International travel, luxury experiences: How people are preparing to travel this holiday season

International travel, luxury experiences: How people are preparing to travel this holiday season

Indian travelers are in a festive frenzy! As the country prepares for its biggest celebrations (Diwali and Christmas), there is a surge in travel, both domestic and international. More and more people combine their love of festivals with their thirst for adventure. This trend is shaping new travel trendsvisa patterns and reveals fascinating insights into traveler behavior. We spoke to Shikhar Aggarwal, JMD of BLS International, who shared his insights on what’s driving ‘festive tourism‘ as one of the biggest trends that will end in 2024.

Increase in international travel during festivals

According to Aggarwal, holiday tourism is not limited to domestic travel. Recent travel data indicates a significant increase in visa applications, with a 30% increase during Indian holiday periods. This rise underlines a growing desire among travelers to explore global festivals beyond Indian borders. Many Indians now plan their holidays around international celebrations, and Christmas is a prime example. The winter holiday season attracts Indian travelers to countries known for their festive spirit, such as Spain and Switzerland, both of which have seen a 20% rise in visa applications. Tourists are particularly drawn to Christmas markets, winter parades and seasonal traditions, marking a shift in traveler behavior where festivals become focal points for holiday planning.

Increase in festive travel within India

Travelers are increasingly opting for culturally immersive experiences when selecting vacation destinations. According to Aggarwal, regions known for their vibrant celebrations, be it the mesmerizing Durga Puja in Kolkata or the grandeur of Diwali in Rajasthan, are becoming hotspots for domestic and international tourists. This trend highlights the growing importance of cultural festivals in boosting tourism within India, with states such as Kerala, Rajasthan and Goa emerging as top destinations during the festive season.

Change travel preferences

A defining characteristic of holiday tourism is the growing preference for longer stays and higher expenses. Indian tourists are increasingly extending their holidays, moving from the traditional three-day vacation to extended trips lasting between six and a fortnight. This trend is particularly driven by young professionals combining festival holidays with weekends, creating opportunities for longer getaways. There has been a 10-15% year-on-year increase in travel spending during the festive seasons, reflecting a growing appetite for an indulgent vacation.

Luxury, experiential and spiritual trips

From luxury getaways to spiritual journeys, travelers are expanding their horizons. Shikhar explains how many travelers opt for luxury international trips to destinations like Slovakia and Morocco. Premium travel options, including resorts and cruises, are seeing increased demand, allowing travelers to celebrate festivals in more relaxed and opulent settings. At the same time, pilgrimages, traditionally undertaken by older generations, now attract a wider audience, particularly with selected tours to destinations such as Varanasi, Rameswaram and Ayodhya.

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan: new destinations are emerging on the travel map

In addition to established travel hubs, emerging destinations such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are gaining popularity, especially during the fall, when travelers look to experience the vibrant colors of fall. Similarly, places like Cambodia, Japan and Vietnam are seeing increased interest, attracting those seeking unique experiences off the conventional tourist circuit.

Rise of budget airlines

The rise of low-cost airlines has also made it easier for Indian travelers to explore nearby international destinations. Southeast Asia, in particular, has seen a boom in tourism from India; Vietnam reported a 231% increase in visitor numbers in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels. Other regional destinations, including Thailand and Singapore, have also seen significant increases in arrivals, making them attractive options for those looking to combine cultural exploration with affordable travel.

Influence of popular culture on travel

The influence of popular culture, especially Bollywood, continues to influence the travel decisions of many Indian tourists. Iconic films featuring picturesque locations inspire travelers to visit the places depicted on screen. Switzerland remains a favorite due to its frequent appearances in Bollywood films, which has led to the development of Bollywood-themed tours that cater to this demand. Similarly, Spain saw a surge in Indian tourists after a popular film screened at the La Tomatina festival, emphasizing the strong connection between cinema and travel.