|
Insights from Agoda's latest report show deeper, integrated localization is linked to stronger commercial outcomes as hotels in India adapt to rising intra-Asia demand
SINGAPORE, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda in its latest report "Tailored to Win: Capturing the High-Value Asian Traveler for Hotels in India" spotlights India as a robust travel market, revealing that nearly 98% of Indian hotels employing advanced localization strategies reported a positive impact on revenue. By comparison, 91% of hotels with basic localization strategies also report positive revenue impact, underscoring that while localization efforts are paying off, a more holistic approach maximises the likelihood of commercial success.
As India looks to increasingly compete in the global travel landscape, localization is becoming even more important. The Ministry of Tourism reported nearly 10 million foreign tourists in 2024[1], with spending projected to reach INR 3.2 trillion in 2025[2], driven by both long-haul interest and a growing demand from key Asian markets.
"Indian hotels have built strong domestic businesses, but many are still learning how to reel in the international guest," shared Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda. "To win them over, localization can't be treated as a marketing exercise. It has to show up in payments, communication, amenities and service so that it's apparent at every touchpoint starting from discovery to check out. The data is unequivocal: hotels that go deeper see results with up to 98% reporting a positive revenue impact. The question isn't whether to localize; it's how quickly you can move from basics to best-in-class."
Agoda's report emphasizes that effective localization goes beyond translation. It involves holistically adapting marketing, booking processes, payment options and on-site services to match the cultural and practical expectations of travelers from different source markets. A more integrated approach allows hotels to better meet traveler expectations at every touchpoint and unlock greater value for inbound demand.
Despite the potential, Indian hotels face a dual challenge in driving tailor-made strategies: a strategy gap in knowing whom to target and an execution gap in knowing how to deliver. These challenges are reflected in the top barriers cited by hoteliers: A majority (56%) of hoteliers surveyed cite both a limited awareness of cultural norms and uncertainty around which tailoring efforts will have the most impact. This is compounded by 44% who report a lack of both guest data insights and dedicated personnel to drive the initiatives.
As India's robust tourism looks to define itself by its ability to capture the high-value Asian traveler, the need to deliver culturally attuned and localized guest experiences has become critical. To help hoteliers navigate this, Agoda's report includes an "Origins Playbook" that dissects traveler motivations across key source markets:
- Malaysian travelers tend to blend family needs with an eye for deals
- Singaporeans are independent planners, booking accommodation separately from flights
- Japanese are a fast-growing market defined by short trips and increasing search interest
- Thai travelers are tech-forward, frequently utilizing AI for travel planning
Agoda's digital suite for localization includes over 6 million accommodations, support for 39 languages, multi-currency payment options and 24/7 customer support. Dedicated programs such as the Agoda Growth Program for visibility in priority markets, country-specific promotions and Agoda Media Solutions for native-language campaigns are just some of the ways Agoda helps partners localize effectively. Through Agoda's platform and expertise, hotels can overcome barriers, reach new segments and optimize their returns from international demand.
To explore how practical localization tips and actionable insights can help hotels capture more value from Asia's diverse traveler base, download the full report at https://ago-da.co/4rgJZpf.
Insights from Agoda's latest report show deeper, integrated localization is linked to stronger commercial outcomes as hotels in India adapt to rising intra-Asia demand
SINGAPORE, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda in its latest report "Tailored to Win: Capturing the High-Value Asian Traveler for Hotels in India" spotlights India as a robust travel market, revealing that nearly 98% of Indian hotels employing advanced localization strategies reported a positive impact on revenue. By comparison, 91% of hotels with basic localization strategies also report positive revenue impact, underscoring that while localization efforts are paying off, a more holistic approach maximises the likelihood of commercial success.
As India looks to increasingly compete in the global travel landscape, localization is becoming even more important. The Ministry of Tourism reported nearly 10 million foreign tourists in 2024[1], with spending projected to reach INR 3.2 trillion in 2025[2], driven by both long-haul interest and a growing demand from key Asian markets.
"Indian hotels have built strong domestic businesses, but many are still learning how to reel in the international guest," shared Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda. "To win them over, localization can't be treated as a marketing exercise. It has to show up in payments, communication, amenities and service so that it's apparent at every touchpoint starting from discovery to check out. The data is unequivocal: hotels that go deeper see results with up to 98% reporting a positive revenue impact. The question isn't whether to localize; it's how quickly you can move from basics to best-in-class."
Agoda's report emphasizes that effective localization goes beyond translation. It involves holistically adapting marketing, booking processes, payment options and on-site services to match the cultural and practical expectations of travelers from different source markets. A more integrated approach allows hotels to better meet traveler expectations at every touchpoint and unlock greater value for inbound demand.
Despite the potential, Indian hotels face a dual challenge in driving tailor-made strategies: a strategy gap in knowing whom to target and an execution gap in knowing how to deliver. These challenges are reflected in the top barriers cited by hoteliers: A majority (56%) of hoteliers surveyed cite both a limited awareness of cultural norms and uncertainty around which tailoring efforts will have the most impact. This is compounded by 44% who report a lack of both guest data insights and dedicated personnel to drive the initiatives.
As India's robust tourism looks to define itself by its ability to capture the high-value Asian traveler, the need to deliver culturally attuned and localized guest experiences has become critical. To help hoteliers navigate this, Agoda's report includes an "Origins Playbook" that dissects traveler motivations across key source markets:
- Malaysian travelers tend to blend family needs with an eye for deals
- Singaporeans are independent planners, booking accommodation separately from flights
- Japanese are a fast-growing market defined by short trips and increasing search interest
- Thai travelers are tech-forward, frequently utilizing AI for travel planning
Agoda's digital suite for localization includes over 6 million accommodations, support for 39 languages, multi-currency payment options and 24/7 customer support. Dedicated programs such as the Agoda Growth Program for visibility in priority markets, country-specific promotions and Agoda Media Solutions for native-language campaigns are just some of the ways Agoda helps partners localize effectively. Through Agoda's platform and expertise, hotels can overcome barriers, reach new segments and optimize their returns from international demand.
To explore how practical localization tips and actionable insights can help hotels capture more value from Asia's diverse traveler base, download the full report at https://ago-da.co/4rgJZpf.
[1] PIB (2025), "Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India and Indian Nationals' Departures (INDs) during 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2153606
[2] World Travel & Tourism Council (2024), "India international visitor spend soars to record highs".
Available at: https://wttc.org/news/india-international-visitor-spend-soars-to-record-highs
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Holistic Localization Lifts Guest Spend for Nearly 98% of Indian Hotels, Agoda Survey Finds
Holistic Localization Lifts Guest Spend for Nearly 98% of Indian Hotels, Agoda Survey Finds
TATU CITY, Kenya, March 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rendeavour , Africa's new city builder, and Wellington College Education , a leading British educational network, will open a co-educational day and boarding school for 1,500 students aged 3-18 in Tatu City , Kenya. Opening in September 2028, Wellington College International Kenya will attract students and parents from Kenya, across Africa, and around the world to an unparalleled British education in the heart of the continent's leading new city.
Wellington College International Kenya is the second school in Africa to come out of the partnership between Wellington College Education and Rendeavour. Wellington College International Lagos is located in Alaro City, Tatu City's sister city in Nigeria. By replicating the success of the Wellington College International Lagos campus at Alaro City, Rendeavour is creating a Pan-African network of education excellence that bridges West and East Africa.
Wellington College International Kenya will be the top school in East Africa, delivering an outstanding education that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and character to realise their potential and help shape a better world. Drawing students from neighbouring East African countries and beyond, the Tatu City campus is planned as a modern, purpose-built educational environment, providing advanced science laboratories and teaching spaces, innovative technology infrastructure, comprehensive sports and recreational facilities (including a 50-meter Olympic-standard swimming pool), creative and performing arts spaces, as well as dedicated areas supporting students' personal and social development. The state-of-the-art school further underpins the success of Tatu City, which has attracted USD 3.5 billion of investment to Kenya and created more than 30,000 new jobs in the last five years.
Wellington College International Kenya will follow the rigorous English National Curriculum, culminating in the challenging A-level programme, as well as offering coaching and teaching excellence in sports, music, and the arts. As part of the global Wellington College Education family, students at Wellington College International Kenya will benefit from connections with sister schools across Europe and Asia, including opportunities for collaboration, shared academic initiatives, and international programmes. On graduation, pupils will join the Old Wellingtonian alumni network, offering lifelong links to an established global community.
James Dahl, 15th Master, Wellington College, said, "The launch of Wellington College International Kenya is a moment of great pride for our global family of schools. For our new partners in Kenya, this interconnectivity will provide immediate access to the vibrancy, talent, and experience of our entire community."
Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, said, "Receiving a top British education no longer requires sending children to the United Kingdom. Wellington College International Kenya offers a blend of academic rigour and extra-curricular activities and amenities found only at Tatu City and in Kenya, one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Kenya is on many families' 'bucket list' of life goals and experiences, and now they can also consider relocating to Kenya and Tatu City for access to one of the best education experiences in the world."
Sir Anthony Seldon, Founding Director, Wellington College Education, said, "Today's announcement of Wellington College International Kenya marks a transformative moment for education in East Africa. Wellington College's pioneering work at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Human Flourishing, developed in close partnership with the OECD, offers a model of schooling that is both deeply humane and boldly future-facing."
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Rendeavour and Wellington College Education to open global British School in Tatu City, Kenya
