Indian Travellers Set to Holiday More in 2025: Reports Thomas Cook India & SOTC

India’s travel appetite is growing at a remarkable pace, as revealed in the latest India Holiday Report 2025 by Thomas Cook India Limited and its group company, SOTC Travel. Drawing insights from over 2,500 respondents via a month-long digital survey, the report highlights how rising disposable incomes, the influence of social media, and a growing aspiration for experience-led journeys are reshaping Indian travel behaviour.

Rajeev 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.

Our Holiday Report 25 reflects a strong shift towards offbeat travel and emerging destinations like phenomenon travel - whether it's experiencing cherry blossoms in Japan/South Korea or witnessing the midnight sun in Scandinavia/Russia. At Thomas Cook, we’re excited to witness the rapid evolution of Indian travellers and are curating exciting holidays that reflect this experience-first outlook,” Kale said.

Travel is no longer perceived as a luxury but as a lifestyle necessity. Sixty per cent of respondents cited social media, OTT platforms, and films as their top sources of travel inspiration. The accessibility of destinations has also improved due to simplified visa procedures (44 per cent) and enhanced air connectivity (43 per cent). At the same time, 39 per cent of travellers are value-seekers, actively scouting for promotions and deals, while 30 per cent still rely on word-of-mouth recommendations.

The report underscores a marked increase in travel frequency, with 85 per cent of Indians planning to move from two annual holidays to between four and six trips per year. Short getaways are on the rise, with 47 per cent leveraging long weekends, while 54 per cent favour extended holidays spanning 8–15 days.

Spending patterns are also evolving. In 2025, 84 per cent of respondents plan to increase their travel budgets by 20 to 50 per cent, with over 18 per cent indicating a budget rise of more than 50 per cent. The increase in spend is focused on immersive experiences, culinary indulgences, and shopping at premium outlets.

Travelling with others remains the preferred choice for 90 per cent of respondents. Multigenerational families lead the way at 65 per cent, followed by couples (60 per cent), ‘frolleagues’ (28 per cent), and solo travellers (10 per cent). Of note is the growing representation of solo female travellers and older demographics who are embracing travel as a form of personal enrichment.

Experience-led holidays are dominating Indian travel choices. Seventy-five per cent express a strong preference for experiential trips. Phenomenon-based travel, such as witnessing the Northern Lights, cherry blossoms, or the Midnight Sun, is prioritised by 45 per cent. Other growing interests include safaris and outdoor adventures (32 per cent), gastronomy tours (26 per cent), and global events like concerts and sports tournaments (22 per cent).

Premium travel experiences are also seeing increased interest. Luxury cruises, supercar drives, and heritage stays attract 36 per cent of respondents. Unique formats like cruises (45 per cent), self-drive holidays (35 per cent), and scenic train journeys (20 per cent) are becoming mainstream, reflecting a broader shift towards slow, immersive travel.

In terms of destinations, Europe continues to dominate the wishlist of Indian travellers, with 50 per cent opting for the continent—particularly Switzerland and France. Southeast Asia follows closely with 46 per cent, and the UAE region comes next at 37 per cent. Domestically, the Himalayas—covering Kashmir, Himachal, and Uttarakhand—remain favourites (55 per cent), while interest in the North-East, Lakshadweep, and Andaman Islands is steadily increasing.

Sustainability and technology are playing a defining role in shaping future travel trends. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents now prioritise eco-conscious travel choices. Meanwhile, 35 per cent are leveraging AI and digital tools for researching, booking, and planning their trips, reflecting a growing preference for a ‘phygital’ approach—merging digital convenience with personal guidance.

SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours - SOTC Travel, said, “Our Holiday Report 2025 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."

"Booking behaviours have also shifted—while Indians are researching online, they continue to value expert guidance, making SOTC’s phygital approach a key driver of trust and convenience. At SOTC, we’re proud to offer experiences to suit every Indian traveller segment. With over 75 years of experience and a deep understanding of Indian travellers’ evolving needs, SOTC ensures that every journey is memorable and enriching,” he added.

The India Holiday Report 2025 not only captures India’s growing passion for travel but also reinforces the fact that for the Indian traveller today, holidays are about seeking meaning, embracing discovery, and creating lasting memories through truly enriching experiences.