If you work in travel or hospitality in India, you’ve heard about or attended Skift India Forum. And if you haven’t, well, here is the TLDR: this is the event that’s changing the way the travel industry thinks, operates, and connects.
Whether you were part of the sold-out debut in 2024 or are curious about what’s next, one thing is clear; this isn’t just an event. It’s a movement.
So, what makes it so special? Let’s take a trip back to 2024 and dive into what’s coming for Skift India Forum 2025 and beyond.
When the Skift India Forum (then known as Skift India Summit) launched in 2024, the buzz was electric. Industry heavyweights like Issam Abdul Rahim Kazim, CEO of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; and Ritesh Agarwal, founder of OYO, weren’t just there to speak – they were there to challenge the status quo. And they delivered.
For the 450+ attendees, ranging from startups to stalwarts like MakeMyTrip, IHCL, and Thomas Cook India, this was an event that went beyond the usual industry talk. It dug deep into topics like the rise of the Indian traveler, how AI is changing booking trends, and what sustainable travel really means for a country as vast and diverse as India.
Here is some of the Skift India Forum feedback from attendees:
“This was the first event where I truly felt the pulse of India’s travel revolution. It wasn’t just talk; it was actionable. - CEO, Leading Travel Tech Startup”
“Every session was so insightful. It felt like a crash course in the future of our industry. - VP, Global Hotel Chain”
The 2024 event wasn’t afraid to tackle the big questions:
Keynotes, panels, and fireside chats featured leaders from companies like Airbnb, Yatra, and Cleartrip, diving into these challenges with honesty and insight. For example, a panel on sustainability explored everything from carbon-neutral resorts in Kerala to eco-tourism initiatives in Ladakh, offering tangible solutions for businesses looking to adapt to greener demands.
One attendee put it perfectly:
“The panel on sustainability wasn’t just about buzzwords. It gave us real ideas to implement in our own businesses.”
Let’s talk about something attendees highly value at events—networking. At Skift India Summit 2024, networking wasn’t just an afterthought; it was a centerpiece. From pre-event coffee meetups to curated breakout sessions, every moment felt purposeful.
Whether you were a startup founder pitching your next big idea or a corporate exec from Marriott International, the connections you made were meaningful. People weren’t just exchanging business cards—they were forming partnerships, brainstorming collaborations, and even hiring talent.
One attendee shared their experience:
“I walked away with three potential business partners and ideas for two collaborations. That’s rare at events like these.”
So, what makes this Forum different from the dozens of other travel conferences out there? Simple: it’s personal, it’s forward-thinking, and it’s rooted in action.
Here’s what you’ll find at the Skift India Forum:
The testimonials speak for themselves:
“Skift India Summit isn’t just an event; it’s an experience. I came for the insights and left with a whole new perspective on my business.” – Marketing Director, Global OTA
“From the speakers to the topics, everything felt so relevant. I left inspired and energized.” – Founder, Boutique Travel Agency
“This was hands-down the best-organized event I’ve been to in years. Every detail was thought through.” – Regional Manager, Hospitality Group
The next Skift India Forum will build on the energy of 2024 while introducing new features that will blow you away. Expect:
Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a returning guest, 2025 is your chance to not just observe the future of travel—but to help create it.
There’s no better place to explore the opportunities and challenges facing India’s travel industry than the Skift India Forum. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation, and the action.
Let’s shape the future of travel in India, together. We’ll see you there.