Category Archives: Business

Myntra Cares Launches ‘Cupboard of Care’ and ‘Project Restyle’ in partnership with BBMP and Saahas Zero Waste

Bengaluru, June 04, 2025: Myntra, one of India’s leading fashion and lifestyle platforms, has launched two key initiatives, ‘Myntra Cupboard of Care’ and ‘Project Restyle,’ in collaboration with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Saahas Zero Waste, as a part of its CSR initiatives under Myntra Cares. Designed to promote a circular economy in the fashion and textile industry, and extend the life cycle of clothes through reuse, recycle, and upcycle; these programs have been launched in Bengaluru.

The Myntra Cupboard of Care is a set of thoughtfully designed all weatherproof donation-and-pick-up kiosks installed outside selected major tech parks in Bengaluru. Implemented in partnership with BBMP and Saahas Zero Waste, the initiative enables anyone to drop off their pre-loved clothes and anyone in need to pick them up. Unclaimed items will be sent to Saahas’ textile recovery centre for upcycling into new products.

Complementing the public-facing kiosks is Project Restyle, which aims to engage gated residential communities across Bengaluru. Branded collection bins will be placed in 20 apartment complexes, encouraging residents to donate clothes. The collected garments will be segregated into different grades by Saahas Zero Waste and accordingly sent to the textile recovery centre for reuse, recycle, or upcycle. This process will also create jobs and livelihood for underserved communities.

Adding to this, Ramesh K N., IAS, Commissioner, Mahadevapura Zone, BBMP, said, “Myntra’s CSR initiatives present a pragmatic model that addresses both environmental concerns and social equity. We commend Myntra’s approach in making this a collaborative effort that utilizes public spaces for the public good while aligning with BBMP’s sustainability priorities.”

Speaking on the occasion, Govindraj MK, CHRO Myntra, said, “With initiatives like the Cupboard of Care and Project Restyle, we’re taking small but meaningful steps toward promoting circular economy in the fashion and textile industry. By enabling reuse, recycling and upcycling of garments, and working closely with communities and partners like BBMP and Saahas Zero Waste, we aim to keep more clothes in use for longer while also supporting the creation of new livelihood opportunities.”

The first Myntra Cupboard of Care kiosk is inaugurated outside Myntra’s HQ in Kadubeesanahalli by Govindraj MK, CHRO Myntra, Shobha Raghavan, CEO, Saahas Zero Waste, Ramesh K N., IAS, Commissioner, Mahadevapura Zone, BBMP with four additional installations planned for July across key tech park locations in Bengaluru. In parallel, Myntra Project Restyle has also kicked off in apartments across Bengaluru. As a gesture of appreciation, select contributing residents will receive sustainable goodies from Myntra each month.

Commenting on the partnership, Shobha Raghavan, CEO Saahas Zero Waste, said, “Circularity in textiles requires more than just intent, it needs infrastructure, awareness, and inclusive value chains. Through our partnership with Myntra, we are driving measurable impact by generating livelihoods, promoting circular fashion and responsible consumption. By embedding transparency and traceability into these programs, we are working toward a replicable model that other cities can adopt.”

Home Loan Volume and Value See Double-Digit Growth; High-Ticket Loans Reach 21% Share: Urban Money

Mumbai, Maharashtra, June 4, 2025 – Residential property registrations across key Indian cities have continued to rise steadily in recent years. Data from Urban Money (FinTech venture by Square Yards), shows that the total number of registered residential transactions in key cities*, as recorded by the Inspector General of Registration (IGR), increased from 3.07 lakh units in FY 2019 to 5.44 lakh units in FY 2025—a 77% growth over the six-year period.

This upward trend is also reflected in the housing finance sector, which plays a critical role in supporting residential real estate. According to Urban Money’s latest report, ‘Housing Finance – The Quiet Catalyst Driving India’s Property Market’, both the volume and value of home loans in major cities have increased by 10% and 15%, respectively. The report covers cities including Bengaluru, Gurugram, Noida & Greater Noida, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Pune.

Amit Prakash Singh, CBO Urban Money & Co-Founder, Square Yards, “At Urban Money, we started with a simple goal—make housing finance in India easier, faster, and more accessible. The market was largely fragmented, with long paperwork and delayed sanctions. So, we built a digital-first platform, forged strong partnerships with lenders, and scaled a robust on-ground network of 500+ offices and 50,000+ agents—enabling us to become India’s largest organised distributor of secured mortgages. What’s even more encouraging is how the broader market is evolving. As highlighted in our latest report, home loan volumes in top cities grew by 10% YoY, and the total value disbursed rose 15% YoY in FY25. Home loans above Rs. 1 crore now make up 21% of disbursals, reflecting rising demand for premium housing. And with 1 in every 5 home loans going to a woman borrower, we’re clearly witnessing a shift towards more empowered and inclusive homeownership. All these shifts highlight rising urban aspirations, stable credit conditions, and evolving homeownership trends across the country.”

Urban Money’s latest trends and insights for FY 2025 highlight key shifts in home loan segment across India’s major residential real estate markets:

· Property-linked loans, comprising home loans and loans against property, accounted for the largest share—63%—of total loan disbursals in FY 2025.

· During the same period, the number of home loans disbursed in the top cities grew by 10% year-on-year. This included a 10% increase among male borrowers and a 9% increase among female borrowers.

· In FY 2025, the total value of home loans disbursed in these cities rose by 15%, reflecting a shift towards premium homes as well as notable increase in property prices—up by approximately 55–60% on average since FY 2019. Year-on-year growth in disbursal value stood at 14% for men and a higher 23% for women.

· Home loans above the Rs. 1 crore ticket-size accounted for 21% of total disbursals in FY 2025. In comparison, home loans below Rs. 45 lakh accounted for 47% of disbursals, while those between Rs. 45 lakh and Rs. 1 crore made up 32%.

· One in five home loans disbursed during FY 2025 was to a woman borrower, reflecting rising participation of women in property ownership.

· The average home loan value in the top cities reached Rs. 74 lakh in FY 2025, marking a 5% year-on-year increase. For male borrowers, the average stood at Rs. 76 lakh (+3% YoY), while for women it was Rs. 70 lakh—growing at the fastest rate of 13% year-on-year.

· Mumbai and Gurugram recorded the highest average home loan values, at Rs. 99 lakh and Rs. 88 lakh respectively in FY 2025.

Note: Insights are based on disbursal data trends observed on www.urbanmoney.com and should be viewed as indicative, not definitive.

Fintech and Urbanisation Driving Momentum in Housing Finance

The ongoing growth in residential real estate and housing finance is being driven by strong end-user demand, continued urbanisation, progressive government initiatives, and rapid advances in digital infrastructure. The rise of fintech platforms has played a key role by improving credit assessment processes, expanding access to credit, and enhancing the overall borrowing experience.

Urban Money, a FinTech venture by Square Yards, is at the forefront of this transformation. As one of the largest mortgage distribution networks in India, Urban Money operates as a leading digital lending marketplace and fintech platform. It aggregates loan offerings from banks and NBFCs, delivering a seamless, end-to-end experience—from product selection to documentation, tax and insurance guidance, and disbursal support.

Launched in 2015, Urban Money has grown to become the country’s largest organised distributor of secured mortgages. As of FY 2025, it has facilitated loan disbursals worth 61 K.Cr+, supported by a network of over 50,000 agents and partnerships with more than 150 banks and NBFCs.

Go Makeovers Expands Its Footprint with Bold Vision and Global Presence

Kolkata, 3rd June 2025: Go Makeovers India Pvt. Ltd., one of Eastern India’s fastest growing salon chains, turned heads in the beauty and wellness industry with its bold expansion strategy, innovative service model and rising global profile.

The brand, known for blending luxury aesthetics with high-end personal care, is on a mission to open 25 outlets across Kolkata by the end of 2026. With its distinctive dual-tier model, offering both Signature luxury experiences and Classic premium services; Go Makeovers has struck a chord with diverse clientele seeking sophistication, quality and personalised care.

Spearheading this impressive growth is Rudra Bayen, the dynamic Managing Director, whose entrepreneurial vision is redefining beauty retail in India. While simultaneously pursuing Chartered Accountancy and a B.Com Honours degree, Rudra has brought fresh leadership and creative energy to the company. Under his guidance, Go Makeovers is not just expanding; it’s transforming how salons deliver beauty.

Founded by a team of professionals from contrasting yet complementary fields – real estate and cosmetology; Go Makeovers is a fusion of spatial elegance and beauty expertise. Each outlet is designed to be more than a salon; it’s a destination where luxury, transformation and style come together seamlessly.

Recently, the brand’s growing credibility was spotlighted at the 8th Times Business Awards West Bengal 2025, where it was honoured as the ‘Trusted Salon Chain’, presented by Bollywood icon Juhi Chawla. The recognition affirms Go Makeovers’ reputation for excellence and client trust.

Taking its influence beyond Indian borders, Go Makeovers also made a stunning appearance at the London Mahotsav 2025, participating in a fashion show that marked its global debut. In a proud moment, founding member Bidyut Bayen was conferred the Bengal British Icon Awards 2025, joined by his son Rudra Bayen, symbolising the brand’s strong family leadership and international ambition.

Rudra Bayen, Managing Director, Go Makeovers, expressed, “Our vision has always been to create more than just a salon; we’re building experiences that empower confidence and self-expression. This journey is just getting started and we’re committed to taking Indian beauty expertise to a global stage.”

Bidyut Bayen, Founding Member, Go Makeovers, stated, “Go Makeovers was born from a passion for aesthetics and excellence. Seeing it evolve into a trusted brand and earn international recognition is not just a personal milestone; it’s a celebration of the entire team’s dedication and belief in our mission.”

Rooted in History, Minted for Generations – RSBL unveils 25gms Gold Coin

National, 3rd June 2025 – RiddiSiddhi Bullions Ltd. (RSBL) proudly unveils its latest offering – the RSBL 25 grams Gold Coin, a tribute to India’s rich numismatic and cultural heritage.

This exclusive coin is inspired by historic Indian coinage and draws particular design influence from the iconic 1980 25 paise coin commemorating Rural Women’s Advancement. In honoring the legacy of the RSBL brand, this design pays homage to the timeless spirit of progress, resilience, and cultural pride—now immortalized in 99.9% pure 24K gold.

The RSBL 25gms Gold Coin stands out as a meaningful addition to any collection, offering a unique blend of heritage and value. It features intricate motifs inspired by iconic Indian coinage, celebrating cultural authenticity in every detail. Crafted with uncompromised purity, the coin is minted in 25 grams of 24K (999) gold, making it a trusted choice for both investors and collectors. More than just bullion, it represents a legacy-driven investment, seamlessly merging tradition, craftsmanship, and intrinsic value. Whether you’re expanding your bullion portfolio, commemorating a milestone, or seeking a timeless heirloom, this coin embodies the spirit of legacy and pride.

“At RSBL, we’ve always strived to blend the value of gold with the spirit of Indian heritage. The RSBL 25gms Gold Coin is not just an investment—it’s a reflection of our rich numismatic history, brought to life with unmatched purity and craftsmanship. We believe this coin will resonate deeply with those who seek both emotional and economic value in their gold holdings.” Said Prithviraj Kothari, Managing Director, RiddiSiddhi Bullions Limited.

While RSBL continues to offer an extensive range of coins and bars in 999 and 995 purity, the launch of the 25gms Gold Coin marks a premium addition to its evolving bullion portfolio. Available across all RSBL outlets, this coin invites collectors and investors alike to reserve their piece of history today.

BSE under the aegis of SEBI launches ‘BSE Nivesh Mitra’ – A Free Learning App for Aspiring Investors

National, June 03, 2025: BSE Ltd., Asia’s oldest stock exchange, today announced the launch of ‘BSE Nivesh Mitra’, a free investment learning app developed under the aegis of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Developed by BSE, the app operates independently ensuring that learning remains objective, unbiased, and purely educational, free from promotional or investment advisory motives. Designed as a simulation-based learning platform, the app offers a safe and informative environment for new and aspiring investors to better understand how to navigate equity and mutual fund markets, using virtual currency for investment. It is available to the public and does not require a trading account or prior investment experience.

The launch event was held at the BSE premises in the presence of Shri Shashi Kumar Valsakumar, Executive Director, SEBI, along with BSE MD & CEO Shri Sundararaman Ramamurthy and other officials from SEBI and BSE.

Built with a clear focus on investor awareness and education, BSE Nivesh Mitra allows users to simulate market participation in equity and mutual funds using actual historical data, as per SEBI guidelines.

Other key features of BSE Nivesh Mitra include:

Step-by-step guidance on how to enter the securities market, including videos on e-KYC, demat, and trading account opening

A personalised risk profiler with indicative asset allocation

A user-friendly dashboard to place simulated orders, monitor holdings, and add or reset virtual funds

A growing library of educational videos explaining mutual funds, asset classes, and market mechanisms

“Investor education is a key mandate for SEBI and this app forms part of a broader mission to build a financially informed population and promote responsible investing. With BSE Nivesh Mitra, we now have a practical tool that is free and accessible to all that introduces new investors to the realities of market participation without the attached risk.” said Shri Shashi Kumar Valsakumar, Executive Director, SEBI.

Shri Sundararaman Ramamurthy, MD & CEO, BSE, said: “Investor awareness and education are prime areas of focus for BSE, and BSE Nivesh Mitra is setting a benchmark on how exchanges can play a proactive role in investor education. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to navigate financial markets, the app is a contribution from the exchange in creation of a more inclusive and robust investment ecosystem”.

TechGig Launches ‘Leaders’ Circle’ to Bridge the Gap Between India’s Developer Community and Tech Industry Visionaries

NEW DELHI, India – June 03, 2025 – TechGig, India’s largest technology community platform, launched Leaders’ Circle, an exclusive and invite-only initiative that connects the country’s 5.5 million developers directly with top technology executives, CTOs, and industry visionaries for unprecedented access to business insights and career guidance.

The program addresses a critical gap: while India has exceptional technical talent, many developers plateau in their careers due to limited exposure to business strategy and executive decision-making. Leaders’ Circle creates direct pathways between developers and the industry leaders who shape hiring decisions, technology roadmaps, and innovation strategies.

Leaders’ Circle democratizes access to insights that drive career advancement – showing developers how their code impacts business outcomes and what executives prioritize when building teams.

The initiative operates through monthly interactive webinars with prominent CXOs, live Q&A sessions for direct developer engagement, real-world case studies demonstrating how technical decisions drive business results, and structured mentorship opportunities with senior executives. Participants learn strategic technology planning, business value communication, leadership development, and career advancement strategies beyond traditional coding roles.

In the coming months, Leaders’ Circle will feature exciting sessions and discussions focused on areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, startup technology building, and leadership development—offering valuable insights for developers at all levels.

Leaders’ Circle reflects TechGig’s commitment to empowering India’s developer community beyond technical skills. By facilitating direct connections between developers and decision-makers, the program strengthens India’s position as a global technology hub by ensuring its talent possesses both technical depth and strategic business insight.

The program is open to all developers, from recent graduates to experienced professionals seeking senior roles, and features leaders across fintech, e-commerce, healthcare tech, AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technology startups.

Sumeet Bhatia Joins Savills India as MD to Lead Capital Markets Services Growth

Gurugram, 3rd June 2025: Savills India, a leading global real estate advisory firm, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Sumeet Bhatia as Managing Director, Capital Markets Services, effective today. Based in Pune, Sumeet will spearhead the growth and strategy of the Capital Markets vertical, a core business focus for Savills, both globally and in India.

This leadership move reflects Savills’ continued commitment to excellence and its focused investment in building a future-ready, high-performing organisation. India remains one of Savills’ fastest-growing markets globally, and this appointment underscores the firm’s long-term vision to scale and deepen its presence in the country’s dynamic real estate sector.

Sumeet Bhatia joins Savills as Managing Director, Capital Markets Services, bringing with him more than 23 years of industry experience, including nearly two decades in real estate. Based in Pune, Sumeet has led some of the region’s most significant transactions across the office, industrial, and capital markets. He is known for his sharp strategic thinking and strong focus on client needs. During his time at Cushman & Wakefield, he was instrumental in building the Pune operations into a 350+ member team. With deep-rooted relationships among global occupiers and investors, and a proven track record in landmark funding and land deals, Sumeet is set to play a key role in shaping the next chapter of growth for Savills’ Capital Markets business in India.

Savills Capital Markets Services offers comprehensive support across the real estate investment spectrum – from private equity and structured finance to asset monetisation, acquisitions, joint ventures, and offshore fundraising. With this appointment, Savills is doubling down on its long-term vision to strengthen and grow its Capital Markets footprint in India.

“Capital Markets plays a key role in our global growth plans, and India is central to that journey. Sumeet brings with him the kind of leadership, experience, and trusted relationships that can truly make a difference. We’re excited to have him lead this vertical and are confident that, with him at the helm, we’ll take our Capital Markets business in India to the next level.” said Anurag Mathur, CEO, Savills India.

“I am thrilled to be joining Savills India at such a dynamic time for capital markets. What drew me to the company is its strong global platform and genuine commitment to putting clients first – values that resonate deeply with me. I’m looking forward to working with a talented team and creating meaningful impact for our clients and partners.” said Sumeet Bhatia, Managing Director, Capital Markets Services, Savills India.

Sumeet’s appointment highlights Savills India’s ongoing dedication to growing and strengthening its Capital Markets Services business. He will be focused on creating a forward-thinking platform that meets the evolving needs of investors and taps into new market opportunities.

Specta Quartz’s new ad with Gauri Khan questions the unseen risks of beautiful kitchen surfaces

Jaipur, 3rd June 2025: Specta, an Indian luxury brand specialising in engineered quartz surfaces, has launched a striking new ad campaign. Featuring brand ambassador Gauri Khan, it aims to urge Indian homeowners to contemplate whether their beautiful kitchen surfaces are truly safe and hygienic.

In the campaign film, Gauri Khan — one of India’s most celebrated interior designers — presents a sharp dilemma faced by the conscious Indian homeowner: the trade-off between aesthetic appeal and surface hygiene. She voices a powerful duality as she says, “The designer in me prefers beauty; the mother in me prefers safety.” This relatable conflict sits at the heart of the ad, which challenges the long-held belief that visual elegance must come at the cost of hygiene or functionality.

The film makes a strong case for Specta’s surfaces, which not only come in globally-inspired designs, but are also NSF-certified and non-porous — making them germ-free, toxin-free and safe for direct food contact. These qualities make them particularly suited to Indian kitchens, where surfaces need to balance durability with hygiene and ease of maintenance.

Speaking about the campaign, Ankit Jain, Founder of Specta Quartz Surfaces, said, “With this campaign, we wanted to start an honest conversation. Kitchen countertops are among the most used and abused surfaces in any home, and yet the conversation around their hygiene is rare. Gauri represents both creative finesse and everyday practicality, and her voice adds credibility to our mission of redefining surface choices for the modern Indian home.”

The campaign builds on Specta’s ongoing collaboration with Gauri Khan, including the launch of the ‘Gauri Picks’ collection showcased at Architectural Digest’s AD Design Show 2024. It reflects the brand’s continued focus on influencing the evolving language of premium interior design in India — where aesthetics, safety, and performance are no longer separate conversations.

EFC Awarded with Two More PSK Projects in Hyderabad after PSK, Ahmedabad under the Rate Contract

Pune, June 3, 2025 – EFC is pleased to announce significant progress under its ongoing Rate Contract for Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs). Having nearly completed the first PSK project in Ahmedabad, EFC has now been awarded two additional PSK projects in Hyderabad, marking a major step forward in our continued partnership with this prestigious initiative.

This development reinforces EFC’s proven capabilities in delivering large-scale, integrated interior design and turnkey solutions, as demonstrated through the successful execution of the Ahmedabad project.

The scope of work includes comprehensive interior turnkey fit-outs, carried out under a design and build model. EFC’s ability to deliver end-to-end infrastructure solutions with precision, innovation, and attention to detail continues to set us apart.

Mr. Umesh Sahay, Managing Director of EFC (I) Limited, said “We are proud to be entrusted with additional Passport Seva Kendra projects in Hyderabad under our existing Rate Contract. The near completion of the Ahmedabad PSK is a testament to our team’s commitment and execution excellence. We remain focused on delivering high-quality, innovative solutions on time and with consistency.”

This expanded engagement highlights EFC’s growing presence in mission-critical infrastructure projects and reinforces its position as a trusted partner for integrated design and build services across India.

96% of Indians Plan to Travel the Same or More This Summer, as Quieter Escapes and Off-Season Travel Top Travel Wishlists, Reveals Skyscanner

India, 3 June, 2025: Leading global travel app Skyscanner, today released its Smarter Summer Report, revealing how Indians are travelling with a ‘maximiser’ mindset this season, opting for smarter, savvier and more experience-rich adventures than ever before. With a whopping 96% of Indians planning to take the same or more trips than last year and 95% citing maximising summer vacations as their top priority in 2025, Indians are now putting thought into every detail. They are curating itineraries while staying flexible with their travel dates or considering alternative options to beat the crowds, all to make their money go further and make the most of their journeys.

In their quest for more meaningful experiences, Indian travellers are expanding their horizons. 58% plan to explore places they haven’t considered before, and 51% want to tick off multiple spots in one trip, showing a clear shift towards exploration and memorable getaways.

Calm and crowd-free

This shift in preferences is also reflected in their choice of destinations – over half (52%) of Indian travellers prefer quieter, less-crowded locations over the usual tourist hotspots.

It’s not just about where they go, it’s also about when — the shoulder season is gaining popularity among Indian travellers, with 1 in 2 open to travelling during these periods to avoid crowds and surge pricing. Together, these choices reflect a move away from the frenzy of peak season tourism and towards a summer experience that is more intentional.

The Value-First Summer Planner

Indian travellers are planning their summer getaways with a sharper focus on value and flexibility. 62% are actively seeking budget-friendly stays, while 56% are using travel comparison tools like Skyscanner to scout the best deals across flights, hotels, and car hires. Flexibility is key, with 84% open to moving their travel dates, and 47% willing to fly on less popular days to unlock greater savings.

Solving the Summer Planning Puzzle

Interestingly, even with clear travel goals and preferences, nearly half (49%) of Indian travellers have yet to book their summer holidays and are actively exploring options. The main reason? 38% are still undecided on where to go, highlighting a need for destination inspiration and guidance. This is where Skyscanner’s Smarter Summer Report steps in – offering practical insights to help travellers maximise their summer, from identifying the cheapest weeks to fly and sharing smart planning tips to highlighting alternative destinations that offer better value and fewer crowds. For wanderers who cherish that perfect in-between window when the heat starts to ease and the crowds thin out, Skyscanner’s curated lists — the Top 10 Cheapest and Popular Alternative Destinations, along with the Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Summer 2025 — offer that sweet spot for savvy Indian travellers seeking adventure without the splurge. (Refer to Appendix)

Sharing his views on the 2025 Indian summer travel trends, Mohit Joshi, Travel and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner, said, “Summer is a popular time for Indian travellers to take a well-earned break and explore new places. What’s different this year is how intentional people are about planning. They want to get the most value from their trips, but many are still unsure about when and where to go and how to plan it all, within their budget. In fact, 77% believe weekends are the most expensive time to fly, but that is not always true, and 44% don’t realise that some weeks are significantly cheaper than others. That’s why we created the Smarter Summer Report to help travellers cut through the noise and make confident decisions.

According to our data, Sunday is the cheapest day to fly, and the week of 25 August is the most budget-friendly of the season. To make the most of their summer adventures, a pro tip for travellers would be to see which month is the cheapest by hitting the ‘flexible dates’ option when searching on the Skyscanner app, to see not only the cheapest month but also the day with the lowest price per month to travel to the destination. For those seeking to pack more experiences into their summer holidays, Skyscanner’s multi-city search tool allows users to search up to six routes simultaneously when planning their journey, perfect for experiencing multiple destinations in a single trip. Our goal is to empower travellers with clarity, flexibility, and smarter tools so they can enjoy their holidays without making a huge dent in their bank balance.”

Climb, Chill, Explore

Skyscanner’s summer data also shows that 50% of Indian travellers are actively seeking destinations with cooler climates this summer, a trend that’s pushing hill towns, mountains, and high-altitude getaways into sharper focus. In response to this growing trend, Skyscanner partnered with The Land of Wanderlust, one of India’s leading backpacking collectives, to curate the ‘Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide’ for Indian travellers, which will serve as a handbook for them when taking off on their mountain adventures this season.

Sherwin Rebello, Founder, The Land of Wanderlust, adds, “We’re seeing a growing number of travellers choosing the mountains not just to escape the heat, but to embrace a slower, more meaningful way of exploring. From spontaneous backpackers to digital nomads, more people are looking for flexible, experience-led travel that fits their lifestyle. Social media still plays a big role in inspiring trips, especially for younger travellers who often join after seeing friends or creators visit a destination.

But it’s not just Gen Z. We’ve also seen an increase in private group requests often from young families or older couples who want the comfort of travelling at their own pace while staying in local homestays. Digital nomads, on the other hand, are choosing quieter towns with reliable networks so they can work while still soaking in the mountain air. Whether it’s a weekend escape, a remote work setup, or a slow-travel holiday, there’s a clear shift towards intentional, immersive journeys across age groups.”

Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide

To help travellers make the most of their adventures this summer, The Land of Wanderlust shares their top tips for a seamless backpacking experience:

Double the Bags, Double the Freedom: Bring two. A 50L main backpack that fits it all without breaking your back, and a smaller daypack — perfect for short hikes when you want to travel light and leave the bulk behind.
Scrapes Happen. Be Ready: A compact first aid kit can go a long way. Toss in essentials like band-aids, antiseptic, and blister patches because mountain trails don’t come with medical booths.
Pack Warm, Climb High: From icy winds to surprise drizzles, mountain weather is anything but predictable. Jackets, thermals, and sturdy trekking shoes will keep you warm, dry, and trail ready.
Stay Fresh, Stay Respectful: A compact toiletries kit is essential not just for your comfort, but to ensure you leave the environment as clean as you found it. Pack smart, travel responsibly.
Sun Strong? Shade Stronger: The higher you go, the harsher the sun. Sunscreen and sunglasses aren’t optional; they’re survival gear for your skin and eyes.
Power That Lasts the Climb: A power bank is your lifeline. Whether it’s maps, music, or just capturing that summit shot — don’t let your devices tap out before you do.