Influencer Marketing in Travel Industry 2025

Apoorva

The Travel industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, propelled by the rise of digital influence, influencer-led marketing, and visually rich content creation.

Introduction: Travel Market Overview

The Indian Travel industry is evolving rapidly, driven by the rise of digital platforms, influencer-led marketing, and a focus on convenience-driven travel solutions. E-commerce platforms such as Uber, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Airbnb, and redBus dominate consumer engagement, offering seamless booking experiences for rides, flights, accommodations, and more. Social media channels like Instagram amplify reach through influencer collaborations, topical campaigns, and visually rich content. Key travel brands leverage hashtags, promotional offers, and innovative services (e.g., pet-friendly travel, women’s safety features) to enhance visibility and sales. From ride-sharing and luxury cruises to airlines and travel essentials, each category reflects unique trends and strategies.

From ride-sharing and luxury cruises to airlines and travel essentials, each travel category in India showcases distinct trends and leading brands. Here’s a deep dive into category-wise analysis and brand performance:

Leading Indian Travel Brands

Uber

Dominates urban mobility with diverse options (e.g., Uber Moto, Uber Pet) and campaigns like ‘DontWaveJustTap’.

Taj Hotels

Known for heritage properties (e.g., Taj Mahal Palace) and luxury hospitality.

Cordelia

Masters domestic cruise tourism with Lakshadweep and Goa itineraries.

Red Bus

Pioneers bus ticket bookings with added train services via RedRail.

Make My Trip

Leads with comprehensive travel solutions and festive discounts.

IndiGO

A go-to for on-time performance and expanding business class offerings.

Zoomcar

Caters to self-drive travelers with flexible rental options.

Exploring the Diverse Categories of Travel Brands

Car Rentals and Ride Sharing

The car rental and ride-sharing market is thriving, propelled by technological integration, a sharp focus on safety, and tailored services like pet-friendly options. Consumers prioritize convenience, affordability, and secure travel, driving a competitive landscape shaped by innovative offerings and savvy marketing.

This market blends established giants with fast-rising players. Uber leads with a versatile lineup—Uber Moto, Uber Pet, and Intercity—bolstered by safety campaigns like #SaferRidesWithUber and app-driven ease. Ola expands beyond rides with electric ventures and OlaCoin rewards, while Budget and Zoomcar cater to road-trip enthusiasts with reliable rentals. Emerging star Rapido, a newly-minted unicorn, emphasizes affordability and speed with pet-friendly autos and bike taxis, even integrating metro ticket services.

Growth is fueled by service innovations, addressing needs like women’s safety and pet travel, and unique approaches—Rapido’s urban agility, Budget’s adventure focus, and Ola’s tech-forward vision. Social media engagement and moment marketing amplify this dynamic market’s reach and appeal.

Choti Si Ek Ladki partners with Uber to make airport trips stress-free and seamless!

Ekach Chhava partners with Rapido to bring you #5MinAuto – Easy, Safe & Affordable Rides!

The figure on the left illustrates the number of influencer reels identified for these brands over the past six months. A larger logo size indicates a greater number of content pieces discovered. Some of the top brands are uber_india (37 reels), olacabs (24 reels), rapidoapp (12 reels), budget (7 reels), zoomcar_india (2 reels), alamorentacar (2 reels), and nationalcarrental (1 reel)

Find the list of Car Rentals and Ride Sharing brands here.

Cruises and Luxury Travels

The cruises and luxury travel market is thriving, driven by a focus on experiential journeys, destination-rich itineraries, and a blend of entertainment and comfort. Consumers crave unique, all-inclusive escapes, spotlighting a market fueled by luxury and memorable experiences.

This vibrant market showcases established players dominating with distinctive offerings. Cordelia Cruises sails to Lakshadweep and Goa with celebration-ready amenities, while Resort World Cruises explores Dubai-to-Oman routes with resort-style flair. Maharajas’ Express and Heritage Palace on Wheels redefine rail travel with 5-star opulence across India’s royal landscapes.

Growth is propelled by innovative itineraries, tailored experiences like family activities and Jain dining, and unique approaches—trains as palaces, cruises as floating resorts. Social media dazzles with influencer-driven visuals, boosting brands like Greaves Travel and Rayna Tours. This market marries luxury with value, crafting unforgettable journeys for discerning travelers.

ActuallyNhn collaborates with Cordelia Cruises to bring you the ultimate luxury travel experience! 🌊✨

Imagine waking up to an endless ocean horizon, feeling the gentle sea breeze—welcome aboard @cordeliacruises! ⚓🌅

Kajal Kothari sets sail with Resorts World Cruises for a journey filled with sunsets, sea dreams, and unforgettable moments! 🌊✨

Aboard the luxurious @resortsworldcruises.in, every experience is grander at sea.

The figure on the left illustrates the number of influencer reels identified for these brands over the past six months. A larger logo size indicates a greater number of content pieces discovered. Some of the top brands are cordeliacruises (65 reels), resortsworldcruises.in (29 reels), maharajas_express (4 reels), heritagepalaceonwheels (4 reels), greaves_tours (3 reels), orangedmcindia (1 reel), banyan_tours (1 reel), and antara.cruises (1 reel)

Find the list of Cruises and Luxury Travels here.

Full-Service Airlines in India

The full-service airline market in India is evolving, marked by mergers like Vistara with Air India, expanded routes, and a push for enhanced customer experiences. Consumers seek affordable fares, comfort, and reliability, driving a competitive landscape shaped by strategic shifts and regional growth.

This market blends established titans with emerging contenders. Air India, merging with Vistara, aims for a 30% market share, adding Wi-Fi and new routes like Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City. IndiGo, a low-cost giant, ventures into business class with sales like the Grand Runaway Fest at ₹1,111 fares. SpiceJet grapples with delays, while Vistara’s legacy fades into Air India.

Newer players like FLY91 connect regional hubs with fares from ₹1991, Akasa Air celebrates family-friendly milestones, and Star Air links 22 cities with affordability. Growth is fueled by mergers, route expansion, competitive pricing, and tech innovations like app-based bookings.

Ciao.Namaste.World shares exciting updates on Air India’s transformation under @tatacompanies leadership! ✈️🔥

Tanya Khanijow’s Travel Vibes with IndiGo & Spotify! 🎶✈️

Thanks to @indigo.6E x @spotifyindia’s 6E Shuffle, my personalized travel playlist is now sorted! 🎧💙 Now, I’ll always book a window seat on IndiGo—”For The Feels.” 🌍✨

The figure on the left illustrates the number of influencer reels identified for these brands over the past six months. A larger logo size indicates a greater number of content pieces discovered. Some of the top brands are airindia (82 reels), indigo.6e (56 reels), vistara (34 reels), airindiax (24 reels), akasaair (14 reels), forever.6e (10 reels), spicejetairlines (9 reels), fly91.in (5 reels), and officialstarair (2 reels)

Find the list of Airline Services brands here.

Hotels and Resorts in India

The hotels and resorts market thrives on a quest for luxury and extraordinary experiences, marked by opulent stays, award-winning service, and a growing nod to sustainability. Consumers crave sophistication, convenience, and eco-conscious options, propelling a sector defined by indulgence and innovation.

This market is dominated by established luxury giants. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, crowned the world’s best luxury hotel group in 2024, dazzles with global acclaim. Taj Hotels, led by the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, blends heritage with top-tier branding, while Marriott’s Westin and JW properties host grand events. ITC Hotels pioneers “Responsible Luxury” with sustainable practices across properties like ITC Ratnadipa, and Grand Hyatt and The Leela elevate modern comfort and Indian flair.

Growth is driven by impeccable service, innovative offerings like curated dining, and adaptations to family and business needs. Awards from Condé Nast and Travel + Leisure plus eco-initiatives amplify these brands’ allure in a market where luxury meets purpose.

The figure on the left illustrates the number of influencer reels identified for these brands over the past six months. A larger logo size indicates a greater number of content pieces discovered. Some of the top brands are tajhotels (110 reels), tajmahalmumbai (60 reels), tajpalacenewdelhi (55 reels), tajfalaknuma (52 reels), stregismumbai (51 reels), theleelapalace_jaipur (50 reels), jwmarriottjuhu (48 reels), hotel_saharastar (41 reels), fsmumbai (41 reels), and suryagarh (38 reels)

Find the list of Hotels and Resorts brands here.

Arjun Dhananjayan captures the Gateway of Paradise ✨

A tribute to the visionary @ratantata, showcasing the timeless elegance of @tajmahalmumbai & @tajhotels.

The Dream Mapper collaborates with Taj Mahal Mumbai to capture the soul of this iconic city. ✨

Travel Agencies in India

The travel agencies market is pulsating with energy, driven by a surge in experiential travel and a spotlight on diverse destinations, from India’s Ladakh to Japan’s Kyoto. Consumers crave seamless, budget-friendly, and premium adventures, fueling a dynamic sector rich with unique offerings.

This vibrant market features a blend of established and emerging players. Bihar Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Tourism boost regional appeal through events like TTF Patna, while TTF itself connects industry stakeholders. Tour operators like Holiday Panda Tours and Lyka Holidays offer extensive international packages, and JustWravel excels in adventure group travel. Tripfactory emphasizes affordable, visa-free trips, and influencers highlight India’s gems across social media platforms.

Explore Japan with Lyka Holidays & Holiday Panda Tours! 🇯🇵✨

(Collab with @Wanderingg_Foodie)

Tourism Bihar collaborates with TTF India at the Travel & Tourism Fair 2024, Patna!

Hon’ble Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Tourism & Culture, Govt. of India), Shri Nitish Mishra (Tourism & Industries Minister, Bihar), Shri Satpal Maharaj (Tourism Minister, Uttarakhand), and Shri Lokesh Kumar Singh (Secretary, Bihar Tourism) shared insights on the immense potential for tourism development in Bihar.

The figure on the left illustrates the number of influencer reels identified for these brands over the past six months. A larger logo size indicates a greater number of content pieces discovered. Some of the top brands are indiatravellife (22 reels), holidaypandatours (15 reels), ttfindia (9 reels), therltravels (7 reels), justwravel (3 reels), montaxeofficial (2 reels), tripfactoryofficial_ (1 reel), travelbreed (1 reel), tourluxholiday (1 reel), and skyplanet_holidays (1 reel)

Find the list of Travel Agencies brands here.

Travel Apps in India

The travel app market is booming, driven by a surge in mobile-first booking platforms and a consumer appetite for deals, convenience, and personalized travel. Users are flocking to apps that streamline planning and offer cost-effective, tailored experiences, fueling a competitive digital landscape.

This market blends established giants with niche innovators. Airbnb leads with rentals and curated experiences, while Booking.com and Tripadvisor excel in reviews and reservations. Indian OTAs like Cleartrip, Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, and EaseMyTrip dominate with discounts and festive sales, and Skyscanner shines in flight deal comparisons. RedBus and Zingbus specialize in bus travel, IRCTC Tourism ties rail journeys to tour packages, and OYO ensures quality stays. Emerging players like Namma Yatri ,GetYourGuide, and Klook focus on local rides and excursions.

Social media inspiration and tools like TravelArrow amplify this vibrant market’s appeal.

Jeanette Mesquita collaborates with Airbnb to share the perfect countryside stay in Gabala, Azerbaijan! 🇦🇿✨

Nathalie Wanders collaborates with Visit Abu Dhabi & TripAdvisor to bring an immersive travel experience! ✨

From Paris to Abu Dhabi in a weekend—thanks to 360° immersive domes at Westfield Les Halles, Nathalie virtually explored Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, and Saadiyat Beach Club. 🏝️

The figure on the left illustrates the number of influencer reels identified for these brands over the past six months. A larger logo size indicates a greater number of content pieces discovered. Some of the top brands are Airbnb (394 reels), Tripadvisor (101 reels), RailMinIndia (84 reels), EaseMyTrip (81 reels), MakeMyTrip (59 reels), Cleartrip (32 reels), Skyscanner India (22 reels), ZingBus (20 reels), TravelXPTV (18 reels), and Goibibo (17 reels).

Find the list of Travel Apps- here.

Travelling Essentials and Packing Brands

The travelling essentials market for luggage and bags in India is vibrant, driven by a fusion of style, functionality, and tailored solutions. Consumers seek durable, aesthetically pleasing, and smart luggage that reflects personal identity while meeting specific travel needs, fueling a dynamic and competitive sector.

This market blends established names with rising innovators. Safari and Samsonite anchor the space with trusted quality, while Mokobara captivates with chic, colorful suitcases and offline expansion. Nasher Miles blends durability with neon flair, targeting niches like parent honeymoons, and Assembly Travel introduces smart features like charging ports. Skybags and Inskybags appeal to young adventurers, VIP Bags cater to wedding needs, and Aristavault pioneers tech-savvy security. Niche players like The Burlap People emphasize sustainable jute, and Nappa Dori collaborates with Royal Enfield for crafted elegance.

Ghazal Gupta collaborates with Mokobara for the cutest travel essential! Tag your girliepop who you’d love to travel with! Our matching suitcases from @mokobara are a must-have for stylish getaways!

Chandni Bhagwanani collaborates with IT Luggage for the perfect travel companion! ✨✈️ Wherever life takes you, IT Luggage has got you covered! Designed for durability and style, these bags feature multi-directional wheels and spacious interiors to make traveling effortless.

The figure on the left illustrates the number of influencer reels identified for these brands over the past six months. A larger logo size indicates a greater number of content pieces discovered. Some of the top brands are Mokobara (33 reels), Nasher Miles (29 reels), Nappa Dori (11 reels), Lavie Sport World (8 reels), Wildcraft India (7 reels), The Burlap People (5 reels), Samsonite India (5 reels), IT Luggage India (5 reels), InSky Bags (5 reels), and Assembly Travel (5 reels)

Find the list of Travelling Essentials and Packing brands here.

Travel Brands Marketing Campaigns: Strategies, Successes, and Trends

This section highlights the diverse marketing strategies employed by Travel brands in India, including festive campaigns supported by promotions, and App Campaigns.

Festive Campaigns:

Ride-sharing platforms are tapping into festive travel needs with timely, convenience-focused promotions.

Uber Intercity rolled out a Diwali campaign highlighting long-distance travel ease, positioning itself as a reliable option for holidaymakers during the busy festive season.

These campaigns smartly blend tech-enabled convenience with cultural relevance, often supported by influencer or celebrity endorsements to deepen impact.

Cruise and Luxury Travel Promotions:

Luxury travel brands are highlighting unique experiences that blend culture, comfort, and exclusivity.

Antara Cruises promoted its Benaras cruise, offering a spiritually enriching and scenic river journey designed for travelers looking to explore India’s heritage from the water.

Airline Sales and Promotions:

Airlines are combining patriotic themes, milestone celebrations, and interactive tech to boost visibility and bookings.

Air India launched a Republic Day AR filter, inviting users to join a “Sky Parade”, creatively merging national pride with digital engagement.

IndiGo celebrated its 18th anniversary with the Happy Day Sale and Grand Runaway Fest, offering limited-time discounts to incentivize travel.

Hotel and Resort Promotions:

Hotels are aligning with global festivities and lifestyle trends to attract experience-seeking guests.

Hotel Sahara Star celebrated Oktoberfest with a focus on brews and live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for party-goers and festive travelers.

Travel App Campaigns:

Travel apps are emphasizing ease, culture, and smart planning to resonate with modern users.

RedBus India promotes itself as a seamless travel solution, simplifying bus journey planning for everyday commuters and festive travelers alike.

These campaigns often blend heritage themes, sports references, and tech-driven convenience to build strong user connections and drive app engagement.

Conclusion

The Indian travel industry is undergoing a vibrant transformation, fueled by a tech-savvy audience, rising disposable incomes, and a growing desire for unique, experience-led journeys. Whether it’s seamless bookings via travel apps, heritage stays in luxury hotels, or self-drive adventures, consumers are increasingly looking for convenience, personalization, and value. Brands across categories—ridesharing, airlines, cruises, and luggage—are leveraging social media, influencer marketing, and innovative features to stay competitive. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and niche travel experiences like pet-friendly and women-centric offerings, the market is well-positioned for continued expansion. As the landscape evolves, those who prioritize customer-centric innovation and digital agility will lead the next wave of travel in India.