With spiritual tourism on the rise, MakeMyTrip has introduced ‘Loved by Devotees’, a curated collection of 450+ hotels and homestays across 26 leading pilgrimage destinations in India. The initiative aims to cater to the growing demand for quality stays with pilgrim-friendly amenities, simplifying travel planning for religious tourists.
Pilgrimage travel now accounts for over 10% of MakeMyTrip’s total room night bookings in Q3 FY25, with searches for religious destinations surging 46% in 2024 compared to 2022. Speaking on the launch, AnkitKhanna, Chief Product Officer – Hotel, Growth & Emerging Businesses, said, “With improved connectivity, getting to India’s spiritual destinations is easier than ever. ‘Loved by Devotees’ helps travelers find stays that meet their specific needs, ensuring a seamless spiritual journey.”
The initiative evaluates stays based on proximity to places of worship, accessibility, vegetarian dining options, parking, travel support, and elderly-friendly amenities, ensuring high-quality accommodations with a minimum 3.5+ user rating on MakeMyTrip. Kolkata, a major gateway for pilgrimage travel, is expected to see increased bookings for Puri, Varanasi, and Ayodhya. With demand rising from the city’s religious travelers, the initiative offers structured and reliable accommodations for a hassle-free spiritual experience.
