Travel Trends
India’s Cultural Wanderlust Is Redefining Travel In 2025 | Travel News

More than half of Indian travellers (55%) have attended cultural festivals or fairs, and a staggering 76% have even altered travel plans just to witness a cultural spectacle. This year, Durga Puja in Kolkata (53%), Lathmar Holi in Barsana (51%), and Onam in Kerala (35%) top the must-see list. Beyond festivals, historical cities like Jaipur and Varanasi, and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hampi and the Taj Mahal, continue to pull in culture-curious Indians. Skyscanner data even shows that searches for Varanasi have increased by 76% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Hidden Gems Take Centre Stage
It’s not just the big names that are drawing attention. An overwhelming 93% of travellers said they would consider lesser-known destinations if they offered authentic cultural experiences. This reflects a growing appetite for hidden gems: villages, towns, and communities where traditions thrive away from crowded tourist trails. One way to explore these hidden treasures is by using Skyscanner’s ‘Explore Everywhere’ search feature, with filter options like ‘underrated destinations’ and ‘art and culture’ to make it easier than ever to find the perfect spot for a unique tradition-rich escape.
Travel for Connection And Meaning
“Indian travellers are moving beyond holidays taken only for leisure. The growing quest for depth has given rise to a new archetype, the culture-curious traveller, one who seeks knowledge, connection, and fulfilment,” said Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert. “For them, success is measured in stories carried home that deepen their sense of people and place. Interestingly, our report also highlights that 71% prefer to travel with family, followed by 62% with friends, and 56% with a partner or spouse. This shows travel today is shifting from sights seen, to connections deepened and Skyscanner’s all-in-one app makes it easier and more affordable to plan those meaningful journeys.”
From Observing to Immersing
The new cultural traveller doesn’t want to just watch; they want to participate. Four in ten want to explore heritage villages or eco-cultural communities, while 38% are keen on culinary trails that reveal the roots of local cuisines. As Dr. Aditi Rawat of Pahle India Foundation puts it, “Cultural tourism is fast becoming a defining lens through which Indian travellers experience their country and the world. The trend is moving towards combining cultural discovery with comfort, luxury, and leisure, a blend that encourages longer stays and deeper engagement. Catalysed by rising accessibility, robust infrastructure, and digital connectivity, it is reshaping travel from passive sightseeing to immersive storytelling, where visitors engage with living heritage, traditions, and narratives that define each destination.”
Safety, Planning, and Smart Hacks
Practicality, of course, remains key. Safety ranks as the top consideration (45%) when choosing a cultural trip, followed by authenticity (33%) and seasonality (31%). Most travellers start planning one to two months in advance, leaning on social media (45%), friends and family (39%), and apps like Skyscanner (27%) for inspiration. And when it comes to booking, value matters! 60% say knowing the cheapest time to fly during a festival is their most helpful hack.
To further assist Indians in charting their journeys, Neel Ghose added, “For travellers seeking inspiration, describing your ideal getaway on Skyscanner’s app-only AI feature, Savvy Search can help uncover temple cities, native lands, royal palaces, and more. The tool curates a list of destinations based on the prompts, directing you to Skyscanner’s flight search, letting you compare the best prices. And, when it comes to planning, for those looking to make the most of their holiday around a festival, a simple hack is to use the ‘Whole Month’ view to spot the cheapest days to fly around the date! Smart planning choices like these can help unlock cultural experiences without breaking the bank, letting you create memories and returning home with learnings that last a lifetime.”
Travel Trends
My Menu launches a free platform for 5,000 restaurants
DUBAI, UAE – My Menu, the global restaurant technology platform serving 4,500+ restaurants and 600+ hotels in 70 countries, announced the launch of its commission-free reservations and table management system, offered entirely free to 5,000 restaurants worldwide.
This bold move disrupts an industry dominated by high-fee reservation platforms, where independent and mid-sized restaurants often struggle under commission costs and high subscription prices. With My Menu’s new system, selected restaurants will be able to manage bookings, optimize table turnover, reduce no-shows, and build guest loyalty, without paying any fees.
More than a product launch, this is My Menu’s way of giving back to the industry that helped it grow.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we offered free contactless menus to keep restaurants and their staff safe,” said Abhishek Bose, CEO & Founder of My Menu. “That goodwill took us from 300 to more than 4,500 restaurant clients worldwide. Today, as restaurants face rising costs, labor shortages, and the pressure to bring in more guests, we’re stepping in again to help, this time with reservations.”
What’s included for selected partner restaurants:
- Commission-Free Reservations: Seamless integration with Google, Zomato, Swiggy, and EazyDiner.
- Advanced Table Management: Smart tools to optimize seating and potentially double covers per meal period.
- Guest CRM & Marketing: Build loyalty with personalized experiences and data-driven insights.
- Full Support: Free setup, installation, and remote training for a smooth launch.
- Sustainability Tie-In: For every restaurant that joins, My Menu plants a tree in the My Menu Forest, allowing diners to contribute to climate action with every booking.
Who qualifies?
Casual dining, full-service restaurants that operate at least two meal periods (such as lunch and dinner) and value reservations. Quick-service restaurants generally do not qualify, as they rarely rely on table bookings.
“This is about more than technology,” added Bose. “We owe our success to the restaurant community, and it’s only fitting that we help them thrive in return. The more restaurants succeed, the more the entire dining ecosystem wins.”
Industry experts note that My Menu’s move could significantly shift the balance of power away from legacy platforms that charge high subscription fees or per-cover fees, creating a more sustainable future for restaurant operators.
The article My Menu launches a free platform for 5,000 restaurants first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Travel Trends
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa debuts in the Dominican Republic
CHICAGO, IL – Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the grand opening of Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, the new all-inclusive beachfront resort located in a secluded and nature-rich region along the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, marking the continued expansion of the Dreams Resorts & Spas brand within Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection portfolio. Designed to bring people together through meaningful moments, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa offers families and multigenerational travelers a scenic escape where nature, comfort, and connection converge.
“Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa invites families and multigenerational travelers to relax, reconnect, and discover the beauty of the Dominican Republic,” said Ángel Medina, General Manager, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa. “Blending warm Dominican hospitality with the all-inclusive ease that defines the Dreams Resorts & Spas brand, we’ve created a place where every detail inspires connection.”
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa introduces guests to a side of the Dominican Republic known more for its natural beauty than busy resort strips. Whether families are gathering by the waterpark, enjoying a barefoot stroll along the beach, or discovering new experiences together, the resort captures what the brand does best – curating effortless, all-inclusive escapes made for every generation.

Junior Suite Partial Ocean View Bedroom.
A Scenic, Family-Centered Caribbean Escape
Set along a secluded stretch of soft sand and calm Caribbean waters, the newly built resort features 500 thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, including rooms with garden, pool, or oceanfront views, with select suites offering direct swim-out access. Inside, guests will find plush bedding, spacious bathrooms with rain showers and double vanities, and Pharmacopia Natural Bodycare bath amenities.
Guests seeking an elevated stay can book the Preferred Club, with additional privileges such as upgraded suite locations, dedicated butler service, exclusive lounge and pool access, and enhanced in-room amenities. The Preferred Club Presidential Suite is the crown jewel of the oceanfront experience with an expansive layout, private kitchen, jet pool terrace, and panoramic sea views.
Culinary Discovery and Public Square
Under the direction of Executive Chef Carlos Quijano, the resort’s ten restaurants and seven bars invite guests on a global tasting journey, without ever leaving the resort. Culinary highlights include Tierra, showcasing South American dishes prepared with bold regional flavors; El Patio, where classic Mexican cuisine is served a la carte; and 1844 Dominican Cuisine, which pays tribute to the island’s local roots through reimagined Dominican specialties.
At the heart of Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and the adjacent adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa lies the vibrant Public Square, a shared, village-style hub filled with dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. This dynamic space is home to several of the property’s dining venues, bars, and gathering spots, perfect for grabbing a morning coffee or winding down with music and cocktails after dark. Guests also enjoy seamless access between both properties, allowing families at Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and adults at Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa to come together at the Dreams property effortlessly while still enjoying the tailored experiences of each resort, with adults staying at either property able to enjoy full access to both.

World Cafe
Family-Friendly Amenities
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa was designed with families in mind, offering a full schedule of supervised activities at the Explorer’s Club for Kids ages 3-12 and the Core Zone Teens Club for ages 13-17. From arts and crafts to beach games and teen socials, every child has space to explore, play, and connect, giving parents the freedom to unwind and enjoy time together or apart.
Beyond its dining and gathering spaces, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa invites guests to unwind and explore in the sun-soaked surroundings of the Caribbean. Three shimmering pools, including a dedicated family-friendly pool, offer plenty of room to lounge and splash, while the resort’s vibrant on-site waterpark features thrilling waterslides and splash zones designed for kids and kids at heart. A well-equipped fitness center helps guests stay active while away, and those seeking deeper relaxation can indulge at the Secrets Spa, which offers massage cabins, a hydrotherapy circuit, a bridal suite, and a full-service beauty salon. With direct access to Playa Esmeralda’s soft sands and calm waters, the resort delivers the ideal blend of recreation and rejuvenation in an inviting tropical setting.
Playa Esmeralda: the Dominican Republic’s Hidden Gem
Nestled in the still-developing region of Miches, the resort sits at the intersection of tranquility and adventure. Guests are surrounded by natural wonders rarely found in more touristed destinations, including Montaña Redonda, known for its panoramic swings and hilltop views; the dramatic limestone cliffs of Los Haitises National Park; and Samaná Bay, where humpback whales can be spotted breaching just offshore during migration season.
More active travelers can hike to Salto La Jalda, the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean, or kayak through the peaceful, mangrove-lined waters of Laguna Limón, all just a short drive from the resort. These immersive excursions offer an authentic glimpse into the Dominican Republic’s ecological richness, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
As part of Hyatt’s commitment to responsible tourism through its World of Care platform, the resort is also engaged in initiatives to help preserve the natural surroundings that make Miches so special. In partnership with Promiches, a local organization focused on sustainable development in the region, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa recently installed a protected sea turtle nesting area along its beachfront – supporting one of the most important habitats for native sea turtles in the Playa Esmeralda area and reinforcing the resort’s connection to the land, sea, and community it calls home.
An exceptional reef lies just steps from the shore, with abundant marine life including turtles, colorful reef fish, and occasional manatee sightings, all within a pristine beach environment that the resort works hard to preserve and protect.
Where Celebrations Come to Life
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa is an exceptional destination for weddings and milestone gatherings, offering over 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including both seaside ceremony spots and an elegant Miches Ballroom ideal for receptions or corporate events. With a dedicated on-site wedding team, couples can choose from customizable packages that accommodate intimate elopements or grand celebrations, bringing every detail – florals, dining, décor – to life with ease.
Unique to this destination, couples can be among the first to say “I do” in Playa Esmeralda. Notably, the adjacent Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa provides adults-only amenities that are ideal for extended destination weddings or multi-family groups, ensuring everyone has space to relax, socialize, and celebrate in style
World of Hyatt members can earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa with the New Hotels Bonus Offer.
The article Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa debuts in the Dominican Republic first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
Travel Trends
Avion Hospitality selected to manage DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre in Dallas
PLANO, TEXAS – Avion Hospitality announced the company has been awarded management of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre, a landmark property in the heart of Dallas, Texas. The 300-room hotel, featuring more than 11,600 sq. ft. of versatile meeting and event space, strengthens Avion’s growing southwestern portfolio. This marks Avion’s eleventh hotel in Texas, further solidifying its presence and leadership in the state.
Avion will partner with ownership to execute a multi-million-dollar renovation program that will reimagine guest rooms, public spaces and event facilities. The refurbishment further positions DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre as a destination of choice for both business and leisure travelers in Dallas.
“We are honored to have been selected to manage the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre,” said Robert Burg, CEO and president of Avion Hospitality. “This hotel has long been recognized as an important architectural feature of the Dallas skyline, and we are thrilled to bring new energy and vision to the property that will undergo a transformative renovation to elevate the guest experience and deliver exceptional results for ownership.”
Avion Hospitality is a national third-party hotel management company specializing in branded full-service, select-service and luxury independent properties. The company partners with world-class owners and leverages industry-leading tools to elevate performance for owners, team members and guests alike. Trust and transparency are among Avion’s foundational values, and its commitment to maintaining a low ratio of assets to property support ensures highly focused attention and superior outcomes across all disciplines. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Plano, Texas, Avion Hospitality delivers tailored, people-first leadership and results.
The article Avion Hospitality selected to manage DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre in Dallas first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
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