87% of Indians Travel for Wellness
A growing trend sees Indian travelers prioritizing self-care and personal wellness over traditional sightseeing, with 91% saying wellness influences their choice of destination
The wellness travel industry is experiencing a significant surge, with many travelers, particularly Indians, shifting their focus from traditional sightseeing to self-care and personal wellness. A staggering 87% of Indian travelers are motivated to travel for personal wellness, according to Booking.com's Travel Predictions 2026.
This trend is further reinforced by the fact that 91% of Indian travelers say wellness influences their choice of destination. The rise of 'glowcation', or skincare-focused getaways, is also becoming increasingly popular, with 93% of Indian travelers open to such experiences.
The wellness travel trend is driven by modern complaints such as poor sleep, always-on work, digital overload, metabolic concerns, stress, and an overstimulated nervous system. As a result, travelers are seeking more personalized and experience-led travel, with 91% drawn to wellness-focused stays.
Booking.com's Travel Predictions 2026 and Hilton's 2026 outlook have both highlighted the growing importance of wellness in travel. The trend of travelers seeking nature, quiet, and slower pursuits has been termed 'Hushpitality' by Hilton. Skyscanner's Travel Trends 2027 survey, conducted among 2,000 Indians, combined with its search insights, also supports this growing trend.
## Why it matters The shift towards wellness travel marks a significant change in the way people approach holidays. Instead of prioritizing sightseeing, travelers are now focusing on what they can gain from their trip, whether it's improved physical health, mental well-being, or a sense of community. This trend is expected to continue growing, with the wellness travel industry becoming an increasingly important sector.
As travelers seek more meaningful and personalized experiences, the travel industry is responding with a range of wellness-focused options, from 'glowcations' to 'runcations' and 'calmcations'. With the wellness travel industry expected to continue growing, it's clear that the way we travel is changing, and self-care is becoming a top priority.
