Sanjay Razdan, Vice President, IATO, said that today’s luxury travellers seek authenticity, sustainability, exclusivity, and meaningful experiences, and not just five-star hotels. “India must improve visas, last-mile connectivity, heritage conservation, and global branding of niche experiences to position itself as a premium, experience-led tourism destination,” he added.
Razdan said stronger public-private collaboration and long-term destination planning will be critical for India to compete in the global luxury tourism market. He noted that international travellers are increasingly prioritising authentic and sustainable experiences over traditional luxury offerings, creating opportunities for India to strengthen its positioning through heritage, culture, niche tourism products, and improved travel infrastructure.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.