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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Indian Express
As Indians look to travel more in 2025, overseas holidays likely to pick up further
After crossing the 3-crore mark for the first time in 2024, the number of Indians travelling overseas appears set for another increase in 2025, with as many as 85 per cent of respondents in a survey saying they plan to more than double the frequency of their holidays—both domestic and overseas—this year to four to six. According to Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel's India Holiday Report 2025, which was released Wednesday, not only are Indians planning to go on more holidays, they are also looking to spend more, with around 84 per cent of respondents considering spending anywhere between 20 per cent and 50 per cent more on travel this year 2025. 'The survey…reflects a significant shift driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential holidays,' the report said. Growing number of globetrotters Indians are travelling overseas like never before, with international departure numbers recovering rapidly since the pandemic ebbed, and now at record levels. Among other factors, driving this surge is the growing international footprint of Indian airlines and various countries offering simplified and hassle-free visas to Indians. The number of countries offering visa-free entry to Indian citizens has also grown over the past three years. In 2024, Indian nationals' departures to foreign countries rose 8 per cent to 3.02 crore after 2023 saw a 29 per cent year-on-year jump to 2.79 crore, crossing the pre-pandemic peak of 2.69 crore that was achieved in 2019, as per Ministry of Tourism data. In the first two months of 2025, 50.9 lakh Indians travelled abroad, up 6 per cent from the corresponding period last year, tourism ministry data showed. According to the report, 44 per cent respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, Sri Lanka, while countries that issue long-term visas—like Australia, Japan, and the US—are also seeing an uptick. More international trips, while indicative of premiumisation in travel preferences, does not necessarily mean that Indian travelers have become spendthrift. As many as 39 per cent of the 2,500 survey respondents said that they actively seek promotions, discounts, and special offers while making their travel decisions. In fact, according to Reserve Bank of India data, Indians' outward remittances for travel under the central bank's Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS) edged down by 2 per cent to $16.71 billion in 2024, accounting for 57 per cent of total outward remittances under the scheme. There does seem to be a discernible premiumisation of Indians' travel plans, as has been the case in the domestic market for goods and services in the post-pandemic years. According to the survey, more than 36 per cent of respondents want 'premium experiences' such as luxury cruise holidays in Scandinavia countries, the Mediterranean, and the US, private island dining in Australia, stays in boutique hotels and chalets and heritage properties in India. Where to next? In terms of preferred international destinations, Europe continues to top the list with half of the respondents naming the continent among their destination preferences. Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany lead the European pack, with Eastern European destinations like Czech Republic, Hungary, and Croatia also gaining popularity. 'Short-hauls like Southeast Asia follows with favourites like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore (46%); also Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Ras Al-Khaimah (37%); Japan & South Korea (35%) and Australia-New Zealand (26%); Island locales – Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, Sri Lanka (22%); South Africa & Kenya (12%),' the report said. Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgystan were among other emerging destinations mentioned by respondents, while Morocco, Iceland, and Greenland 'emerging on the radar'. Inbound tourism still behind pre-pandemic levels While Indians are now travelling overseas in droves, foreign tourist arrivals are yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, total foreign tourist arrivals rose to 97 lakh, well short of the 1.09 crore arrivals witnessed in 2019. Foreign tourists are a key source of earnings for the domestic tourism economy, with 2024 seeing total foreign exchange earnings rising 18 per cent to $33.19 billion. In rupee terms, this was equivalent to Rs 2.78 lakh crore. According to the government, the tourism sector contributed 5 per cent to India's GDP in 2022-23, with the total number of jobs supported directly and indirectly due to tourism rising 9 per cent to 7.6 crore.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Event-led, experiential travel leads Indians' holiday preferences: Thomas Cook-SOTC report
The India Holiday Report 2025 reveals a surge in experiential travel among Indian tourists, fueled by increased disposable incomes and aspirational values. Travellers are prioritizing unique experiences like polar cruises and gastronomy tours, with a willingness to spend more and take longer holidays. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Experiential and event-led travel such as polar, icebreaker cruises, music concerts, global sporting events, wildlife safaris, gastronomy and vineyard trails, stargazing camps and phenomenon travel are at the forefront of Indian travellers' preferences, as per the India Holiday Report 2025, released Wednesday by Thomas Cook (India) Limited and group company SOTC Travel The report, based on a survey conducted across digital platforms covering over 2500 respondents (a combination of past Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel customers, as well as non-customers) over a duration of one month, reflects a significant shift driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential 85% of Indians planning to increase their frequency of holidays and a significant number intending to boost budgets by up to 50%—the report paints a picture of a booming travel per the report, travellers are showing a clear inclination towards longer holidays – both domestic and international. Today's new-age Indian traveller is also keen on spiritual travel , hidden-gems and distinctive accommodation like igloos, treehouses, chalets-chateaus.60% respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions, and 44% respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, UAE and Sri Lanka. 39% Indian travellers prefer to actively seek promotions, highlighting the strong influence of discounts/special offers on their purchasing campaigns and deals from tour operators and tourism boards are driving travel interest. 85% of respondents plan to increase their holidays from 2 per year to 4-6 trips annually, and approximately 84% of respondents plan to increase their travel spends by 20-50% in 2025, with over 18% intending to boost budgets by a significant 50% . Internationally, Europe continues to top the list (50%) led by Switzerland, France, Austria and Germany. Central Asia's Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan (32%) signal growing interest for unique short hauls with easy access and Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said the Indian traveller story is no longer just about destinations—it's a reflection of evolving lifestyles and rising aspirations."Our Holiday Report 2025 clearly signals the emergence of a bold, experience-first traveller mind-set. Indians are not only travelling more, but also increasing spends - choosing depth, discovery and emotion over traditional sightseeing tours. While multigenerational family segments continue to lead, we are seeing strong emergence of new travel subsets like frolleagues and solo travellers," he Nandakumar, President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours - SOTC Travel, said the report reflects evolving travel formats, with Indians moving away from rushed itineraries in favour of comfort-first, immersive experiences."Slow travel is seeing an uptick, with river and ocean cruises and sustainable rail journeys offering unique opportunities for exploration. Additionally, spiritual/pilgrimage tourism is on the rise – with our 'darshans' portfolio coupled with adventure tourism is gaining popularity – interestingly from young India's millennials and GenZ," he added.
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Business Standard
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Indians in Tier-II cites bring 'faster growth' for travel industry: Report
Indians living in Tier-II cities are bringing faster growth for the travel industry by exploring domestic and international destinations, said a report on Wednesday, crediting growing discretionary spending and better connectivity for the trend. Indians' budget for holidays has increased by 20-50 per cent more compared to previous years, said Thomas Cook India and its subsidiary SOTC Travel in a joint report. 'When we look at demand, whether through website visits or in-store footfalls, Tier-II cities are showing faster growth compared to tier I cities,' S D Nandakumar, president and country head, holidays and corporate tours, SOTC Travel, told 'Business Standard'. 'While volumes (of travellers) are still higher in Tier-I cities, the growth rate in Tier-II is significantly faster. This applies not just to domestic travel but also to international destinations.' Smaller markets have had 'remarkable growth' in the last five to ten years, said Abraham Alapatt, president and group head for marketing, service quality, value added services and innovation at Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel. 'People (travellers) now want a better holiday than last year or compared to their last holidays. Overall, the average spending by travellers has increased by four per cent in 2025 (summer season) on a year-on-year basis,' Alapatt said. Nandakumar and Alapatt noted that summer travel, particularly for leisure and B2C (business to consumers), continues to be a large part of travel business but not as dominant as it was 10 years ago. '...10 years back, the travel schedule used to have one big jump in summer and one slightly smaller jump in the Diwali-New Year period. Now, since most travellers (about 85 per cent) have increased their frequency of travel throughout the year, with a combination of long and short vacations, travel has become a year-round phenomenon. The dependence of the two-month period of summer has reduced slowly but steadily,' said Nandakumar. Movies once shaped people's decision to travel and discover new destinations. Now, 60 per cent of travellers gain inspiration from social media and OTT content, making the two platforms a key holiday driver for summer travel this year, said the report. '…the emerging travel segments for this summer were mother-daughter and cousin-sibling segments, senior female solo travellers, and GenS or empty nesters,' said Alapatt. While solo travelling has become popular among Indians, 90 per cent of them still prefer to travel with a company. Among travel trends, 45 per cent of respondents told the survey they prefer cruise holidays, 35 per cent driving vacations, and 20 per cent prefer scenic train journeys. This summer, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, the Northeast, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep were among the top domestic locations for travellers. Internationally, Europe, led by Switzerland and France, South East Asia, Dubai, Japan, Bhutan, and South Korea were among the major destinations among Indian travellers. The report called 'India Holiday Report 2025' is based on a digital survey comprising 2,500 respondents and conducted over a month.
Business Mayor
18-05-2025
- Business Mayor
So long, vacation! Time for summer of staycations: Indians dive into shorter, curated experiences closer to home
Befitting his daughter's achievement, he zeroed in on Landour in Uttarakhand—often called the tiara of the Queen of Hills—a safe, scenic retreat that allowed the family to escape without venturing too far, lest the situation deteriorate. This Sunday, they return home after what many are now calling the trend defining summer vacations: a staycation. And he's not alone. As summer sets in, a growing number of Indian travellers are opting for short, hyper-local, and experiential getaways. 'The appeal lies in convenience, rising disposable incomes, geopolitical caution, and the desire for instant gratification, with cost savings on flights and logistics making frequent local escapes more achievable,' said Rajeev Kale, president, Thomas Cook (India). According to Kale, 'This summer marks a clear evolution in leisure travel—from traditional vacations to deeply experiential staycations. Curated experiences like heritage walks, rooftop glamping, culinary staycations, spa retreats, and work-from-hotel escapes are driving this shift, offering a seamless blend of leisure and productivity.' Micro-Destinations Major Attractions Micro-destinations such as Alibaug, Coorg, and Mashobra remain top picks for clients of Thomas Cook (India), alongside emerging favourites like Karjat and Panchgani. Staycation bookings surged early in March 2025, typically ranging from ₹6,000-15,000 per night. At SOTC Travel, the trend is similar. SD Nandakumar, president, SOTC Travel, noted, 'This summer, we're seeing Indians prioritise hyper-local experiences that offer rejuvenation and discovery, giving an uptick to the trend of Staycations.' 'Our data highlights strong traction across micro-destinations—Lonavala, Igatpuri, Kabini, and Lansdowne—with rising interest in boutique homestays, private villas, and experience-led itineraries like vineyard brunches or riverside yoga,' he said. In addition to families, solo travellers and corporate teams are jumping on the bandwagon, said experts. Rikant Pittie, chief executive of EaseMyTrip, said, 'About half of urban holidaymakers are now opting for quick breaks instead of extended vacations.' Sleep Tourism He observed, 'Interestingly, 'sleep tourism' is also catching on — nearly one in five travellers now cite rest as their main holiday goal, leading hospitality brands to offer amenities like herbal teas and wellness therapies.' Pittie pointed out that even a resort-heavy location like Manesar near Delhi NCR is drawing interest. 'A noticeable uptick of 20% in staycation bookings for summer 2025 began around March 2025, with peak demand expected in May-June.' Travel choices are being shaped more than ever by viral content and social media chatter. Manjari Singhal, chief growth and business officer, Cleartrip, said, 'What's interesting is how much social media and trending content are influencing these choices. They're shaped by what's viral, what's been shared, or what feels culturally relevant. People are actively seeking, sharing them, and turning them into plans.' During their annual summer sale, customers of Cleartrip showed high interest in staycationing in Manali, Solan, Mussoorie, Chail, Jim Corbett, Wayanad, and Goa, as well as within-city homestays. For those craving nature and adventure, staycations are the go-to gateway. Aviral Gupta, chief strategy officer, Zostel, Zo World, said, 'With our offbeat offerings ranging from homely stays to jungle walks and starry nights catering to all kinds of travellers, most staycations this year have been more nature-focused, attracting adventure lovers.' According to Gupta, 'Around 73% of our staycation bookings are made within 2–3 days of travel, reflecting a last-minute, impulse-driven pattern.' Packages are priced 15–20% lower than the daily rate by bundling stay and food. As school holidays kick in and border unease continues to simmer just below the surface, the staycation is stepping into the spotlight—not as a compromise, but as the modern traveller's first choice.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Time of India
So Long, Vacation! Time for Summer of Staycations
On May 13, when an IT professional in Noida learnt that his daughter had scored 96% in her Class 10 board exams, he set about planning a celebratory family getaway. With temperatures rising, a trip to the mountains seemed fitting—until he was reminded of the recent border tensions. Even though the situation was beginning to normalise, the uncertainty made him rethink. Befitting his daughter's achievement, he zeroed in on Landour in Uttarakhand—often called the tiara of the Queen of Hills—a safe, scenic retreat that allowed the family to escape without venturing too far, lest the situation deteriorate. This Sunday, they return home after what many are now calling the trend defining summer vacations: a staycation . And he's not alone. As summer sets in, a growing number of Indian travellers are opting for short, hyper-local, and experiential getaways. Live Events 'The appeal lies in convenience, rising disposable incomes, geopolitical caution, and the desire for instant gratification, with cost savings on flights and logistics making frequent local escapes more achievable,' said Rajeev Kale, president, Thomas Cook (India). According to Kale, 'This summer marks a clear evolution in leisure travel—from traditional vacations to deeply experiential staycations. Curated experiences like heritage walks, rooftop glamping, culinary staycations, spa retreats, and work-from-hotel escapes are driving this shift, offering a seamless blend of leisure and productivity.' Micro-destinations such as Alibaug, Coorg, and Mashobra remain top picks for clients of Thomas Cook (India), alongside emerging favourites like Karjat and Panchgani. Staycation bookings surged early in March 2025, typically ranging from ₹6,000-15,000 per night. At SOTC Travel, the trend is similar. SD Nandakumar, president, SOTC Travel, noted, 'This summer, we're seeing Indians prioritise hyper-local experiences that offer rejuvenation and discovery, giving an uptick to the trend of Staycations.' 'Our data highlights strong traction across micro-destinations—Lonavala, Igatpuri, Kabini, and Lansdowne—with rising interest in boutique homestays, private villas, and experience-led itineraries like vineyard brunches or riverside yoga,' he said. In addition to families, solo travellers and corporate teams are jumping on the bandwagon, said experts. Rikant Pittie, chief executive of EaseMyTrip, said, 'About half of urban holidaymakers are now opting for quick breaks instead of extended vacations.' He observed, 'Interestingly, 'sleep tourism' is also catching on — nearly one in five travellers now cite rest as their main holiday goal, leading hospitality brands to offer amenities like herbal teas and wellness therapies.' Pittie pointed out that even a resort-heavy location like Manesar near Delhi NCR is drawing interest. 'A noticeable uptick of 20% in staycation bookings for summer 2025 began around March 2025, with peak demand expected in May-June.' Travel choices are being shaped more than ever by viral content and social media chatter. Manjari Singhal, chief growth and business officer, Cleartrip, said, 'What's interesting is how much social media and trending content are influencing these choices. They're shaped by what's viral, what's been shared, or what feels culturally relevant. People are actively seeking, sharing them, and turning them into plans.'
