Influencers and Celebrities Drive Destination Demand: Booking.com's 2025 Travel Trends

According to Booking.com's recently released "How India Stays 2025" report, the influence of social media and on-screen content has become a driving force in how Indian travelers decide where to go and where to stay. The report highlights that "a single mention in a web series or celebrity vlog can quickly shift demand" for destinations, fueled by cinematic content, influencer trails, and a growing aspiration to follow in the footsteps of celebrities and creators.

The survey reveals that nearly three in four Indian travelers now choose destinations influenced by social and video content. This trend is not limited to India, as destinations worldwide have seen surges in tourism after being featured in popular films, TV shows, and social media posts. For example, Pangong Lake in Ladakh became an instant bucket-list spot after its appearance in the movie 3 Idiots, while Manali and Udaipur saw a lasting uptick in visitors following the release of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

Experts note that travelers are drawn to explore not just the places themselves, but also the experiences they see portrayed on screen. When a luxury property or resort is featured, travelers search for those specific stays, while narratives celebrating the character of a place inspire travelers to replicate the journey, seeking out local experiences like treks, heritage walks, and food trails.