Wedding season in India has set new benchmarks for hotel bookings and revenue this year. Properties across the country report unprecedented demand, with many achieving their highest-ever revenue figures post-pandemic. Iconic destinations, customisation trends, and lavish spending are driving this surge.
Record-breaking business for hotels
Hotels have experienced an all-time high in bookings during this wedding season. Ashok Singh Rathore, Area Director at IHCL and General Manager of Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, revealed that average daily rates and occupancies reached record levels. Typically, rates peak during Christmas and New Year, but this year, the wedding boom has brought early gains.
Luxury resorts like JW Marriott in Goa and Mussoorie also reported their best-ever wedding bookings. In Delhi, an estimated 450,000 weddings over three weeks further fuelled this trend, reflecting the immense demand for wedding venues and accommodations.
Customisation and iconic venues in high demand
Couples are now seeking more personalised experiences, from curated after-parties to intricate décor. Rajat Sethi, General Manager of Fairmont Jaipur, stated that bookings have risen by 25% this year. Destination weddings remain popular, with properties in Jaipur, Udaipur, Goa, and Kerala frequently sold out.
Parveen Chander, Executive Vice President at IHCL, noted that an increased number of auspicious wedding dates in November and December has significantly boosted demand.
Impact on travel and tourism
The wedding season’s influence extends beyond hotels. Aloke Bajpai, CEO of ixigo, reported a 70-80% surge in flight bookings year-over-year for metro cities and popular wedding destinations. Tier-II and Tier-III cities like Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Patna have also seen substantial growth in air travel demand.
A Transformative wedding season
The wedding season in India has redefined the hospitality industry’s post-pandemic recovery. With record-breaking revenues, rising demand for customisation, and increased travel, this period has proven to be a golden chapter for the industry.
