Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company SOTC Travel have released their India Holiday Report 2025; a comprehensive study capturing the evolving aspirations and travel behaviour of Indian consumers.
Conducted across digital platforms with over 2,500 respondents (a mix of past Thomas Cook and SOTC customers and non-customers) over one month, the report reflects a significant shift driven by rising disposable incomes and growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential holidays.
With 85% of Indians planning to increase holiday frequency and many boosting travel budgets by up to 50%, the report shows a booming travel economy. Experiential travel like polar cruises, concerts, sporting events, vineyard trails, and phenomenon travel (Northern Lights, Cherry Blossom, Midnight Sun) leads preferences. Phygital journeys, blending digital discovery with human touch—continue to influence bookings. Travellers also prefer longer holidays, unique accommodations, and spiritual escapes.
Key holiday drivers shaping decisions
- Influence of media: 60% say social media, OTT content, and films are shaping travel decisions
- Visa convenience: 44% prefer destinations with simplified visas like Thailand, UAE, and Sri Lanka
- Connectivity matters: 43% cite direct flights and new routes as key travel enablers
- Value seeking: 39% actively seek deals and promotions
- Word of mouth: 30% value recommendations from friends and family
Longer, more frequent vacations on the rise
- 85% plan to increase their annual trips from two to four-six
- 47% aim to use long weekends for mini getaways
- 54% prefer longer holidays of 8–15 days by extending standard trips
Travel budgets to increase significantly
- 84% plan to raise travel spends by 20–50%
- 18% intend to boost their travel budgets by over 50%
- Travellers are allocating more to experiences, gastronomy, and premium shopping
Family, friends, and solo—how Indians are travelling
- 90% prefer travelling with others; multigenerational families (65%) lead
- Frolleagues (friends + colleagues) at 28%; solo travellers at 10%
- Special bonding trips—mother-daughter, siblings—are gaining popularity
Experience-led holidays take centre stage
- 75% show strong interest in unique experiences
- 45% prioritise phenomenon-based travel like Northern Lights and cherry blossoms
- Rise in safaris, self-drives, outdoor adventures (32%)
- Culinary tourism (26%) on the rise
- Event tourism—concerts, sports, festivals—gaining momentum (22%)
- Spa & wellness travel seeing 19% interest, led by Thailand, Bali, and Kerala
The luxury factor: Premium travel is gaining ground
- 36% prefer upscale experiences: supercars, luxury cruises, private dining, boutique hotels, Swiss chalets, glacier landings
Top destinations for 2025
- International: Europe (Switzerland, France, Austria), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia), UAE, Japan, Australia, New Zealand
- Short-haul & offbeat: Uzbekistan, Morocco, Iceland
- Domestic: Kashmir, Himachal, North East, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andamans, Goa
Cruises, drives & trains: New travel formats shine
- Cruises (45%), self-drives (35%), and scenic train journeys (20%) are increasingly favoured
- Reflects shift toward immersive and comfort-first travel
Booking behaviour embraces ‘phygital’ journeys
- 68% book online, 59% seek human interaction via calls or visits
- 58% prefer a blend of online convenience with in-person guidance
Diverse travel styles appeal to modern Indian explorers
- 35% choose partially guided tours
- 33% opt for fully guided experiences
- 32% prefer entirely self-planned trips
Sustainability gains attention
- 37% of travellers are prioritising sustainable and eco-conscious travel choices
AI & tech changing the planning game
- 35% are relying on digital platforms and AI tools for planning, booking, and itineraries
Industry speaks: Travel reflects India’s evolving lifestyle
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., stated: “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.”
SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, added: “Our Holiday Report 2025 reflects evolving travel formats, with Indians moving away from rushed itineraries in favour of comfort-first, immersive experiences. River and ocean cruises and sustainable rail journeys are seeing an uptick, with younger travellers showing interest in pilgrimage tourism and adventure alike.”
