As demand for bespoke and experience-led travel gathers pace, Deepak Nangla, Managing Director of Premier by Brightsun Travel outlines how the company is redefining premium travel through tailored itineraries, strategic global partnerships and a strong focus on flexibility.
Q. How is Premier by Brightsun responding to the growing demand for personalised and bespoke travel experiences among modern travellers?
A. Premier by Brightsun was launched in direct response to the rising demand for highly personalised, premium travel experiences particularly among high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients. We saw a clear opportunity to create a dedicated offering focused on the luxury segment, built around tailored service and genuine attention to detail. Travellers are not just looking for more choices but the right kind of choices. They want journeys that reflect their preferences, priorities, and even their pace of travel.
A large part of our work involves clients with very specific requirements including early arrivals, complex multi-city itineraries, and trips that seamlessly combine business with leisure. In such cases, our team steps in to fine-tune every element of the journey which could mean securing early hotel check-ins, identifying the most convenient flight combinations, or curating experiences that truly resonate with the traveller’s interests. Ultimately, our focus is on making travel feel effortless, intuitive, and thoughtfully put together so that the experience goes far beyond a standard booking.
Q. How are travel planners adapting itineraries to ensure comfort, flexibility, and engaging experiences for travellers of all age groups?
A. Itinerary planning today is far more nuanced than it used to be. Travellers are more diverse, not just in terms of age, but also in expectations, energy levels, and travel styles so flexibility is central to how we design trips. Our consultants focus on creating a balanced pace. For families, that might mean choosing flight timings that work for children, arranging smooth transfers, and ensuring hotels can accommodate early check-ins or interconnecting rooms. For older travellers, comfort and accessibility become key, while younger travellers often look for more immersive or activity-driven experiences. We also build in flexibility wherever possible such as keeping parts of the itinerary open, selecting refundable options, or offering alternatives in case plans need to change.
What really makes a difference, though, are the thoughtful touches. It could be something as simple as pre-arranging meals for specific dietary needs, or as special as curating a unique experience around a milestone moment. These are the details that make travellers feel understood, regardless of their age or travel style.
Q. How do your travel specialists guide clients in choosing the right destination at the right time of year, especially as weather patterns and travel demand shift?
A. Choosing the right destination today goes far beyond just checking the weather. Travellers are increasingly mindful of broader factors: geopolitical situations, seasonal demand, and even crowd levels. Our role is to give our customers a clear, honest picture so they can make informed decisions. There are always “safe haven” destinations, whether it’s parts of the Caribbean, Australia, or certain regions in Europe that continue to perform well even during uncertain times.
We also saw during the pandemic how quickly travel behaviour can shift with domestic tourism surging when international travel slowed. These patterns still influence how people plan today. Ultimately, it comes down to insight and timing. Our consultants stay closely attuned to global trends and advise clients not just on where to go, but when to go, ensuring they get the best possible experience.
In an age where travellers can easily book online, personalised service remains a key differentiator.
Q. How does your team ensure that every client whether a budget traveller or a luxury customer receives a tailored travel experience?
A. A large part of our Premier clients are corporates and high-net-worth individuals who simply do not have the time to navigate endless options online. What they value most is efficiency, flexibility, and knowing that every detail has been taken care of. Interestingly, many of these clients book last minute, often combining business travel with leisure. That creates both a challenge and an opportunity for our consultants which is to find the right option quickly, without compromising on quality.
Through our partnerships with leading luxury hospitality brands, we can offer added-value benefits such as early check-in, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and hotel credits for dining or spa experiences. The key point is that these benefits come at no additional cost to the client as they are built into our negotiated rates.
Q. What changes have you observed in traveller behaviour when it comes to protection, flexibility and refund policies?
A. Travellers today are far more conscious of flexibility than they were a few years ago. The events of recent years have made people more cautious, and understandably so. We are seeing a clear preference for flexible fares, refundable bookings, and comprehensive travel insurance. Clients are asking more questions upfront; they want to understand cancellation policies, amendment options, and what happens if plans change unexpectedly. At the same time, there is a balance. While flexibility is important, travellers also want value, so our role is to present options that give them both security and cost-effectiveness.
Q. Your company works closely with global airlines and travel partners. How do these long-standing partnerships translate into better value, availability, and benefits for customers compared to independent bookings?
A. Our long-standing relationships with global airlines and hotel groups are a big part of what allows us to deliver consistently high-quality experiences. These partnerships go beyond simple pricing advantages. They give us access to better availability, priority services, and added-value inclusions that are not always visible through independent booking channels. Because we work so closely with these partners, we are also able to respond quickly when situations change, whether it is rebooking flights, adjusting itineraries, or securing last-minute upgrades. In many ways, these relationships act as an extension of our service, helping us deliver a smoother and more reliable experience for our clients.
Q. Looking ahead, what emerging travel trends do you see shaping luxury and experiential travel over the next few years?
A. The next phase of travel will be defined by a combination of technology and deeper personalisation. We are already seeing a shift in luxury travel, from simply offering premium products to creating meaningful, tailor-made experiences. Travellers want journeys that feel personal and intuitive, rather than transactional. Artificial intelligence will play an important role in enabling this. It will help us better understand customer preferences, anticipate needs, and design itineraries that are more relevant. However, the human element will remain essential; technology can enhance the experience but cannot replace genuine understanding and empathy.
From a broader perspective, markets like India are particularly exciting. With its continued economic growth and expanding middle class, we expect a significant rise in outbound travel, especially in the luxury and corporate segments. Sustainability, seamless digital integration, and experience-led travel will shape the industry going forward.