It was only recently that Yatra Online CEO Dhruv Shringi could be heard talking about how Indian carrier IndiGo’s fierce pricing squeeze had led to a drop in revenue.
15.10.2024 - 12:29 / skift.com / Peden Doma Bhutia
Minimalism, for Gautam Munjal, the founder of Minimalist Hotels, is more than a buzzword — it’s about offering a high-quality experience without excess, appealing to travelers who are increasingly eco-conscious. In the latest episode of the Skift India Travel Podcast, catch Munjal in conversation with Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia as he talks about integrating hybrid spaces that cater to both work and leisure needs, while aiming to tap into the growing demand for flexibility among young urban travelers. He also sees food and beverage as an essential part of the guest experience, introducing unique concepts like craft cocktail bars and cozy cafés.
Minimalism as a Core Ethos: Minimalist Hotels embraces a design philosophy that focuses on creating serene, uncluttered spaces, using clean lines, neutral palettes, and functional furnishings to promote a sense of calm and simplicity.
Strategic Location Choices: Varanasi emerged as a key location for the brand due to its consistent appeal to international travelers and lack of unique accommodation options, making it a natural fit for the brand’s footprint.
Redefining Affordable Luxury: Munjal describes their approach as “lo-fi luxury,” offering authenticity and value through elements like specialty coffee and community spaces, appealing to Indian travelers who seek quality without the traditional grandeur.
Sustainability Challenges: While sustainability is becoming a priority, the industry faces challenges in implementing meaningful practices. He calls for online travel agencies to step up with sustainability ratings, recognizing a gradual shift in consumer preferences towards eco-friendly options.
Community-Driven Hospitality: Minimalist Hotels fosters a community atmosphere by blending co-working and leisure spaces, allowing a diverse mix of guests — from business travelers to startup founders — to interact and connect, all within a design-led environment.
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In this episode of the Skift India Travel Podcast, Gautam Munjal, the CEO of Minimalist Hotels, dives into the brand’s design philosophy and its take on minimalism within the hospitality sector. The discussion covers how the brand interprets minimalism not just as a trend, but as a core design and lifestyle ethos that emphasizes serene, uncluttered spaces and thoughtful details. The conversation moves from the aesthetic choices in room design to the brand’s commitment to providing immersive social experiences, like anytime breakfast, local tours, and community events at its properties.
Munjal shares insights into the brand’s journey, starting from their first hotel in Delhi to establishing a presence in locations like Goa, Shimla, and Varanasi. He explains why
It was only recently that Yatra Online CEO Dhruv Shringi could be heard talking about how Indian carrier IndiGo’s fierce pricing squeeze had led to a drop in revenue.
The traditional territories in Alberta are home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit who have called these territories home for time immemorial. We respectfully acknowledge the diverse histories, cultures, and territories of Treaty 6, 7, 8, 4, and 10, as well as the homelands of the Métis, the 8 Métis Settlements, the 6 Métis Regions of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Oct 13, 2024 • 8 min read
As a teenager who lived in a small town, I became obsessed with travel, collecting piles of books written by authors who'd traversed the globe under their own steam. I vowed to do the same and got a job at a bookshop to pay for it. There's nothing like working all hours to make you appreciate money, and I vowed not to waste a cent when I did get to see the world.
This summer, I traveled from the UK to spend 10 days road-tripping around Utah and Arizona.
China reported weaker-than-expected inflation over the weekend, highlighting continued sluggish consumer demand despite aggressive stimulus measures. The disappointing data was accompanied by an underwhelming economic briefing by the Chinese Finance Minister on Sunday, likely leading to further declines in Chinese stock markets following the recent stimulus frenzy.
The global tourism industry is bouncing back in 2024. International arrivals increased 16% between January and August, compared to 2023, according to travel intelligence firm ForwardKeys. The company’s insights, presented at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Perth, highlighted the pivotal role of the Asia-Pacific region in driving this resurgence.
Oct 9, 2024 • 8 min read
China’s travel sector is making a strong comeback, following a challenging period during the pandemic.
In a year marked by regional instability and war, Saudi Arabia’s inbound arrivals have continued to grow.
In this episode of the Skift India Travel Podcast, Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia is joined by Saniya Zanpure, research analyst at Skift, to explore India’s inbound tourism landscape. Last month, the Indian government announced initiatives aimed at boosting tourism, including offering 100,000 free visas. Despite surging outbound travel, inbound recovery has been slower, making these measures critical. Catch them discuss factors behind this disparity, such as safety concerns, visa issues, and infrastructure challenges, as well as untapped opportunities to enhance India’s appeal.
Despite looming recession fears, the travel industry continues to demonstrate strong growth, according to the Skift Travel Health Index for August 2024. The index showed a 9% increase from a year ago, led by the Asia Pacific region (up 13%) and North America (up 8%).