Saturday, May 31, 2025
The joint release of the fourth edition of the India Holiday Report by Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel has provided valuable insights into the shifting travel preferences of Indian consumers as the year 2025 approaches. The comprehensive report, compiled from the responses of over 2,500 individuals, reflects a notable recovery and transformation in leisure travel trends within the Indian market. It emphasizes an emerging prioritization among travelers for more frequent journeys that are rich in experiences rather than mere destinations.
According to the findings of the study, an overwhelming majority of respondents—approximately 85 percent—expressed intentions to increase their annual number of holidays, with plans to raise the typical count from around two trips per year to as many as six. This uptick signals a robust desire among Indian travelers to engage more regularly in leisure travel. Alongside this increase in frequency, about 84 percent of those surveyed indicated that they intend to amplify their travel budgets by 20 to 50 percent. Such an enhancement in spending demonstrates a willingness to invest more substantially in travel, likely to secure higher-quality experiences or extended trips. The report also reveals a significant inclination toward longer vacations, with over half of the participants planning to extend their holidays by five to ten additional days. This trend towards lengthier travel periods suggests a growing preference for immersion in the visited destinations rather than quick visits, marking a shift toward deep experiential engagement.
Emergence of Experiential and Diverse Travel Preferences
The report highlights the rising prominence of experiential holidays among Indian travelers, reflecting a broader global trend towards seeking meaningful and unique encounters rather than conventional sightseeing. Activities such as stargazing in remote locations, wildlife safaris, and phenomenon-based tourism—examples being witnessing the Northern Lights or Japan’s famed cherry blossoms—are rapidly gaining traction. Approximately 75 percent of respondents expressed a preference for travel experiences that emphasize engagement with natural wonders and cultural phenomena.
Additionally, new forms of travel such as cruise holidays, scenic train journeys, and self-drive tours are moving quickly into the mainstream. These travel styles offer varying degrees of independence and curated comfort, appealing to diverse traveler preferences.
The report also sheds light on mixed travel style preferences among Indian travelers. Around 35 percent favor partially guided tours, which balance expert guidance with some autonomy; 33 percent prefer fully packaged itineraries that provide end-to-end convenience; and 32 percent opt for self-planned travel, enjoying complete control over their journeys. This spread suggests that the Indian traveler is no longer a monolith but represents a spectrum of needs and desires, influenced by lifestyle, budget, and the purpose of travel.
Sustainability has become a notable concern in this evolving landscape, with 37 percent of respondents prioritizing eco-conscious options in their travel planning. This indicates a growing awareness among Indian travelers of their environmental footprint and a willingness to choose greener alternatives, aligning with global sustainability trends in tourism.
Leadership Perspectives on Changing Travel Dynamics
Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head of Holidays, MICE, and Visa services at Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, remarked that the narrative of Indian travelers has transcended the mere choice of destinations. Instead, it now mirrors their evolving lifestyles and heightened aspirations. He interpreted the 2025 Holiday Report as a clear indicator of the rise of a bold, experience-first traveler mindset among Indians, one that seeks deeper engagement and meaningful journeys rather than superficial visits.
Echoing this sentiment, SD Nandakumar, President and Country Head of Holidays and Corporate Tours at SOTC Travel, noted that the report reflects significant shifts in travel formats. He highlighted a movement away from hurried, checklist-style itineraries toward more relaxed, comfort-oriented, and immersive experiences. The growing trend of ‘slow travel’—where travelers take time to fully experience a destination at a leisurely pace—was identified as gaining momentum.
Phygital Travel: Merging Digital Ease with Human Expertise
An important theme emerging from the report is the rise of ‘phygital’ travel—a hybrid approach combining the convenience of digital tools with the reassurance and personalization offered by human interaction. Although online research and bookings have become widespread, the study found that 58 percent of travelers still seek expert advice through phone consultations or in-person meetings. This preference underscores the enduring importance of trusted travel brands and personalized service in building confidence and meeting individual traveler needs.
For the travel industry, this suggests that while digital innovation is crucial, maintaining human touchpoints remains vital for engaging Indian travelers effectively. Companies able to blend technology with personalized service may hold a competitive edge in the evolving marketplace.
Implications for the Indian and Global Travel Industry
This report’s findings suggest several significant implications for the travel industry both within India and internationally. The increased frequency and extended duration of trips indicate rising demand for a broad spectrum of travel products and services, from flights and accommodations to unique activities and local experiences.
Travel operators and destination marketers targeting Indian travelers may need to expand their offerings to accommodate these preferences, emphasizing immersive and experiential products. Cruise lines, train operators, and self-drive vehicle rental services could see growing interest, prompting the development of more tailored packages.
The rise in travel spending also presents an opportunity for the hospitality sector to innovate with premium services and exclusive experiences. With sustainability emerging as a priority, eco-friendly resorts, responsible tour operators, and green certifications are likely to become more influential factors in traveler choices.
The mixed travel style preferences observed indicate that flexibility and customization will be essential. Travel providers that can cater to guided, semi-guided, and independent travelers alike will be better positioned to capture market share.
On a broader scale, the emphasis on slow and immersive travel reflects a global shift that may influence international tourism patterns. Destinations worldwide might anticipate longer stays from Indian visitors, who are keen to experience authentic local culture, nature, and phenomena.
Challenges and Opportunities for Travel Businesses
The evolving Indian travel landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Travel companies must invest in understanding the nuanced preferences of different traveler segments. Offering diverse itinerary options—from fully packaged to self-planned—is critical to meet demand.
Ensuring health and safety, particularly in the post-pandemic context, remains a priority. Longer stays and experiential travel may require businesses to focus more on quality, hygiene standards, and personalized customer care.
Sustainability also offers a dual role: a challenge to implement eco-friendly practices and an opportunity to differentiate brands. Companies integrating sustainable policies and promoting responsible tourism could appeal to the growing eco-conscious traveler base.
The increasing demand for expert advice within the phygital model suggests a need for enhanced customer support capabilities. Travel businesses must train agents to provide personalized consultations even as they digitize many operations.
Global Traveler Impact and Trends
Indian travelers, increasingly prioritizing experience and quality, are likely to influence global travel trends. Destinations known for natural wonders, cultural festivals, and unique phenomena could see greater arrivals from India.
The propensity for longer holidays means travelers may explore beyond typical tourist circuits, benefitting secondary destinations and rural tourism worldwide. This could encourage more equitable distribution of tourism revenue and reduce pressure on traditional hotspots.
Furthermore, the rise of eco-conscious travel among Indians contributes to the global push for sustainable tourism, encouraging destinations and operators everywhere to adopt greener practices.
The preference for a mix of travel styles, including self-planning, reflects a global traveler trend toward autonomy and personalization. This will challenge the travel industry to offer flexible and modular products that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the insights from the India Holiday Report indicate a robust and evolving travel market. The Indian traveler is poised to become more sophisticated, seeking meaningful, comfortable, and responsible travel experiences.
Travel industry stakeholders—airlines, hotels, tour operators, and technology providers—will need to adapt to this new traveler mindset by developing innovative products and integrating sustainability and personalization into their offerings.
The ongoing interplay between digital and human elements in travel planning will continue to shape customer engagement and service delivery.
Overall, the Indian travel market’s transformation promises to drive growth and diversification, impacting not only domestic tourism but also international travel flows and destination strategies worldwide.
