TravTalk India Online Magazine
From affordable destinations and eco-friendly travel choices to experiential journeys, Indian travellers are embracing a broad array of options. Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report reveals a vibrant picture of evolving Indian travel preferences.
Janice Alyosius
Indian travellers are increasingly drawn to popular international hotspots and lesser-known destinations, blending adventure with affordability, reveals the Skyscanner Travel Trends 2025 report, which highlights emerging patterns and preferences shaping Indian travel choices. The report signals a shift towards value-conscious, immersive, and sustainable travel. More than 60 per cent Indians are keen to explore off-the-beaten-track locations, motivated by a desire to avoid crowded areas and enjoy a more authentic cultural experience, it reports.
Trending destinations
Destinations like Georgia, Uzbekistan, and the Balkans are witnessing a significant rise in popularity, with an estimated 30 per cent year-on-year increase in searches for flights to these regions. Similarly, Southeast Asia remains a favourite, with places like Vietnam and Cambodia appealing to Indian tourists thanks to their affordable yet unique offerings. Vietnam, for instance, saw a 25 per cent increase in interest among Indian travellers in 2024, a trend set to continue into 2025.
Art-Venture & Gami-Vacation
Experiential travel is gaining momentum among Indian tourists, with over 40 per cent expressing interest in art-inspired journeys and gaming-themed getaways, referred to as “Art-Venture” and “Gami-Vacation”. This shift is particularly strong among millennials and Gen Z, who prioritise activities that foster creative exploration.
Sustainability takes centre stage
Sustainability is rapidly moving to the forefront for Indian travellers, mirroring a global trend towards responsible tourism. The report indicates that 45 per cent of Indian travellers now consider the environmental impact of their travel decisions, opting for eco-friendly accommodations and low-carbon travel options. Eco-conscious destinations like Costa Rica and Bhutan resonate particularly well with this demographic.
Astro-Adventurers
Astro-tourism is emerging as an intriguing trend, with 26 per cent of Indian travellers interested in experiences like stargazing, meteor showers, and solar eclipses. Destinations offering clear skies and astronomical events—such as Ladakh in India and the Atacama Desert in Chile—are capturing the imagination of Indian adventure seekers. With an enthusiasm for space-themed tourism and night-sky destinations, Indian locations like Spiti and Ladakh are expected to see growing interest among domestic tourists seeking
celestial experiences.
Wellness travel
Wellness travel is captivating Indian travellers, with 53 per cent planning to prioritise wellness-focused trips that support mental and physical rejuvenation. Dubbed “Reset Jetters”, this group seeks destinations that offer relaxation and mindfulness, such as yoga retreats, spa resorts, and wellness escapes in local and international locations.The report projects a 10 per cent growth in wellness tourism among Indian travellers in 2025, with popular destinations including Bali, Kerala, and the Himalayas, providing packages that blend relaxation with cultural enrichment. For travel brands, wellness-focused offerings could become a unique selling point for those seeking to “reset and recharge”.
Best value destinations
Budget travel remains crucial for the Indian market, and the list of best-value destinations suggests options that combine affordability with quality. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America are popular choices for Indian travellers wanting to maximise their budget. Over 55 per cent of Indian travellers cite affordability as a top factor, with interest in destinations like Vietnam and Cambodia showing double-digit growth.
AI and VR on the rise
The report underscores the transformative role of technology in travel, with Indian travellers showing a growing interest in Virtual Reality (VR) previews and AI-driven personalisation. About 47 per cent of Indian travellers expressed a preference for apps that customise itineraries based on personal preferences. Indian travel brands could benefit from adopting these technologies, such as VR-based destination previews and AI-curated itineraries, to enhance engagement and simplify planning for tech-savvy travellers.
