MAM
FINN Partners unveils #FutureofTravel report
Mumbai: New research released by FINN Partners titled #FutureofTravel report explores how India’s under-35 globetrotters are reshaping the travel industry with new spending patterns. These young adventurers are not just ready to explore the world—they are redefining what travel means. Driven by impulsiveness, a readiness to splurge, and a quest for unique, immersive experiences, they are emerging as a powerful influence in the global travel market.
The report delves into the spending behaviours of over 1,000 plus Indian travellers, providing a detailed look at their preferences—from luxury accommodations and premium air travel to wellness and activities. This comprehensive study will forecast emerging trends and shine a light on the opportunities for businesses in travel, hospitality, and fintech to innovate and tailor their offerings. The report uncovers not just where and on what young Indians are spending their travel budgets, but also how they manage the financial aspects of their journeys. It also unveils their appetite for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, willingness to invest in premium air travel and desire for unique or hard-to-find gifts.
“India’s burgeoning economy not only fuels its own growth but propels its citizens into the global wanderlust. As prosperity rises, so does the desire to explore. With a fast-growing economy as its engine, India has emerged as a significant contributor to the global leisure travel landscape. It is not just a leisure activity for young Indians; it’s an integral part of their lifestyle and financial planning. Through this report, our travel practice aims to support stakeholders in their endeavour to fulfill the emerging needs of this sector,” said FINN Partners, India managing partner Shivani Gupta.
Key highlights from the report:
Spending drivers: Unique and exclusive experiences (63 per cent), luxury and indulgence (61 per cent), and tech-based travel (51 per cent) are identified as primary triggers motivating young Indians to allocate higher budgets, underlining the significance of personalized and immersive travel experiences
Destination preferences: The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia emerge as favoured destinations among young Indian travellers, with luxury experiences and adventure sports garnering significant interest, especially among the younger demographic (under 35)
Willingness to spend for ‘Unique Experiences’: A remarkable 42 per cent of young Indian travellers are eager to invest more to transform their once-in-a-lifetime aspirations into immediate realities
Preference for ‘Convenience and Wellness’: Convenience emerges as a priority, with 46 per cent of young travellers willing to pay extra for hotel amenities that enhance convenience, while 48 per cent prioritize eco-conscious health and wellness programs, reflecting a balanced consideration of sustainability and comfort
“As global dynamics shift and travel preferences evolve, Indian travellers are poised to shape the future of global tourism. Our latest insights reveal that building lasting relationships with travellers now can lead to decades of loyalty. We recommend seizing every opportunity to engage them with last-minute deals that spark spontaneity, unique attractions that promise unforgettable adventures, and ensuring every aspect of their journey enhances comfort and convenience,” said FINN Partners global travel lead Debbie Flynn.
Brands
Sony Pictures Networks India names Shruti Aneja as lead – agency partnerships & key network initiatives
Aneja takes charge to deepen agency ties and boost revenue across Spni channels
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has appointed Shruti Aneja as lead – agency partnerships, signalling a fresh focus on closer collaboration with advertising agencies and a sharper push for revenue growth across its channel portfolio.
In her new role, Aneja will chart strategic engagement with agencies, unlock new revenue streams, and nurture long-term partnerships. Her mission includes driving sales performance, adding value for clients, and delivering inventive solutions for advertisers — cementing Spni’s position as a preferred media partner.
Aneja brings over 12 years of experience with Spni, having risen through the ranks from manager to associate vice president. She has led high-performing sales teams across key clusters including sony hindi gec, free-to-air channels, and english entertainment channels like pix, axn and bbc earth.
Her track record includes driving integrated ad sales for popular shows such as Celebrity MasterChef, Indian Idol and Superstar Singer, pioneering first-time brand integrations, and repositioning channels for maximum impact in both urban and rural markets.
Aneja’s approach combines content-first thinking with solution-led selling, focusing on empathy, insight and storytelling that resonates with audiences and brands alike. Colleagues praise her knack for building trust with agencies and clients while spotting innovative ways to convert ideas into revenue.
With this appointment, Spni aims to strengthen its agency relationships and continue delivering compelling advertising solutions that combine creativity with performance.
