Thomas Cook and SOTC witness a growing trend for festival tourism in the country Launch unique festive tours for Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali

●        Includes special Regional Group Tours targeting high potential source markets like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra

●        Special Tours accompanied by an experienced tour manager with regional flavours

●        Attractive discounts and early bird offers

Mumbai, September 02, 2024: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India's leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have leveraged the new trend of festive tourism through the launch of unique festive tours for Dussehra, Durga Puja and Diwali. Indians are shifting focus from traditional home-based ceremonies to traveling with family for fun/bonding celebrations while also discovering new destinations. This trend reflects a significant evolution among Indian travellers.

The Evolving Festive Tourism Trend

Traditionally, Indian festivals have involved family gatherings at home. However, there's a marked and growing trend where families, including multiple generations, are choosing to celebrate these special occasions – for bonding time and celebrations, while exploring favourite/new destinations. With school holidays coinciding with major festivals, families are seizing the opportunity to travel. In addition to families, young working professionals are combining festive holidays with weekends towards a welcome break to relax and celebrate.

Festive Tour Highlights

●        Durga Puja Specials: all-inclusive tours with fixed departures around Durga Puja (e.g., Darsaniya Europe, Akorshonio France/Swiss, Osaadharon Great Britain/Japan/Vietnam, Swapner Spain & Portugal, Monomughdo Scandinavia), Vietnam and the USA, Asia Te Hoi Choi, Asia Te Sathe Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal. Domestic options include Andamaner Samudra Sikate; Kashmir, and Kerala

●        Diwali Specials: Himachal Pradesh, the North East, Kerala, and Kashmir. International: Bhutan, Bali, Singapore, and select European destinations. Festive tours: Albelu Dubai, Manmohak Asia, Akarshak Asia

Personalised Holidays are also available, co-curated by Thomas Cook and SOTC holiday experts with customers.

Festive tourism trends

●        Longer stays and increased spends: Indians are opting for longer vacations, from the traditional 3 days to 6 -15 days. The appetite to spend has increased by 10-15% YoY. Young India is embracing extended trips, combining weekends with festival holidays for a 5- 6 days break

●        Destinations:

Favourite destinations:

o    Domestic/Sub-Continent: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Andamans, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, North East, Sri Lanka and Bhutan

o    International: Dubai, Abu-Dhabi, Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Oman, Australia-New Zealand, Switzerland, France, Finland

o    Emerging Destinations: Fresh new and unique destinations such as Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Georgia, Japan and Western Europe (to view the vivid autumn colours)

●        Visa-Free and easy-visa destinations: Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka; eVisa and easy visa: Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Indonesia (Bali), Maldives, are also in high demand

●        Pilgrimages and spiritual journeys: Leveraging the festive-religious fervour, Thomas Cook and SOTC have focused on spiritual journeys with their Pilgrimage Plus tours in Kashi, Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Tirupati, Amritsar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Dwarka and Sri Lanka: ‘Ramayan Anant Yatra,’ and ‘Ramayan Trail’

●        Strongly emerging tier 2-3 source markets: Regional India is emerging as a powerful market and capitalising on this trend, Thomas Cook and SOTC have launched regional departures in Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Maharashtra

●        Premium/affordable luxury travel: Travellers are opting for luxury resorts and spas, with destinations like France, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Morocco

●        Cruises: Domestic, South East Asia, and Middle East sailings (Costa Cruises, Resort World Cruises, Cordelia) 

Attractive pricing and special offers

To inspire demand, Thomas Cook and SOTC are offering exclusive discounts on their festive tours

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, "We are observing a discernible shift in how families are celebrating festivals. Travel has become non-negotiable, with customers increasingly using festival periods as an opportunity to both celebrate and explore new destinations. Our specially curated festive tours are crafted to cater to this evolving trend, seamlessly blending cultural celebrations with immersive travel experiences. This approach not only meets the growing demand but also enhances the way customers engage with both festivals and travel"

Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited, said, "As we celebrate our 75th year, we are delighted to offer specially curated festive tours that reflect our deep understanding of the Indian traveler. Our new portfolio addresses the increasing demand from family/multi-generational and young India - ensuring a memorable festive season for all. Additionally, our SOTC Holiday Bazaars across key markets highlight offer customers easy access to book their holidays – right at their doorstep!"