Kanchi Jain

India’s travel economy is loud, liquid, and expanding. But scratch the surface, and the contradictions get uncomfortable.

The first round of judges for 2026 Skift IDEA Awards includes destination leaders, airline analysts, sustainability executives, marketers, and data chiefs shaping how travel actually runs.

As AI reshapes how we work, the value of in-person connection feels sharper than ever. The organizations enabling smarter, more human-centered meetings are setting a new standard in business events.

Women Leading Travel steps onto the global stage this April with its first Asia edition, convening senior executives in Bangkok for a high-trust leadership exchange built for scale, strategy, and influence.

AI in travel is no longer new, but it isn’t settled either. Companies are scaling real use cases while discovering, in real time, where speed, trust, and control start to collide.

If you are unsure whether your idea is “innovative enough” for the IDEA Awards, you are likely asking the wrong question.

The most valuable industry conversations happen away from hype and hierarchy. They happen when experienced leaders speak plainly about what’s working, what’s changing, and what comes next.

India has become one of the most closely watched travel markets globally. The momentum is clear. What leaders must now decide is how to channel it.

Data, executive storytelling, and candid debate come together at Skift Travel Megatrends 2026. London is sold out. Register now for NYC.

Skift Asia Forum returns to Bangkok this April, convening senior leaders who are actively making growth, partnership, and transformation decisions across Asia’s travel ecosystem.