Monsoon insights by Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO South Asia on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group

The monsoon season, once regarded as an off-peak travel period, is increasingly emerging as a preferred time for exploration across India. Driven by resilient domestic demand and travellers seeking immersive nature, wellness, and cultural experiences, Radisson Hotel Group has witnessed strong momentum across its portfolio during May–June 2026, with occupancies surpassing last year’s performance and July bookings pacing nearly 10% ahead year-on-year.

Monsoon as Peak Season:
Once considered off-peak, May–June 2026 saw strong occupancies outperforming last year, with July bookings pacing 10% ahead year-on-year.

Destination Demand:
- Leisure: Nainital, Jawai, Karjat, Lonavala, Mount Abu, Nathdwara, Goa.
- Spiritual: Ayodhya, Varanasi, Puri — reflecting growth in faith-led tourism.

Guest Preferences:
- Holistic stays with wellness facilities, indoor recreation, and authentic local experiences.
- Rising interest in regional cuisine and seasonal comfort food, with curated dining becoming central to the stay.

Leadership Insight
Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO South Asia, noted:
> “The monsoon is increasingly emerging as a preferred travel season rather than an off-peak period, driven by resilient domestic demand and travellers seeking immersive nature, wellness and cultural experiences.”

This shows how Radisson is reframing the monsoon as a prime travel season, tapping into India’s evolving appetite for experience-led travel across leisure and spiritual destinations.