Delhi: The long weekend around Republic Day has sparked a significant upswing in travel activity across India, with hotels, resorts and travel platforms reporting a sharp increase in reservations, driven largely by the growing popularity of short, experience-focused getaways.
Industry executives say the trend reflects a changing mindset among travellers, who are increasingly opting for quick breaks that offer relaxation, local experiences and flexibility, rather than extended vacations planned far in advance. Destinations that are easy to reach, both domestically and internationally, are witnessing particularly strong demand.
K B Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India and Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said the hospitality sector is seeing robust momentum during the long weekend. According to him, urban travellers are favouring wellness stays, curated cultural experiences and personalised services, leading to higher occupancy levels and a rise in last-minute bookings across leisure hubs and emerging micro-destinations.
Travel booking platforms are also recording a surge. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, noted that short-haul domestic travel remains the top choice, with Goa retaining its position as the most sought-after leisure destination. Internationally, countries with simplified visa norms and strong flight connectivity, particularly Thailand and Vietnam, are attracting a growing share of Indian tourists.
Echoing similar views, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, described the Republic Day weekend as a key demand window, especially as it marks the first extended break of the year. He said leisure travel, event-linked stays and steady corporate movement are all contributing to healthy booking trends, with further growth expected closer to travel dates.
Madhav Sehgal, Senior Vice President Operations (South India) and Head of Sales at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, highlighted the rise of “micro-getaways” as a defining feature of long-weekend travel. He pointed out that travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that blend ease of access with local culture, heritage and immersive experiences.
Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director for Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said popular leisure destinations such as Udaipur, Jaipur, Jim Corbett, Gangtok, Mussoorie and coastal cities like Kochi are witnessing heavy footfall from metro and tier-1 cities, along with a noticeable jump in international bookings.
Rachit Gupta, Vice President and Head of Marketing and Sales at Athiva Hotels & Resorts, observed that guests are not only travelling more but also spending more on tailored experiences, curated dining and premium personalisation, signalling a shift towards high-value short stays.
Meanwhile, Arjun Baljee, Founder of ICONIQA and President of Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd, said booking patterns suggest travellers are increasingly making spontaneous decisions, with a large share of reservations coming in within a week of travel. This, he said, underlines the growing preference for flexibility and impromptu trips.
Richa Adhia, Managing Director at Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, added that the Republic Day long weekend has emerged as a powerful catalyst for domestic tourism, with demand significantly higher than on regular weekends as travellers look to start the year with refreshing and affordable breaks.
Overall, the surge in bookings underscores how extended weekends are reshaping India’s leisure travel landscape, turning short holidays into a major growth driver for the hospitality and tourism industry.
