StayVista's Co-Founder Thinks Indians Are Finally Ready to Embrace Alternative Stays

The demand for alternative accommodations in India is at an early stage but continues to grow.

According to Skift Research’s India on the Move: A Traveler Survey, only 7% of Indian travelers opt for vacation rentals. However, Skift Research’s preliminary analysis also indicates that the Indian short-term rental industry is poised to expand into a $3 billion market by 2033, driven by new brands, a shortage of hotels, and shifting preferences.

Skift recently chatted with Amit Damani, the co-founder of StayVista, one of India's largest luxury villa rentals brand, to discuss the current market.

The company, founded in 2015, now has 850 properties spread across over 50 destinations in India. The company has also raised capital from consumer brand focused investors such as DSG Consumer Partners, Singapore Angel Network and Singularity Holdings, as well as from Google’s Rajan Anandan.

"The market for alternative accommodations in India is still in its nascent stage," Damani said.

Amit Damani, the co-founder of StayVista. What Indian Travelers Want

The shift towards alternative stays, especially luxury