Newspatrolling.com News cum Content Syndication Portal Online
The travel industry in India is experiencing a revolution that is not ushered by experienced travellers or luxury-seeking tourists, but by Gen Z. The generation, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is swiftly becoming the influential demographic that is bringing change to the travel scene in the country. Unlike millennials, who hyped café-hopping and budget airlines, Gen Z is paving the way by pursuing meaning, genuineness, and sustainability in their endeavours. Renowned hospitality expert Sanjeev Nanda shared insights on how the young generation is shaping the travel scenario.
Why Offbeat Destinations Appeal to Gen Z
For Gen Z, travelling isn’t restricted to touristy indulgence like sightseeing or a five-star experience. Moving beyond a checklist, they want to get involved in various cultural immersions, form meaningful connections, and carry authentic stories with them. Staying at eco-resorts in Sikkim, glamping in Rishikesh, or trekking in the Northeast, such experiences connect with them deeply than traditional tourist hubs.
Nanda notes, “For Gen Z, a trip isn’t successful if it only provides comfort. They crave narratives, connections with locals, and experiences that make them feel part of something bigger than themselves. The offbeat destination gives them exactly that.”
This emphasis on authenticity over luxury signals a powerful shift in how India’s travel map is being redrawn.
The Visual & Social Media Influence: Sanjeev Nanda Weighs In
Gen Z, with their social media craze that includes YouTube vlogs or Instagram reels, use them as their compass that gravitates towards hidden spots, unexplored havens that visually appeal and strike a chord with the populace. A secluded sea beach, a centuries-old palace turned boutique stay, or a rustic treehouse in a national park, no other generation is as driven as Gen Z to capture the moments.
Sanjeev Nanda, the entrepreneur, explains: “Hotels today must curate experiences that are as shareable as they are memorable. A breakfast on a cliff edge, a lantern-lit trek, or a local artisan workshop isn’t just an add-on; it is what makes Gen Z choose you over the competition.”
The focus on “Instagram-worthy” moments has altered the hospitality scene as it places greater importance on upgrading every corner to double up as an experience.
Cost-Conscious & Smart Travel
When millennials lean toward flash sales or luxury indulgences, Gen Z strikes a delicate balance between budget and uniqueness. They prefer backpacker hostels, boutique hotels, Airbnb, co-living stays, and over-expensive chains. Travel packages that are affordable yet original, such as homestays offering cooking lessons with locals, are particularly attractive. The increase in social media apps and platforms has also made this generation more resourceful, ensuring they maximize every rupee spent without compromising on experiences.
Sustainability and Ethical Travel Matter
Eco-consciousness is a prerequisite, rather than an afterthought, for Gen Z. From eco-treks, farm-to-table dining, to zero-waste accommodations that support local communities, sustainability and strong environmental practices drive their travel decisions. This recalibration of values with choices means Indian hospitality providers must embed green practices not as marketing tools, but as integral operational strategies. This changing demand is forcing hospitality to reinvent itself. Smaller, experience-rich properties are mushrooming in tier II and III cities, coastal villages, and heritage towns. Personalized itineraries, community-based workshops, and eco-friendly amenities are quickly becoming the norm.
According to Sanjeev Nanda, “We are seeing a decisive move away from standardized, copy-paste experiences. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for Gen Z; it is the deciding factor in where they choose to stay. The future of Indian hospitality lies in curating intimate, localized, and value-driven stays that empower both travellers and host communities.”
This realignment is opening fresh opportunities for hoteliers and entrepreneurs willing to adapt to this new sensibility. Gen Z’s love for offbeat destinations is more than a trend; it is a transformation that will shape India’s travel and hospitality industry for years to come. Their choices underline a generational shift towards authenticity, sustainability, and individuality.
“The travel preferences of Gen Z are not temporary fads. They are setting the blueprint for the future of Indian hospitality, one where experience, responsibility, and connection matter more than luxury alone. Hotels and resorts that ignore this alienate the very audience that will dominate travel in the next decade,” he concludes.
