Gen Z Sparks Spiritual Travel Boom in India: Brands Allocate Up to 30% Budgets

131

India’s spiritual and wellness tourism is experiencing a rapid surge, propelled by Gen Z’s appetite for purpose-driven travel. Brands are responding—allocating up to 30% of marketing budgets to promote immersive, culturally rooted destinations.

According to Cleartrip’s PeekABoo travel tracker, roughly 60% of domestic travel in India today is spiritual in nature. The sector—ranging from temple towns to wellness retreats—is growing at a 16.2% CAGR, expected to reach $4.6 billion by 2033.

Gen Z plays an outsized role. This group accounts for 12% of total bookings, marking a 15% year-over-year growth. Their behavioral patterns—14% increase in last-minute bookings, 10% rise in advance planning—reveal a unique hybrid travel style blending spontaneity with foresight.

“Over the past two years, spiritual travel has become one of the largest and fastest-growing segments for us… we saw a remarkable 3.7× increase in bookings during our summer event for destinations like Varanasi, Haridwar and Amritsar,” says Manjari Singhal, Chief Growth and Business Officer at Cleartrip.

Other destinations gaining traction include Prayagraj (+110% during the Maha Kumbh), Amritsar (+33%), Udupi, Tirupati, and Lucknow—all growing between 27–28%.

Brands must pivot marketing strategies to engage Gen Z’s demand for spiritual authenticity and flexibility. Success lies in promoting wellness retreats, culturally immersive getaways, and last-minute escape options—with adaptable budgeting to match ascending trends.