Every journey has its detours, and 2025 had more than a few. The year began with confident strides for India’s hotel sector, riding the momentum of a country that was increasingly visible, self-assured, and influential on the global stage. The outlook at the start of the year was not just optimistic; it was electric. Coldplay’s sold-out concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad drew fans from across India and overseas, signaling India’s growing stature on the global live-events circuit. Soon after, the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which welcomed an estimated 66 crore visitors over just 45 days, once again showcased the unmatched scale of India’s religious tourism and the country’s ability to host, move, and manage some of the largest human gatherings in the world.