cargo Demand Up 4.0% in April Amid Middle East Disruption


The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for ril 2026 global air cargo markets showing:

Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4.0% compared to ril 2025 levels (+4.0% for international operations).
Cacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), decreased by -0.4% compared to ril 2025 (-0.9% for international operations).
Air cargo demand grew 4% year-on-year in ril, driven by strong Asia-linked trade flows. But this positive news masks a more complex operating environment. Severe disruption at major Gulf hubs due to the war in the Middle East continued to reshe trade routes and constrain cacity on key corridors. With dedicated freighters carrying much of the growth, air cargo is once again keeping supply chains moving amid trade disruptions. The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb continued geopolitical uncertainty and elevated operating costs, said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

Global trade contracted in March by 2.1% month-on-month after four consecutive months of growth, highlighting the continued vulnerability of trade momentum to geopolitical shocks.
Jet fuel prices rose sharply in ril, up 121.1% year-on-year, alongside a 77.7% increase in crude oil prices.
Global manufacturing sentiment remained in growth territory in ril, strengthening from March. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose 1.9 points to 53.4, while the PMI for new export orders reached 50.2. With both indicators above the 50-point expansion threshold, conditions remain supportive for air cargo demand.

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Middle East War Leads to 3.4% Fall in Air Passenger Demand in April

Middle East War Leads to 3.4% Fall in Air Passenger Demand in April


The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for ril 2026 global passenger demand:

Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was down -3.4% compared to ril 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand increased by 1.2%. Total cacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), decreased -2.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.1% (-0.4 ppt compared to ril 2025).
International demand fell -5.3% compared to ril 2025. Excluding Middle East, demand grew by 1.9%. Cacity was down -5.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (-0.2 ppt compared to ril 2025).
Domestic demand was flat compared to ril 2025. Cacity increased 0.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 81.9% (-0.7 ppt compared to ril 2025).
The 46.6% fall in demand for carriers in the Middle East due to war in the region was so acute that it dragged overall demand down -3.4%. The situation for air transport remains highly volatile. The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in ril, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand. said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets

International RPK fell -5.3%, with cacity falling -5.1%. However, this decline was caused by continuing heavy falls in demand for Middle East carriers. Excluding the Middle East, RPK increased by 1.9%. North America was flat and all other regions reported growth.

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 3.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Cacity increased 0.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.5% (+1.9 ppt compared to ril 2025), a record high for ril. There was a notable slowdown in traffic on the Jan-China corridor, due to ongoing political tensions.

European carriers saw a 0.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Cacity increased 0.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.9% (+0.6 ppt compared to ril 2025). Direct traffic between Europe and Asia increased 15.3% as it replaced traffic transiting through the Middle East.

North American carriers saw a 0.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Cacity decreased -1.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (+0.9 ppt compared to ril 2025).

Middle Eastern carriers saw a -48.1% year-on-year decrease in demand. Cacity fell -38.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 70.1% (-13.1 ppt compared to ril 2025). Traffic was impacted by the ongoing Iran war, though the decline slowed a little compared to March, as an uneasy ceasefire came into effect.

Latin American airlines achieved an 8.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Cacity climbed 7.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.6% (+1.4 ppt compared to ril 2025).

African airlines saw a 2.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Cacity was up 1.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 77.9% (+0.7 ppt compared to ril 2025).

Domestic Passenger Markets

Domestic RPK was flat in ril compared to ril 2025. Growth in Brazil, China, and Jan was balanced out by falls in Australia, India, and the United States. Load factors fell in most of the major markets barring China and Jan, though it should be noted that cacity in the Janese market has declined for eight months in a row.

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Luxury Travelers Are Waiting Longer to Book 2026 World Cup Finals Trips and Spending More Than Ever

Luxury Travelers Are Waiting Longer to Book 2026 World Cup Finals Trips and Spending More Than Ever


Luxury sports travel company Roadtrips says travelers are increasingly treating the 2026 World Cup of Soccer like a last-minute luxury purchase. They’re waiting longer to commit while spending significantly more on customized experiences surrounding the tournament’s semifinals and championship match.

With the 2026 World Cup final set for the New York/New Jersey region and semifinal matches expected to draw global demand, Roadtrips is seeing strong interest in high-end, fully customized travel packages that combine premium hotels, private transportation, concierge support and multi-city itineraries.

Roadtrips’ premium World Cup packages currently start from proximately $6,675 per person for semifinal experiences and $18,515 per person for final packages, with many travelers customizing their itineraries well beyond those starting rates through upgraded accommodations, extended stays and private experiences.

We’re seeing many travelers proach the World Cup the same way they proach the Super Bowl, Formula 1 Monaco or the Olympics, said Dave Guenther, President of Roadtrips. They want the flexibility to wait for the most exciting matchups, but once they decide to go, they’re looking for a seamless, highly personalized experience with premium accommodations and VIP-level service.

According to Roadtrips, many luxury clients are delaying final decisions until closer to the tournament as they monitor team performance, hospitality availability and potential travel companions. The company says that trend is creating a compressed luxury booking window for the World Cup’s most sought-after matches.

With matches spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada, the 2026 World Cup of Soccer is shing up to be one of the biggest luxury sports travel events North America has ever seen.

Roadtrips specializes in bespoke sports travel experiences and offers customized itineraries for every stage of the tournament, including semifinals and finals-focused packages designed around travelers’ preferred cities, hotels and match schedules.

Many of these trips are multi-generational or bucket-list experiences, added Guenther. Clients aren’t just attending a match, they’re building an entire luxury travel experience around one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

For more information about Roadtrips’ 2026 World Cup travel experiences, visit Roadtrips World Cup Packages. To make a reservation, call 1-800-465-1765 to speak with a Sports Travel Specialist or talk to your travel advisor.

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Caravan Finance Explained: A Practical Route to Caravan Ownership

Caravan Finance Explained: A Practical Route to Caravan Ownership


For many people, owning a caravan represents the opportunity to enjoy more flexible holidays, explore different parts of the UK, and spend quality time away from the demands of everyday life. Whether it’s weekend breaks by the coast, touring the countryside, or enjoying extended family holidays, a caravan can offer freedom and convenience that traditional holidays often cannot match. However, purchasing a caravan outright is not always practical, particularly when newer models can require a significant financial commitment.

This is where caravan finance can help.

Caravan finance allows buyers to spread the cost of a purchase over an agreed period rather than paying the full amount upfront. Depending on the lender and the finance arrangement available, this can make caravan ownership more accessible and easier to budget for.

One of the main advantages of finance is that it enables buyers to consider a wider range of caravans than they may be able to afford through savings alone. Rather than waiting years to accumulate the full purchase price, finance can allow individuals to purchase a suitable caravan sooner and spread the cost into manageable monthly payments.

Finance can also help preserve savings. Many buyers prefer to keep their savings available for other priorities such as home improvements, retirement planning, unexpected expenses, or future travel costs. By financing a caravan, they may be able to maintain greater financial flexibility while still achieving their leisure goals.

Another benefit is budgeting certainty. Fixed monthly payments can make it easier to plan household finances, particularly for those who prefer predictable expenditure. Knowing exactly how much is due each month can help buyers assess affordability before committing to a purchase.

For those new to caravan finance, the process can sometimes seem complicated. Comparing lenders, understanding eligibility requirements, gathering documentation, and finding suitable finance terms can all take time. This is where working with a specialist broker can be beneficial. Auto Finance Online is a specialist caravan finance broker that helps customers navigate the entire process from start to finish. Rather than proaching multiple lenders individually, buyers can work with an experienced team that understands the caravan finance market and can help identify suitable options based on their circumstances.

Using a specialist broker can also save valuable time. Auto Finance Online works with a panel of lenders and can help customers understand the finance options available to them, explain the plication process, and provide support throughout the journey. This can be particularly useful for first-time caravan buyers who may be unfamiliar with how caravan finance works.

Before plying for caravan finance, it is important to consider the overall cost of ownership. Beyond the monthly finance payments, buyers should think about insurance, servicing, storage, site fees, and general maintenance costs. Taking a realistic view of ongoing expenses can help ensure the purchase remains affordable over the longer term.

Prospective buyers should also compare finance options carefully. Interest rates, deposit requirements, agreement lengths, and eligibility criteria can vary between lenders. Taking time to understand the available options can help borrowers make informed decisions that suit their circumstances. A specialist broker such as Auto Finance Online can assist with this process by helping customers compare available solutions and guiding them through the perwork and plication stages.

Another advantage of working with a dedicated caravan finance broker is the support provided throughout the transaction. From the initial enquiry through to lender communication and final proval, Auto Finance Online aims to make the process as straightforward as possible. This can help reduce stress and give buyers greater confidence when arranging finance for their chosen caravan.

For many people, caravan finance provides a practical route into ownership without requiring a large upfront payment. While finance is not suitable for everyone, it can be a useful tool for those who have assessed their budget carefully and are looking for a structured way to spread the cost of a caravan purchase. By working with a specialist broker such as Auto Finance Online, buyers can benefit from expert guidance and support throughout the process, helping them move one step closer to enjoying the freedom and flexibility that caravan ownership can provide.

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Dusit Hotels and Resorts expands Well-Fest 2026 in response to growing demand

Dusit Hotels and Resorts expands Well-Fest 2026 in response to growing demand


Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit International’s global portfolio of luxury retreats, wellness resorts, lifestyle hotels, and contemporary city stays, is inviting guests worldwide to slow down, reconnect, and restore balance through Well-Fest 2026, a month-long celebration of restorative wellness experiences inspired by Global Wellness Day and designed around the evolving needs of today’s travellers.

Running throughout June under the theme Reset I Reconnect I Reignite, the campaign, now in its 5th year, continues to evolve alongside changing travel behaviours worldwide, as more travellers seek experiences that support emotional well-being, better sleep, mindfulness, meaningful connection, and healthier lifestyles alongside traditional leisure experiences.

Across participating Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide, guests will be invited to begin the day with sunrise yoga, mindful movement sessions, and sound healing rituals; savour wellness dining experiences celebrating locally sourced ingredients; explore restorative sleep experiences; and reconnect through curated activities ranging from ice baths and floating sound thery to family wellness workshops and moonlight storytelling.

The celebration comes amid continued global growth in wellness tourism. According to the Global Wellness Institute’s 2025 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, the global wellness economy reached a record US$6.8 trillion in 2024 and is projected to proach US$10 trillion by 2029.

At Dusit, well-being is a key component of the stay experiences we curate across each of our brands, from lifestyle-focused ASAI Hotels in vibrant neighbourhoods to secluded ultra-luxury Devarana Dusit Retreats, said Florence Jaffre, Corporate Director of Wellness and Kids’ Experience, Dusit International. Today’s travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that help them slow down, sleep better, feel mentally lighter, reconnect with family and friends, and return home feeling genuinely restored. Well-Fest celebrates this and reflects our commitment to creating experiences that feel restorative and meaningful across all our properties.

The Well-Fest 2026 programme is structured around three interconnected themes inspired by Devarana Wellness, Dusit’s group wellness concept:

• Reset – encouraging rest, mindfulness, recovery, and deeper balance.
• Reconnect – creating opportunities for shared experiences, community, and meaningful connection.
• Reignite – inspiring movement, creativity, vitality, and renewed energy.

The campaign also explores wellness through three lifestyle dimensions increasingly shing modern hospitality experiences: mindful sleep, nourishing food, and revitalising play.

Experiences will vary across destinations and brands, allowing participating properties to reflect local culture, wellness traditions, culinary heritage, and guest preferences through distinctive programming, with packages and pricing tailored by property.

Selected properties will also offer a Well-Fest Pass, featuring priority access to workshops and activities, depending on the property.

In Thailand, the Michelin Key-recognised luxury flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok will offer holistic wellness journeys combining mindful dining, restorative sleep experiences, sound healing, spa experiences, fitness, and personalised wellness rituals inspired by Thai healing traditions. Meanwhile, Dusit Thani Hua Hin will present experiences including Fire & Frost Retreat sessions combining Muay Thai and ice baths, Sunset Floating Sound Healing, and family-focused wellness activities, while Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket will offer guided cycling journeys, mindful beach walks, wellness-focused dining, and creative wellness activities inspired by nature and local culture.

In the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives will invite guests to reconnect with nature through floating sound bath experiences, Ayurvedic-inspired wellness dining, and ocean adventures exploring the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.

In Jan, the Michelin Key-recognised Dusit Thani Kyoto will offer immersive wellness experiences inspired by nature and seasonality, including its Dusit Farm Retreat programme, WATSU healing sessions, and sound bath thery designed to encourage deeper connection and relaxation.

Elsewhere across the portfolio, guests can also explore experiences such as Rope Flow movement sessions at Dusit Thani Manila, Sunrise Reset wellness rituals, and Bedtime Story – Moonlight Tale evening experiences at Dusit Hotel Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi, alongside additional wellness experiences inspired by local culture, movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection.

The initiative reflects a broader transformation taking place across hospitality, where wellness is increasingly woven into the overall stay experience rather than treated as a standalone spa offering. This philosophy sits at the heart of Devarana Wellness, Dusit’s group wellness concept.

Well-Fest 2026 will run from 1–30 June 2026 at participating Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

For more information and participating destinations, visit

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