Indians High on Festive Getaways

TO TAP INTO this demand, both Thomas Cook and SOTC have launched specially curated regional group tours across key markets like West Bengal (for Durga Puja), Karnataka (for Dussehra), Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

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The tours, with culturally themed itineraries like Adbhut Asia, Alokik Asia, and Ashadharon Vietnam, are tailored to provide local immersive experiences with a festive flair. "There's a nationwide appetite for travel that's no longer confined to metros. Tier 2 and 3 cities are driving a large part of the growth," explained SD Nandakumar, president & country head, holidays and corporate tours, SOTC Travel. He added, "Families are opting for multiple shorter, culturally relevant trips throughout the year."

Meanwhile, India's spiritual tourism segment is witnessing unprecedented growth, according to MakeMyTrip's Pilgrimage Travel Trends 2024-25. The travel platform recorded a substantial 19% rise in hotel reservations across 56 religious destinations during FY 24-25, signalling robust expansion in this category.