Republic Day Long Weekend Ignites Travel Boom Across India
The upcoming Republic Day long weekend, commencing this Saturday, is catalyzing a remarkable surge in travel activity throughout the nation. Hotels, resorts, and travel platforms are reporting a substantial increase in bookings, driven by robust demand that underscores a decisive transformation in how Indians plan their leisure time. This trend highlights the growing popularity of micro-getaways and short, experience-focused holidays.
Industry Leaders Note Shift Towards Shorter, High-Value Getaways
K B Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India and Chairman for South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, emphasized the strong traction witnessed across the hospitality sector. He stated that this reflects a clear behavioral shift among travelers who are now prioritizing shorter yet high-value escapes. "Hotels are reporting a spike in demand for wellness-led stays, curated local experiences, and flexible booking patterns—particularly from urban travelers seeking quick resets without extensive planning cycles," Kachru explained. He added that properties in both established leisure hubs and emerging micro-destinations are experiencing higher occupancies and stronger last-minute bookings.
Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, confirmed that the appetite for weekend travel remains vigorous. "There is a preference for nearby destinations, evident in the top travel choices from each metro. That said, Goa remains the favourite leisure destination within India. Internationally, the skew towards easy-visa destinations continues to gain traction," Magow noted. He pointed out that countries with direct flight connectivity to multiple Indian cities, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are leading the international demand.
Micro-Getaways and Personalized Experiences Take Center Stage
Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO for South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, observed that as the first long weekend of 2026, the Republic Day break is emerging as a powerful demand window. "Across our portfolio, booking momentum remains encouraging, supported by leisure travel, event-led demand, and steady corporate movement, with last-minute pick-ups expected closer to arrival," he said.
Madhav Sehgal, Senior Vice President of Operations and Head of Sales at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, highlighted that the rise of micro-getaways has become a core leisure trend shaping long-weekend travel. "Around Republic Day, we are seeing strong preference for escapes that combine ease of travel with cultural connection and local discovery," Sehgal stated.
Rachit Gupta, VP & Head of Marketing & Sales at Athiva Hotels & Resorts, remarked that the long-weekend effect is distinctly visible, with a noticeable rise in short, high-value getaways. "What stands out is not just the increase in demand, but the quality of bookings—guests are actively seeking tailored experiences, curated menus, and are willing to pay a premium for personalization," he elaborated.
Increased Demand Across Domestic and International Destinations
Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director for Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, reported an unprecedented surge in travel demand as the extended weekend approaches. "Leisure destinations across India, including Udaipur, Jaipur, Jim Corbett, Gangtok, Mussoorie, and coastal cities like Kochi, are experiencing a remarkable influx of travellers from metropolitan and tier-1 cities along with a notable increase in international bookings," Macarius said.
Shorter Planning Cycles and Spontaneous Travel Decisions
According to Arjun Baljee, Founder of ICONIQA and President of Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd, booking patterns indicate a clear move towards shorter planning cycles. "While premium inventory continues to attract some advance bookings, a significant share of reservations is now coming in closer to the travel date, typically within 7-10 days. This reflects travellers' growing preference for flexibility and spontaneous travel decisions," Baljee observed.
Echoing this sentiment, Richa Adhia, Managing Director at Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, noted that the Republic Day long weekend, being the first extended break of the year, has emerged as a strong trigger for domestic leisure travel. "We've seen a higher demand during this time compared to regular weekends, as travellers look to kick-start the year with short, value-led getaways," Adhia added.
The collective insights from industry executives paint a vivid picture of a dynamic travel landscape. The Republic Day weekend is not just a holiday period but a significant economic driver, reflecting evolving consumer preferences for convenience, quality experiences, and spontaneous adventures in both familiar and new destinations.
