/bw-travel/media/media_files/2025/07/29/thomas-cook-2025-07-29-13-45-30.png)
Data from Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s omnichannel travel services provider, and its group company SOTC Travel, highlights a significant shift in Indian travel preferences towards festival and cultural event tourism. As detailed in the India Holiday Report, nearly 75 per cent of respondents expressed a strong interest in experience-led holidays, reflecting a broader trend where travel is no longer confined to specific seasons but is now driven by year-round events and festivals.
Travellers are actively seeking opportunities to partake in festivals and carnivals, viewing them as gateways to authentic cultural engagement and memorable experiences. To meet this rising demand, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated a diverse portfolio of festival-led holidays—covering everything from the most renowned festivals to lesser-known hidden gems both in India and abroad—aligning their offerings with consumers' increasing desire for experiential and event-based travel.
Highlights include:
- La Tomatina(Spain, August 2025): A riotous tomato-throwing festival in Buñol, complemented by exploring Valencia’s culinary delights such as paella and tapas.
- Oktoberfest(Munich, Germany, September 2025): Bavarian beer gardens, traditional parades, and hearty cuisine.
- Boryeong Mud Festival(South Korea, July–August 2025): Mud sports, beach parties, and live music.
- Mombasa Carnival(Kenya, November 2025): Colourful coastal parades, music, and Swahili cuisine.
- Rio Carnival(Brazil, February 2026): Samba parades and citywide celebrations.
- Mardi Gras(New Orleans, US, February 2026): Jazz, masquerade balls, and Creole delicacies.
- Venice Carnival(Italy, February/March 2026): Masked balls and gondola rides.
- Sapporo Snow Festival(Japan, February 2026): Ice sculptures and winter fun.
- Moomba Festival(Victoria, Australia, March 2026): River sports, street food, and live entertainment.
- Chinese New Year(Malaysia, February–March 2026): Lion dances, fireworks, and festive treats.
- Lantern Festival(Hoi An, Vietnam, March 2026): Floating lantern displays and riverside charm.
- Songkran(Thailand, April 2026): Water fights, temple visits, and street food.
In India, festivals are equally vibrant:
- Onam(Kerala, September 2025): Boating races and elaborate feasts.
- Rann Utsav(Gujarat, October 2025 – March 2026): Folk performances, tent stays, camel rides, and local crafts.
- Pushkar Mela(Rajasthan, November 2025): Spiritual rituals and camel trading.
- Hornbill Festival(Nagaland, December 2025): Tribal dances and indigenous cuisine.
- Brahmaputra Beach Festival(Assam, January 2026): Adventure sports and riverside celebrations.
- Goa Carnival(February 2026): Colourful parades and seafood delights.
- Jaisalmer Desert Festival(February 2026): Camel parades and folk performances.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Festivals and carnivals have a fascinating way of bringing a destination to life – they serve as vibrant expressions of culture, history, and community. Today’s new age Indian traveller is seeking more than just sightseeing; they crave authentic, immersive experiences that connect them with local traditions and celebrations. Our portfolio on festival and carnival tourism reflects a broader movement towards travel that is enriching and truly memorable.
We are excited by the demand that we are witnessing – and this is across segments - from YoungIndia’s Millennials & GenZ, couples, multi-generational families to Corporate MICE.”
S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours - SOTC Travel, said, “ At SOTC Travel,we actively embrace evolving consumer trends to craft unforgettable, high-impact experiences that inspire and excite. We are witnessing a growing demand for travel centered around the world’s most iconic celebrations – from the fun of La Tomatina Festival to the energy of Rio Carnival, or the vibrancy of Rann Utsav in Rajasthan. And what is noteworthy is that, this demand is not limited to India’s metros but also our regional Tier 2-3 travellers. By curating these festival-led journeys, we’re offering more than just holidays - we’re opening doors to stories, memories and once-in-a-lifetime moments that travellers carry with them long after they return.”
