The Indian government allocated ₹2,541.06 crore to tourism in the recent Union Budget, significantly up from last year’s ₹850.36 crore, aimed at boosting employment.

The government’s strategy includes infrastructure upgrades, developing 50 tourist destinations, enhancing spiritual and medical tourism, and boosting connectivity.

Coupled with a tax regime change that is expected to boost middle-class spending power, the hospitality and travel sector is poised for a boost.

As of January this year, India boasts 2,766 online travel startups, with 319 funded, 107 securing Series A+ funding, and one achieving unicorn status, according to Tracxn data.

Over the past decade, an average of 143 new startups have been launched annually, many founded by alumni of IIT Delhi, BITS Pilani, and IIT Bombay.

Here’s a look at some hospitality and travel startups that are backpacking with innovative business models to upset the pecking order:

Espire Hospitality

Corporate manager: Jatin Chaudhary

Espire Hospitality Ltd, part of the Espire Group, has a diverse portfolio including hotel ownership and operations. It owns Six Senses Fort Barwara, a luxury resort in Ranthambore, and operates the established mid-market Country Inn Hotels & Resorts chain in destinations like Jim Corbett and Bhimtal.

In 2022, Espire launched ZANA Luxury Escapes, a new brand of luxury boutique hotels in leisure destinations. The parent company, based in Delhi, holds a fully private Investment Plus grade status in banking.

La Hault

Founders: Tanvi Agarwal and Ujjwal Jain

La Hault redefines boutique hospitality in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh, focusing on luxurious, intimate experiences in India’s lesser-known locales. The brand blends premium comfort with natural tranquility to provide an authentic escape. Its property in Himachal Pradesh offers rooms that combine modern luxury with local aesthetics, ensuring an intimate and expansive guest experience.

Marcopolo Adventure

Founder: Achal Shirvastava

Marcopolo Adventure, based in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, offers exhilarating travel experiences for adventurers of all ages. Beyond lodging, Marcopolo provides transportation, various activities, and entertainment to immerse guests in the local culture. The company focuses on well-planned trips that avoid typical tourist traps, allowing travelers to engage with the local community and its traditions.

Pinch

Founder: Nitin Mohan Srivastava

Based in Gurgaon, Haryana, Pinch transforms traditional home management by helping families lead fuller, more fulfilling lives. The company offers a range of services from household management to emergency support, all enhanced by design, technology, and a focus on human-centric service, aiming to alleviate the stress of daily chores.

Retrod

Founder: Parvat Panda

Retrod enables small hotel owners to manage their properties more effectively with an affordable, efficient Property Management System (PMS). This system integrates seamless booking management, professional website integration, and strategic marketing tools to boost revenue and streamline operations, especially beneficial for owners managing multiple properties.

Sayhallo

Founder: Bunny Surya

Sayhallo, based in Gurgaon, Haryana, enhances the hospitality experience by focusing on exceptional service and quality. Founded to create memorable moments, according to the company website, each Sayhallo property is a testament to excellence, combining inspiring locations with tranquil interiors for an indulgent experience. The company was incorporated on April 29, 2021.

Sliceinn

Founder: Madhur Dhingra

Sliceinn turns villas and apartments into inviting spaces that merge hotel comfort with the warmth of a co-living community. They offer curated stays that blend style, comfort, and a personal touch, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both city dwellers and nature enthusiasts. Sliceinn Mansion in Bangalore provides an ideal blend of convenience and hospitality for both business and leisure travelers.

Souzagad

Executive officer: Sahil D’Souza

Souzagad delivers a heartfelt travel and hospitality experience that extends beyond destinations. The team focuses on fostering family reconnections, rekindling friendships, and motivating corporate teams, all while catering to individual comfort and aesthetic needs.

Strategy Cues

Founder: Ishan Gangakhedkar

Strategy Cues collaborates across various hospitality touchpoints worldwide, delivering a tailored, data-driven framework that integrates seamlessly with a property’s commercial structure. The startup focuses on developing best practices and revenue management techniques to optimize growth and enhance revenue generation, using an analytical approach based on extensive industry experience.

Team Trip

Founders: Dhanush Rahul and Aayush Abhinav

Based in Bengaluru, Team Trip provides comprehensive solutions for corporate offsites and team outings both domestically and internationally. With a deep understanding of various destinations, the startup manages every aspect of travel planning, event organization, and onsite logistics, ensuring a memorable and tailored experience for each corporate team.

Travel On Tips Holidays

Founders: Shivani Sharma and Shivani Shastri

Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Travel On Tips Holidays is a full-service holiday management company that caters to a wide range of travel needs, including flexible independent travel (FIT), leisure groups, and MICE tourism. The agency ensures affordable, high-quality travel experiences with hassle-free booking and comprehensive service offerings.

Travelpen Hotels

Co-founder and CEO: Vignesh Venkataraman

Travelpen Hotels supports hospitality business owners through expert operational and administrative guidance, helping them navigate every phase of their business. The startup is dedicated to driving industry transformation and excellence, providing services that ensure outstanding guest experiences and optimized business processes.

Wabi Sabi Stays

Founders: Shubham and Naman Sanghal

Post-COVID, Wabi Sabi Stays emerged to offer accessible, clean, and professionally managed accommodations that embrace the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. Starting with a single apartment, the company now manages 16 properties across Mussoorie, Dehradun, and Rishikesh, redefining hospitality with a focus on handcrafted comfort and local charm.

Wat Thai Tourism Pvt. Ltd

Director in sales: Satyendra Jadaun

Founded in 2021, Wat Thai is a SHA+ certified destination management company based in Pattaya, Thailand, and Jaipur, India. The company specializes in creating safe, fun, and customizable travel experiences, adept at organizing family holidays, group travels,. and MICE tours, providing comprehensive travel services including hotel bookings and sightseeing.

Zesto Hospitality Pvt. Ltd

CEO: Varun Naik

Established in 2023, Chai Fast by Zesto Hospitality, based in Bengaluru, is committed to enhancing the tea and snack scene with inviting environments. With multiple locations, including Koramangala and Jayanagar, the brand focuses on delivering memorable customer experiences through a carefully curated menu of teas and Indian snacks, and offers diverse franchise opportunities.