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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
6 days ago
- Time of India
Experiential Travel Trends Among Indians: Increased Spending and Aspirations for 2025, ET HospitalityWorld
Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETHospitalityWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Indians are increasingly opting for experiential, event-led and phenomenal travels like icebreaker cruises, music concerts, wildlife safaris, global sporting events, northern lights and midnight sun, driven by higher disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, reveals a report released on Wednesday. The Thomas Cook India report conducted across digital platforms incorporates responses from more than 2,500 respondents over a one-month to the report, 85 per cent survey respondents plan to increase frequency of holidays in 2025 -- both short breaks and longer vacations; whereas 84 per cent plan to increase their travel spend by 20 to 50 per travellers are showing a clear inclination towards longer holidays - both domestic and international."Travel has now become a necessity - an essential part of the Indian lifestyle and is driven by factors like influence of social media, OTT platforms and movies: 60 per cent respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions," stated Thomas Cook India in the visa processes and easy access have also emerged as a key deciding factor, with 44 per cent respondents more likely to visit countries offering e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, Sri Lanka; while countries that issue long-term visas are also seeing an uptick, like Australia, Japan and the continues to top the the favourite international destination list led by Switzerland, France, Austria, and Germany; while Czech Republic, Hungary and Croatia are emerging well.
NDTV
6 days ago
- NDTV
Icebreaker Cruises, Safaris And Concerts: Indians Now Want Travel With A Story
Indian travellers are no longer settling for basic vacations. A new report shows that people are going all-in for experiences - think icebreaker cruises, safaris, music concerts, major sports events, and even chasing the northern lights and midnight sun. These aspirations are being fuelled by rising disposable incomes and a stronger desire for meaningful travel, according to a report released recently. The latest travel trends report by Thomas Cook India, based on over 2,500 responses collected across digital platforms in a month, gives a closer look at where Indians want to go and why. Travel Frequency and Budgets Up According to the report, 85 per cent of respondents said they plan to travel more in 2025. Both short breaks and long-haul trips are on the cards. Additionally, 84 per cent plan to spend between 20 and 50 per cent more on travel compared to the previous year. Indian travellers are planning vacations around preferred activities. Longer Trips Are Taking Priority for Indians Indians are also leaning towards longer getaways, across both domestic and international destinations. It is no longer about quick trips; people are in it for the full experience. "Travel has now become a necessity - an essential part of the Indian lifestyle and is driven by factors like influence of social media, OTT platforms and movies: 60 per cent respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions," said Thomas Cook India in the report. Easy Visas Matter Most A key factor influencing travel decisions is simplified visa access. About 44 per cent of respondents said they are more likely to travel to countries offering e-visas or visa-on-arrival facilities, such as Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE and Sri Lanka. Destinations providing long-term visas, including Australia, Japan and the United States, are also witnessing increased interest. Europe Remains the Favourite Europe is still the top international travel pick for Indian travellers. Switzerland, France, Austria and Germany are leading the pack, but newer hotspots like the Czech Republic, Hungary and Croatia are catching up fast.
Mint
7 days ago
- Mint
Experiential, phenomenal travel increasingly becoming part of Indians bucket list: Report
New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) Indians are increasingly opting for experiential, event-led and phenomenal travels like icebreaker cruises, music concerts, wildlife safaris, global sporting events, northern lights and midnight sun, driven by higher disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, reveals a report released on Wednesday. The Thomas Cook India report conducted across digital platforms incorporates responses from more than 2,500 respondents over a one-month duration. According to the report, 85 per cent survey respondents plan to increase frequency of holidays in 2025 -- both short breaks and longer vacations; whereas 84 per cent plan to increase their travel spend by 20 to 50 per cent. Moreover, travellers are showing a clear inclination towards longer holidays – both domestic and international. "Travel has now become a necessity – an essential part of the Indian lifestyle and is driven by factors like influence of social media, OTT platforms and movies: 60 per cent respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions," stated Thomas Cook India in the report. Simplified visa processes and easy access have also emerged as a key deciding factor, with 44 per cent respondents more likely to visit countries offering e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, Sri Lanka; while countries that issue long-term visas are also seeing an uptick, like Australia, Japan and the US. Europe continues to top the the favourite international destination list led by Switzerland, France, Austria, and Germany; while Czech Republic, Hungary and Croatia are emerging well.
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.
