India’s travel sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with record numbers of outbound travelers and robust domestic tourism. Yet, despite growth, a $4.7 billion trade deficit underscores imbalances within the industry. The Skift India Intelligence Summit, scheduled for March 26 in Delhi, brings together ~100 senior executives to address these challenges and shape the next phase of India’s travel growth.
The Imbalance and the Need for Strategic Dialogue
The Indian travel market is booming: Thailand welcomed 2.48 million Indian visitors last year, while domestic hotels operate at nearly 70% occupancy with average daily rates around $90. However, this growth isn’t evenly distributed, and the trade deficit highlights the need for coordinated strategic discussions. The Summit isn’t a public forum, but a deliberately exclusive gathering designed for candid exchange among decision-makers.
Who Attends: A Curated Room of Leaders
The event draws executives responsible for strategy, distribution, technology, and growth from across the travel ecosystem. Confirmed speakers include:
- Amitabh Kant : Former G20 Sherpa and ex-CEO of NITI Aayog
- Raj Rishi Singh : CMO & Chief Business Officer, MakeMyTrip
- Dipak Deva : MD & CEO, Travel Corporation India Ltd.
- Anuraag Bhatnagar : CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
- Mugdha Sinha : Managing Director, India Tourism Development Corporation
- Gaurav Bhushan : Co-CEO, Ennismore
- Kapil Chopra : Founder & CEO, The Postcard Hotel
- Ranju Alex : CEO South Asia, Accor
- Chris Hartley : CEO, Global Hotel Alliance
Attendees also include leaders from hotel ownership groups, travel platforms, distribution networks, and tourism policy. The Summit is designed to foster a peer-to-peer exchange where every participant influences the conversation.
Why This Summit Is Different
Unlike conventional conferences, Skift India Intelligence Summit operates under strict confidentiality. Sessions are off-the-record, enabling leaders to openly discuss investment, demand signals, competitive dynamics, and the future of India’s travel industry without public scrutiny. The limited attendance guarantees meaningful engagement, where senior decision-makers share insights that may not be available elsewhere.
A Half-Day Program Focused on Key Forces
The Summit’s agenda is structured around three core themes shaping India’s travel economy:
- India’s Inbound Opportunity : Examining the country’s global tourism positioning and the growing luxury travel sector.
- The Domestic Travel Boom : Identifying investment opportunities within India’s rapidly expanding domestic market.
- The Outbound Explosion : Exploring the rise of Indian outbound travelers and the impact of technology (AI included) on future trends.
Throughout the day, Skift Research briefings will provide data-driven insights and forward-looking industry signals. The event concludes with strategic takeaways for 2026, followed by a networking reception.
Exclusivity and Application Process
The Skift India Intelligence Summit is invite-only to ensure a high-level dialogue. Executives from airlines, hospitality, travel technology, tourism boards, and distribution platforms can apply to attend. Given the limited capacity, completion of the application does not guarantee admission.
For leaders navigating one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets, this event is a critical opportunity to align strategies and anticipate what comes next.
