Mumbai: India’s tourism sector is undergoing a strategic digital overhaul, with over 65 per cent of bookings now made online in 2024–25, according to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025. This shift underscores the growing centrality of technology in how travellers -- both domestic and international -- plan, book and experience their journeys.
The transformation is being driven by mobile apps, aggregator platforms and AI-powered recommendation engines that are redefining consumer behaviour. Travel technology start-ups are scaling rapidly, offering personalised itineraries, dynamic pricing models and frictionless payment systems. Government initiatives promoting digital literacy and cashless transactions have further accelerated adoption, positioning online booking as the default mode across the sector.
Even small operators in remote regions are now able to reach customers directly through digital platforms, signalling a democratisation of access and visibility. In Kerala, homestay owners in Alleppey and Wayanad report that the majority of bookings now originate from online channels, particularly from urban travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences. In Rajasthan, artisans have leveraged e-commerce integrations with tourism portals to extend sales beyond the physical visit. Goa’s hospitality sector has embraced digital payments, reducing cash dependency and enhancing operational transparency.
Industry leaders note that digitalisation has significantly improved convenience and efficiency. Today’s traveller expects a seamless experience -- from booking flights and hotels to arranging local guides and activities. The ability to compare options instantly and transact securely has fundamentally altered travel decision-making.
The impact spans age groups and geographies. Younger travellers rely heavily on mobile apps and social media for trip planning, while families increasingly opt for bundled deals via aggregator platforms. International visitors benefit from streamlined e-visa processes and multilingual information portals that reduce uncertainty and improve pre-arrival planning.
However, the transition is not without challenges. Experts caution that rural and elderly travellers may face barriers to adoption, and cybersecurity risks -- such as phishing scams and fraudulent booking sites -- remain a concern. Safeguards are essential to maintain trust and ensure the continued growth of digital platforms.
In response, the government has pledged to strengthen consumer protections. Measures include public awareness campaigns on safe digital practices, enhanced grievance redressal mechanisms, and tighter regulation of aggregator platforms. The objective is to ensure that digitalisation delivers equitable benefits to both travellers and service providers.
Sustainability is another emerging frontier. In Uttarakhand, online booking systems for trekking routes are helping manage footfall and reduce overcrowding. Madhya Pradesh has introduced digital ticketing for wildlife sanctuaries, improving monitoring and cutting paper waste. Museums and heritage sites in Delhi now offer QR-based guides, eliminating the need for printed brochures.
From a policy and planning perspective, digitalisation is reshaping how tourism is managed. Data from online platforms provides granular insights into visitor preferences, enabling more targeted infrastructure development and marketing strategies. These digital footprints are helping policymakers design smarter, demand-responsive interventions.
Looking ahead, the compendium concludes that digitalisation will remain a key growth driver for India’s tourism sector. With global travel expected to rebound further in 2026, India is well positioned to consolidate its gains -- provided infrastructure and policy support continue apace. For businesses, governments and communities alike, technology is no longer a peripheral tool but a foundational pillar of tourism strategy.
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