ITB India 2025, held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, brought together the brightest minds from the global travel and tourism industry. Travel enthusiasts, media professionals, and industry leaders explored the latest trends in MICE, sustainable tourism, and luxury travel. Pooja Amritkar had the opportunity to connect with travel experts, exhibitors, and panelists, capturing their thoughts on emerging travel trends, innovative experiences, and the future of Indian outbound tourism. These exclusive insights shed light on what’s shaping travel in 2025 and beyond.

Tshering Wangma, Institute of Happiness, Zhu Bhutan Travels, focuses on promoting the beauty of Bhutan while championing women’s empowerment. She shares insights on sustainable travel, cultural experiences, and opportunities for female solo travellers exploring the Land of Happiness.

Q: Beyond monasteries and mountains, what hidden experiences should travelers seek?

A: Beyond the mountains and beyond the hiking, the main objective is to find yourself, your inner awareness, and find what you think is going to be your purpose now. Everybody is born with a purpose, and coming to Bhutan will change your perspectives and your outlook on life.

Q: What cultural festivals offer the most authentic insight into the Bhutanese life?

A: Every district in Bhutan celebrates its own unique cultural festival throughout the year. These festivals often portray the concept of the afterlife and the importance of leading a good life. There are masked dances, traditional rituals, and ceremonies. Some of the most authentic and popular festivals take place in main cities such as Paro and Thimphu, and each offers a unique glimpse into the local traditions and community spirit.

Q: As a first-time traveler to Bhutan, what are your top three recommendations?

A: The first thing is to be out in nature, go on hikes, and enjoy the views. Bhutan offers landscapes and experiences you don’t see in cities like Mumbai. There is so much clean air in Bhutan. Second, start your mornings with a yoga session, we have a variety of sound healings, or a sound bath. And third, spend time at a farm stay with a local family, share meals with them to experience the daily Bhutanese life. It’s all about family, community, eating together, working together, and that brings simple but lasting happiness.

Isha Goyal, CEO of STIC Travel Group, focused on Cruise Tourism in India through two highly engaging and insightful panels – Setting Sail for Growth: The Indian Cruise Outlook and Small Ships, Grand Journeys: India’s New Wave of Luxury Expedition Travel. Her perspectives highlighted how cruises are evolving as a key pillar of India’s outbound and luxury travel market.

Q: What is the future of cruise tourism in India, and any advice for cruise sellers?

A: Cruise Tourism, we believe, is the next big opportunity for the travel industry in India. With the manner in which the Indian travel outbound sector is growing, the profile of the cruise travellers globally is driving the shift in cruise tourism growth. India is perfectly poised to fill in that momentum, to ride that wave. So, now is the time to invest in cruise tourism.

If you are a seller with experience-driven customers, your advice to first-time cruise travellers should be about understanding what type of cruise is suitable for their personality and their needs. There is a cruise out there for every type of traveller, but every cruise is not for every type of traveller. As travel sellers, it is important for us to first understand that distinction and play matchmaker with customers, and help them make the right choices.

Jitesh Patil, Sales and Operations, Western Region, VietJet, shares his valuable insights on VietJet’s growing presence in India and Southeast Asia, connectivity, and opportunities for travellers.

Q: What sets VietJet apart and how is it strengthening connectivity?

A: VietJet is an affordable carrier for travellers across Asia, especially from India. We are currently operating direct flights from Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore to key destinations in Vietnam. And quite a few new routes are upcoming. Vietnam has gained a lot of popularity and has become a leading destination for Indian tourists. Phu Quoc is emerging as a honeymoon destination, and a lot of people are trying to explore this beach destination.

Beyond Vietnam, VietJet also offers connectivity to other countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and even Australia, making travel for Indians easy and affordable.

Naresh Rawal, Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, StarDream Cruises, with over 30 years of experience, Mr. Rawal has spent the past 22 years championing cruise tourism in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. He was on the panel for Niche to Norm: Unlocking the Regional Cruise Revolution and shared with us a few common misconceptions that often surround this segment of travel.

Q: What are a few misconceptions people have about cruises and how do you address them?

A: One of the biggest misconceptions people have about cruises is that they will get seasick. At StarDream Cruises, our ships are so large and stable that it actually takes very strong waves to cause any movement, most guests don’t even realize when the ship has set sail.

Another common belief is that cruises can get boring, but in reality, there’s something for everyone. From kids’ clubs, live entertainment, and themed activities to fine dining, spas, and romantic corners for couples, the options are endless. Many also assume cabins are small and cramped, but cruises today offer spacious rooms, luxury suites, and modern amenities. In fact, a cruise is like a floating resort, safe, fun, and full of variety, making it one of the most exciting ways to travel.

Dharmesh Advani, Director of Bombay Travels Pvt ltd, National Board Member ETAA, has years of expertise in curating meaningful journeys, and shared valuable insights on emerging destinations, family travel and what trends are shaping the way Indians explore the world today.

Q: Which destinations are gaining popularity for family travel, and how do you cater to their unique needs?

A: Indian families are increasingly opting for destinations like Goa, Kashmir, Dubai, Singapore, and Switzerland that blend comfort with kid-friendly experiences. We design itineraries with flexible pacing, family-friendly stays, and activities that ensure both children and parents enjoy a safe, enriching holiday together.

Q: Which underrated destinations or experiences do you think have huge potential to attract Indian travellers?

Indian travellers are increasingly seeking authentic, less-crowded experiences, and this is where underrated destinations hold huge potential. In India, north east states, Dholavira in Gujarat blends natural beauty with culture and history. Internationally, destinations such as Georgia, Armenia and Oman are emerging as affordable, visa-friendly, and immersive options. These places offer a perfect mix of serenity, adventure, and cultural depth, making them the next big draws for Indian explorers.

Trinh Viet Dzung (Tony), Founder & CEO, AsianaTravel, is a seasoned local DMC with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry. Tony talks on how Vietnam continues to attract Indian tourists, highlighting its safety, connectivity, and growing appeal for MICE, leisure, and destination weddings.

Q: Vietnam is already popular for backpackers, how is it growing as a MICE and wedding destination?

A: Vietnam is a very popular and convenient destination for Indian tourists, especially backpackers or solo travellers, because of its affordability, safety, and diverse attractions. But in recent years, it has also emerged strongly as a destination for MICE and weddings. Our cities have excellent facilities for MICE opportunities, modern convention centres, luxury hotels, along with local restaurants serving delicious Indian dishes and buffets. There has also been a noticeable increase in destination weddings in places like Da Nang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Phu Quoc, catering. Honeymooners are choosing Phu Quoc because of its natural beauty and stunning beaches. On top of this, Vietnam benefits from great connectivity, making it easier than ever for Indian travellers to explore the country.

Dylan Redas Noel, Director of Marketing at Sarawak Tourism Board, shared his insights at ITB India 2025 on promoting Sarawak as a must-visit destination. Known for its lush rainforests, vibrant wildlife, and rich indigenous culture, Sarawak offers immersive eco-tourism experiences and authentic adventures for travellers seeking both nature and culture.

Q: What is the best time of the year to travel to Sarawak?

A: Actually, Sarawak is a destination you can enjoy all year round. Our monsoon season typically falls between late November and January or early February, with occasional rainfall lasting 2–3 hours a day. Outside of this period, the weather is generally favorable. Of course, you can’t control nature, there will be rain and hot days, but that only adds to the experience. Many activities continue regardless of rain, and in fact, when it’s raining, you have a different experience which is unique altogether.

Q: How does Sarawak balance tourism with sustainability and protecting its local culture?

A: For Sarawak tourism, we focus on high-spending travellers who genuinely want to learn about the culture, not just shop. Corporate and leisure groups often participate in activities like tree planting, supporting local communities in meaningful ways. We promote our national parks, we promote our wildlife, where we have many protected species, we educate them because advocacy is really important. In this part of Asia, we are the only place where one can see Orangutans in the wild. We encourage tourists to visit our villages, where they learn about the culture of our people, their difficulties, their way of living and try the local cuisine too.

Places like Gunung Mulu, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have strict visitor limits to preserve them. In fact, 200 years ago, Sarawak was the first place where scientists started to tag turtles so that they could document their movements around the world.

Q: India is such a fast-growing outbound market, how is Sarawak targeting to attract specifically Indian travellers?

A: We participate in trade shows like ITB India to showcase what Sarawak has to offer. We will also be joining OTM and other available trade fairs. Our efforts aren’t just B2B, but also B2C.

At the same time, we collaborate with airlines through product update sessions, seminars, and workshops, sharing insights about Sarawak with travel agents. We focus on highlighting our strengths that are adventure, nature, culture, food, and unique experiences, rather than luxury. Our aim is to educate potential travellers and agents about what makes Sarawak truly special.

Q: As a first-time traveler to Sarawak, what are your top three recommendations?

A: If it’s your first time in Sarawak, definitely start with Kuching. The Sarawak Cultural Village is a must-visit, it gives you a true taste of Sarawak’s culture. You can learn about the local tribes, interact with the people, and make meaningful connections.

Second, don’t miss the orangutans. You’ll have a ranger take you there, stand here, and he will call them up. During my last group visit, we saw them eating, feeding, nursing their young, pooping and making love! It’s a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.

Lastly, immerse yourself in nature. Take a kayak down the river. Take a hike in the national parks. Our national parks are some of the best in the world.