Zo Trips, the group travel vertical of Zostel, has announced its entry into global, experience-led travel with the launch of curated Formula 1 race weekend packages for the 2026 season. The initiative is positioned as a shift from conventional itinerary-based tourism towards community-driven, event-centric travel experiences for Indian consumers.
The company reported strong initial traction, with its first 2026 group departure already sold out and more than 1,500 inbound inquiries received across multiple races on the Formula 1 calendar. The demand has been generated organically, indicating increasing interest among Indian travellers in sports-led international travel.
The first confirmed trip is scheduled for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, followed by planned departures for races in Singapore and Azerbaijan. Registrations have also opened for the 2027 Australian Grand Prix, while additional race destinations, including long-haul events across the Americas, are under evaluation.
The offering combines official race access across practice, qualifying, and race day with curated accommodation, transfers, and on-ground coordination. The format is designed as a group-based experience, aligning with the company’s community-driven approach to travel.
Commenting on the development, Aviral Gupta, CEO of Zostel and Zo World, said, “We believe travel is undergoing a fundamental shift from destinations to experiences and that shift is already evident in how people are choosing to travel today. Journeys are increasingly being built around moments that matter, from concerts to global sporting events. Formula 1 stands out in this shift because it brings together sport, culture, and a truly global fan community in a way very few experiences can. With Zo Trips, we’re enabling Indian travellers to access these moments in a seamless, community-driven way. This is where the future of travel is headed: experience-first, high-intent, and deeply connected.”
The launch reflects a broader trend in outbound travel, particularly among younger Indian travellers, who are increasingly prioritising immersive, event-led experiences over traditional sightseeing. With this move, Zo Trips extends Zostel’s community-first model beyond accommodation into curated global travel experiences, positioning itself at the intersection of travel, culture, and international sporting events.
