In 2025, Indian travellers are transforming summer tourism with an increasing desire for immersive, experience-focused holidays, according to SOTC Managing Director and CEO Vishal Suri. In an exclusive discussion with CNBC-TV18, Suri emphasized that Indian holidaymakers are moving beyond traditional sightseeing tours and luxury accommodations.
“Today’s Indian travellers are not merely in search of landmarks or upscale hotels; they are looking for authenticity and unforgettable experiences,” he noted. This change is driving interest in global trends such as viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland, Finland, and Murmansk, experiencing the Cherry Blossom season in Japan and South Korea, and enjoying the Midnight Sun in St Petersburg.
Also read | Fed up with overtourism, protesters take to streets in southern Europe
Key summer travel trends in 2025
Suri pointed out several notable trends shaping this peak holiday season.
Experiential and event-based travel: Travellers are organizing their itineraries around major events like international concerts, global sports tournaments, and cultural festivals. “These occasions provide not just entertainment, but also a chance to explore cities from a fresh cultural perspective,” he added.
Pilgrimage tours: A significant evolution in religious tourism is now being driven by younger generations—millennials and Gen Z—who are merging spiritual journeys with local experiences and culinary trails. “There is a noticeable uptick from Young India,” Suri remarked.
BLeisure travel rebounds: The combination of business and leisure travel is witnessing renewed interest, with corporate travellers extending their trips to explore destinations alongside their families.
Rising Demand in MICE travel: Corporate group travel is on the rise. “At SOTC MICE, we are managing mid to mega groups (200-2000 travellers per group)” to both established and emerging destinations, Suri mentioned.
Higher spending, longer holidays: There’s a clear increase in trip durations and a 20% rise in spending, reflecting a stronger inclination towards quality travel.
Also read | You’re gonna party cause it’s your birthday! Dubai lets you enjoy 10 experiences for free
When inquired about how travel trends in 2024 compare with the current season, Suri noted that in 2024, travel was in a recovery phase, while now it is expanding across various business segments.
There has been a surge in demand among diverse customer segments, ranging from multi-generational families to young professionals. “Our regional tier 2 and 3 markets continue to serve as a significant growth catalyst,” he added, attributing this to vernacular content and regional outreach efforts for deeper market penetration.
He also mentioned that cruise holidays are gaining traction, with Indian travellers showing an increasing interest in premium voyages to the Scandinavian Fjords, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Self-drive tours and wellness retreats have further diversified SOTC’s offerings.
Family holidays remain in high demand, but there is a noticeable influence from millennials and Gen Z, who prefer international destinations for adventurous activities like rafting in New Zealand and nightlife experiences in Bali and Ibiza.
Furthermore, couples opting for ‘workcations’ and wellness escapes are incorporating guided tour experiences into their itineraries, particularly in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.
Sports tourism has also emerged as a strong new segment, with travellers planning holidays around events like Wimbledon, Formula 1 races, and the Olympics. “These occasions are no longer just moments for spectators; they have evolved into lifestyle milestones,” Suri observed.
International travel soars in 2025
Finally, Suri mentioned that outbound travel from India is increasing in volume and becoming more sophisticated. Popular destinations for Indian travellers include Switzerland, France, and Scandinavia, along with Australia and New Zealand. Central Asian countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are being recognized as appealing ‘offbeat gems’ among Indian travellers.
