Travel demand is not declining but rapidly redistributing across destinations and price segments, as consumers adapt to disruptions and prioritise flexibility, said Sandeep Dwivedi.
Speaking at the Iconic Travel & Tourism Summit 2026, Dwivedi said booking patterns are shifting within hours, with travellers actively exploring alternate destinations.
He noted that air ticket bookings in impacted segments are down by around 27%, but the overall decline remains limited when adjusted for specific categories.
Travellers are increasingly opting for refundable fares, flexible bookings, and travel insurance, even at a premium, reflecting a shift towards security-driven decision-making.
Destinations such as Vietnam have seen a sharp surge in demand, with bookings rising by 189%, as travellers move towards more accessible and cost-effective options.
Dwivedi added that India’s digital-first consumer base is enabling real-time shifts in travel behaviour, making the market highly dynamic.
