Ayushmann Khurrana and Agoda Make Stress-Free Travel Fun

Agoda, the global digital travel platform, has launched a lively new campaign in India featuring Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana in a double role. Titled “Escape the Stress, See The World For Less,” the campaign cleverly blends humor, technology, and relatable storytelling to address the growing need for short, affordable getaways in today’s fast-paced world.

Meet Mr. Vacaywala: The Chief Wellness Officer

In the campaign’s TV commercial, Ayushmann Khurrana plays both an overworked employee and his alter ego, the charismatic “Chief Wellness Officer” Mr. Vacaywala. The story begins with the stressed-out office worker, weighed down by endless meetings and deadlines. Enter Mr. Vacaywala—a laid-back, fun-loving guide who swoops in to remind everyone that taking a break isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. His solution? Use Agoda to plan a quick, budget-friendly escape and recharge your mind and soul.

Ayushmann himself relates to the message, saying,

“Between juggling jam-packed schedules and marathon days on set, I could definitely use a Mr. Vacaywala in my life. Playing this character for Agoda’s campaign was a blast, and it was a fun reminder that we all need to hit pause and recharge every now and then.”

Affordable Escapes for Everyone

The campaign highlights a real concern: while Indians are eager to travel more often, frequent trips can be expensive. Agoda addresses this by offering access to over 5 million holiday properties—from hotels to homestays—across India and abroad, all at competitive prices. This makes spontaneous getaways possible for more people, without breaking the bank.

Why This Campaign Hits Home

Recent Agoda research shows that 80% of Indian travelers cite relaxation as their main reason for travel in 2025. The campaign taps into this insight by positioning Agoda as the go-to platform for stress-free, affordable travel. Gaurav Malik, Country Director for India at Agoda, explains,

“Ayushmann brings a unique charm to this campaign, embodying the essence of what Agoda stands for—making travel fun as well as stress-free and affordable. The message of his ‘Mr. Vacaywala’ persona rings true. We’re excited to see how the ‘take a break from stress’ message will appeal to Indian travelers.”

AI-Powered Personalization: The Vacation Planner

Taking innovation a step further, Agoda also rolled out an AI Vacation Planner for Indian users. Powered by Google’s Gemini and Imagen technologies, this tool creates hyper-personalized, visually rich itineraries based on each traveler’s preferences. Users simply enter their interests, and Mr. Vacaywala (Ayushmann Khurrana) appears in AI-generated videos, addressing travelers by name and offering tailored travel plans—making the planning process as relaxing as the trip itself.

Ayushmann praised the technology, saying,

“Agoda’s use of AI to create personalized recommendations and stunning visuals makes it easier for people to dream, plan, and book their next adventure. And the best part is that we take away the stress of putting together an itinerary, because we do it for you!”

Creative Collaboration and Reach

The campaign was developed with creative agency Ogilvy and is being promoted across television and digital platforms to reach a wide audience. The combination of Ayushmann’s relatable performance, catchy storytelling, and cutting-edge AI tools positions Agoda as a leader in making travel both accessible and enjoyable for busy Indians.

With Ayushmann Khurrana as the ever-charming Mr. Vacaywala, Agoda’s latest campaign is more than just an ad—it’s a reminder that everyone deserves a break. By making travel planning affordable, easy, and even a little playful, Agoda is helping India’s new generation of travelers escape the stress and see the world for less