Indian women are shaping travel trends in 2026

The Airbnb report highlights how Indian women are reshaping travel trends in 2026, both as hosts and as travelers:

Women Hosts Driving Hospitality
- Nearly 30% of Airbnb hosts in India are women.
- They manage 35% of Guest Favourite listings, underscoring their role in delivering standout guest experiences.
- Hosting is not just about business—it’s creating economic opportunities for communities, with women sharing homes, culture, and local knowledge.

Travel Trends Among Indian Women
- Duo travel (two-person trips) was the most popular format, followed by small group trips.
- Top domestic destinations: North Goa, South Goa, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gurugram, and Pune.
- Top international destinations: Dubai, London, Bangkok, Paris, Ubud, Amsterdam, Tokyo, and Rome.
- Emerging hotspots: Dakshina Kannada and Mathura saw ~50% growth in bookings, while Kazbegi, Georgia recorded over 100% growth.

Empowerment & Ecosystem Building
- Airbnb launched the Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa, focused on empowering women and rural communities with hospitality and business skills.
- Women hosts like Babita from Uttarakhand shared how training gave them confidence to turn homestays into sustainable livelihoods.

Big Picture
Indian women are not only shaping where and how people travel, but also strengthening tourism ecosystems by blending entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and community development.