Thomas Cook India & SOTC turned festive celebrations into unforgettable journeys!
Festivals in India have always meant family gatherings, delicious food, lights, laughter—and home. But this year, many Indians packed their bags and took their festive spirit on the road, celebrating Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Diwali in new and memorable ways.
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s India Holiday Report 2025 had predicted this exciting shift—families and friends travelling together, staying longer, spending more, and seeking fresh, immersive experiences. From heritage stays and luxury resorts, to cruises and offbeat escapes, festival holidays became the highlight of the season.
To meet this growing demand, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, and SOTC Travel had launched a vibrant range of festive tours, including:
- Special group departures from Kolkata for Durga Puja and from Karnataka for Dussehra
- Festive tours from high-potential markets like Gujarat and Maharashtra
- Pan-India Diwali departures for travellers eager to celebrate on the move
And to make the celebrations even sweeter, HDFC credit card users enjoyed discounts of up to ₹10,000 per transaction on select holidays!
Festive Travel Highlights
- Longer stays, higher spends:
Families stretched the traditional 3-day break into 6–12 day vacations, making the most of school holidays and long weekends. Millennials, Gen Z, and working professionals blended weekends with festival breaks for quick yet meaningful getaways. - Favourite destinations:
Domestic & Indian Subcontinent: Andaman, Kerala, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, North East, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal.
International: Thailand, Singapore with Bintan, Malaysia (including Sabah), Indonesia, Vietnam, Oman, Australia–New Zealand, Switzerland, France, Finland, Japan, South Korea, Georgia, Germany, Spain, Austria, Kenya, South Africa, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Mauritius.
Visa-free or easy visa favourites: Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Dubai–Abu Dhabi, Indonesia, Maldives. - Spiritual Journeys:
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s Spiritual Journeys & Darshans portfolio featured the Char Dham, Kashi, Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Tirupati, Amritsar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Dwarka, and Sri Lanka—with themed tours such as Ramayan Anant Yatra and Ramayan Trails. - Premium & Affordable Luxury:
Travellers opted for indulgent stays—resorts, spas, and luxury villas in France, Switzerland, Scandinavia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, Morocco, and Seychelles. - Cruising:
There was strong demand for sailings across South East Asia and the Middle East (Costa Cruises, Resorts World Cruises), as well as premium cruises like Disney Cruise Line in Australia and Singapore, and domestic voyages with Cordelia Cruises. - Regional group tours:
Travellers showed great enthusiasm for regional festive tours such as Adhbhut Asia, Alokik Asia, Ashadharon Vietnam, Albelu Bali, Duronto Dubai O Abu Dhabi, Iconic Oman – Durga Puja Special, Japan Extravaganza Dussehra Special, Akorshonio France O Swiss, Albelu South Africa, Breathtaking Bhutan, and Kerala Delight, complete with regional tour managers, curated vegetarian meals, and even on-tour pujas!
Celebration Met Exploration
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE & Visa, shared:
“Travel has become non-negotiable, and festive tourism is a powerful cultural driver. Indians are now celebrating festivals while travelling. 85% of travellers are increasing their travel duration and budgets to celebrate culture in immersive ways.”
He added, “Our regional festival tours—like Adhbhut Asia and Alokik Asia—combine local and authentic experiences that truly meet the aspirations of India’s new-age traveller.”
S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, noted:
“India’s festive calendar is now a key travel motivator. Families and friends are using these holidays to create multiple trips a year, not just one big vacation. What’s more exciting is that this trend extends far beyond metros—Tier 2 and 3 cities are joining in too.”
From cruises and boutique stays to culinary trails and adventure activities, these festive tours truly blended celebration with exploration—helping travellers create deeper connections and lasting memories.