India’s travel preferences are undergoing a major transformation, driven by a rising desire for event-led and experiential holidays. According to the India Holiday Report 2025, released by Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. and SOTC Travel, Indian travellers are shifting away from conventional sightseeing trips and opting for deeper, more immersive travel experiences that deliver emotional and aspirational value.

The comprehensive report is based on a digital survey of over 2,500 respondents, capturing evolving behaviours across Tier I and Tier II cities. It highlights that Indians are increasingly interested in event-centric travel options such as:

• Polar and icebreaker cruises

• Live music concerts

• Global sporting events

• Wildlife safaris

• Gastronomy and vineyard trails

• Stargazing camps

• Phenomenon travel (e.g., Northern Lights, eclipses)

These experiences have become key motivators for holiday planning, driven by higher disposable incomes, an aspirational middle class, and a newfound emphasis on unique, memory-making adventures.

The report found that a staggering 85% of respondents plan to increase holiday frequency in 2025, with many looking to raise their travel budgets by 20–50%, and 18% aiming for a 50% increase. This surge in spending reflects a growing willingness to invest in travel not just as recreation but as a lifestyle and personal development tool.

Further, travellers are opting for longer domestic and international holidays, and interest is rising in spiritual travel, lesser-known destinations, and unique accommodations like:

• Treehouses

• Igloos

• Chalets and chateaus

• Boutique heritage stays

This shift aligns with a broader global movement toward “slow travel”, where tourists prefer to stay longer in one place, immerse in local cultures, and engage in meaningful activities, rather than rushing through multiple destinations.

Influences on travel decisions have also changed significantly:

• 60% of travellers now base their holiday ideas on social media platforms, OTT content, and movies, surpassing traditional travel agents or advertisements.

• 44% prioritise visa-friendly destinations, favouring countries like Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, and Sri Lanka due to e-visas or visa-on-arrival facilities.

• 39% of respondents actively seek out deals, with promotions, early bird discounts, and travel offers heavily influencing their choice of destination and timing.

In terms of international travel preferences, Europe remains the dominant choice for 50% of Indian outbound travellers, especially destinations like:

• Switzerland

• France

• Austria

• Germany

However, short-haul, affordable getaways to Central Asia are rising in popularity, particularly to countries like:

• Uzbekistan

• Kyrgyzstan

• Kazakhstan

These destinations appeal to price-conscious travellers who seek exotic experiences without long-haul flights or high costs.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook India, noted that Indian travellers are now looking for depth, emotion, and discovery in their journeys. He emphasized that this is a departure from the "checklist-style" tourism that dominated earlier years.

Mr. S. D. Nandakumar, President and Country Head of Holidays and Corporate Tours at SOTC Travel, echoed this sentiment, pointing out the rise in slow travel, spiritual holidays, and adventure getaways, particularly among millennials and Gen Z travellers. These groups are not just driven by the need to explore but also by a desire to live in the moment, connect with nature, and share unique stories via social platforms.

Other notable findings from the report include:

• 85% of respondents plan to take 4–6 vacations annually, doubling the previous average of two.

• Preferences have shifted toward experiential accommodations, such as offbeat resorts and eco-stays, rather than traditional hotels.

• There’s increased interest in niche travel formats, like mother-daughter bonding trips, cousin-sibling group travel, senior female solo holidays, and 'GenS' or empty nester vacations.

The India Holiday Report 2025 ultimately underscores a new travel era—one that celebrates personalisation, uniqueness, and transformative experiences. Travel is no longer just about destination—it’s about the journey, the story, and the connection.

With this strong appetite for curated experiences, favourable visa policies, and digital influence, India’s outbound and domestic travel economy is poised for remarkable growth in 2025 and beyond.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are 3B Films, Victory Electric Vehicles International, Wagons Learning.

The Current active IPO are N R Vandana Tex Industries, Scoda Tubes, Neptune Petrochemicals, Blue Water Logistics, Astonea Labs, Nikita Papers, Prostarm Info Systems.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.