In 2025, Indian travellers are transforming summer tourism with an increased desire for immersive, experience-focused vacations, according to SOTC Managing Director and CEO Vishal Suri. In an exclusive discussion with CNBC-TV18, Suri pointed out that Indian holidaymakers are moving beyond traditional sightseeing and luxurious accommodations.
“Today’s Indian travellers are not merely interested in landmarks or high-end hotels; they seek authenticity and unforgettable experiences,” he stated. This shift has heightened interest in global trends such as witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland, Finland, and Murmansk, enjoying the Cherry Blossom season in Japan and South Korea, and experiencing the Midnight Sun in St Petersburg.
Also read | Exhausted by overtourism, demonstrators take to the streets in Southern Europe
Key summer travel trends in 2025
Suri emphasized several notable trends shaping this year’s peak travel season.
Experiential and event-driven travel: Travellers are crafting their itineraries around significant events like international concerts, global sporting events, and cultural festivals. “These occasions not only provide entertainment but also allow exploration of cities through a fresh cultural lens,” he remarked.
Pilgrimage travel: A significant shift in religious tourism is being spearheaded by younger generations—millennials and Gen Z—who intertwine spiritual visits with local adventures and culinary trails. “We’re witnessing a robust increase from Young India,” Suri noted.
Blended leisure travel rebounds: The combination of business and leisure travel is gaining traction, with corporate travellers extending work trips to explore destinations with their families.
Growing demand in MICE travel: Corporate group travel is flourishing. “At SOTC MICE, we handle mid to mega groups (200-2000 travellers per group)” to a mix of traditional and emerging locales, Suri shared.
Increased expenditure, longer vacations: There’s a notable rise in the length of trips and a 20% increase in spending, indicating a desire for quality travel experiences.
Also read | Celebrate your birthday with 10 complimentary experiences in Dubai
When asked about the differences in travel trends between 2024 and this current season, Suri mentioned that while 2024 was characterized by a recovery phase, travel is now broadening across various business sectors.
Demand has surged among varied customer segments, from multi-generational families to young professionals. “Our tier 2 and 3 regional markets continue to be strong growth drivers,” he added, attributing this to vernacular content and regional outreach for more profound market penetration.
Cruise holidays, too, are gaining traction, with Indian travellers showing a rising interest in premium voyages to destinations like the Scandinavian Fjords, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. Self-drive tours and wellness retreats have also diversified SOTC’s offerings.
Suri explained that while family holidays remain in high demand, there is an increasing influence from millennials and Gen Z, who prefer international destinations for adventure activities like white-water rafting in New Zealand and nightlife experiences in Bali and Ibiza.
“Millennials and Gen Z are redefining the travel narrative with their passion for authentic experiences, adrenaline, and self-expression,” he remarked.
In addition, couples choosing ‘workcations’ and wellness retreats are incorporating guided tour experiences into their plans, particularly in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.
Sports tourism has also emerged as a powerful new segment, with travellers organizing holidays around events such as Wimbledon, Formula 1 races, and the Olympics. “These events are evolving from mere spectator moments to lifestyle milestones,” Suri emphasized.
International travel surges in 2025
Lastly, Suri noted that outbound travel from India is increasing in volume and becoming more discerning. Popular destinations for Indian travellers now include Switzerland, France, Scandinavia, along with Australia and New Zealand. Central Asian nations like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are emerging as ‘offbeat gems’ captivating Indian travellers.
