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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Passport-first moments rise: 32% visa surge from small-town India
First-time international travel by Indians is surging, with 32% growth led by Tier 2 and 3 cities like Surat, Lucknow and Jaipur, shows new visa application data New Delhi Travelling for the first time, and that too to a foreign land? You're not alone. A growing wave of first-time Indian travellers is stepping onto the global stage, driven by rising incomes, digital convenience, and ambitions that now go well beyond India's biggest cities. According to new data from Atlys, a visa application platform, international visa requests from first-time applicants jumped 32% over the past year. Of this, 56% came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—places like Chandigarh, Surat, Pune, Lucknow, and Jaipur. This cohort isn't travelling for business or to visit family. They're chasing long-awaited holidays, celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries, booking friends' trips, or ticking off their first stamp in a passport. Atlys' data shows the most active segment includes: Young adults under 35 Newlyweds and honeymooners Families going on their first overseas trip Destinations such as the UAE and nearby Southeast Asian countries are topping the list. Dubai remains a firm favourite thanks to its frequent flight connections and ease of travel, but places like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are drawing in budget-conscious explorers looking for immersive and affordable experiences. Digital visa tools and cheaper flights are unlocking global access 'Travel is no longer seen as a luxury, it's become an essential part of life,' said Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of Atlys. 'We're seeing year-on-year growth in first-time international travellers. This segment is being driven by affordable international flights, simplified digital visa processes, and rising income levels. Countries that streamline access and approvals will be the biggest winners in this next chapter of Indian outbound tourism.' The trend isn't limited to one platform. In May, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel released the 'India Holiday Report 2025', showing Indians are not just travelling more—they're planning to travel *much* more. According to the report: — The number of Indians travelling abroad crossed 3 crore for the first time in 2024 — 85% of survey respondents plan to double their holiday frequency to four-six times a year, compared to two-three previously — 84% said they would increase travel spending by 20% to 50% this year 'The survey reflects a shift driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential holidays,' the report said. Passport offices have grown, but coverage remains low A critical enabler of this boom has been the growing passport infrastructure. According to the Ministry of External Affairs' Performance Smart Board, over 100.9 million passports were issued between 2014 and 2023. Of these, 85% were issued domestically, with the number of Passport Seva Kendras growing from 153 in 2014 to 523 by 2023. But passport penetration still has a long way to go. Despite the infrastructure gains, only 8.71% of India's population currently holds an active passport, as per MEA data. That leaves a vast pool of potential first-time international travellers, many in smaller cities, still waiting to take that first step.
Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Indian Express
Move over family trips, ‘frolleague' getaways are the new travel trend among Indian professionals
The travel landscape in India is evolving rapidly, and 2025 has brought with it a fascinating shift not just in how people travel, but with whom. Forget the traditional family vacations or romantic getaways — travel tribes are expanding, and leading this shift are the frolleagues: colleagues who are also close friends and now, travel buddies. From post-quarter getaways to spontaneous weekend trips, this dynamic is picking up across metros and tier-2 cities alike. According to the Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025, a growing 28 per cent of Indian travellers now prefer 'frolleagues' as their companions on trips. While multigenerational families still lead the chart at 65 per cent, and partners at 60 per cent, the rise of work friendships that extend beyond office walls is significant. Neha Cadabam, Senior Psychologist and Executive Director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells 'Travelling with frolleagues or colleagues who are also close friends can offer a unique blend of emotional comfort and shared adventure. From a psychological perspective, these trips can foster deeper bonds, reduce workplace stress, and create shared memories that enhance team dynamics. Being in a relaxed environment outside of work often encourages more authentic conversations and emotional connection.' However, she adds, there can also be challenges. Group dynamics may shift outside the structured roles of the office, and underlying tensions or personality differences can surface. 'When personal and professional relationships are closely intertwined, disagreements during travel can sometimes spill back into the workplace. The key is open communication and mutual respect, both during the trip and after returning to the office.' 'Yes, travelling with work friends can blur boundaries, especially when hierarchies, office politics, or sensitive topics come into play. When personal and professional lives overlap in informal settings, individuals might feel pressure to maintain a certain image or may unintentionally overstep boundaries,' mentions Cadabam. To maintain a healthy balance, she suggests that it's helpful to set subtle expectations early on. For instance, being mindful about not discussing work-related frustrations too heavily on a trip can prevent burnout or conflicts. It's also important to respect personal space and recognize that even among close friends, downtime is necessary. Ultimately, these trips should be about enjoying the companionship, not replicating the workplace in a new location. Younger professionals often seek emotional relatability and shared experiences, and peer-based travel offers just that. Cadabam states, 'Unlike traditional family holidays, which may come with certain obligations or limitations, trips with frolleagues allow individuals to travel with people who share similar life stages, values, and financial independence.' Moreover, many younger professionals find that travelling with peers is a way to decompress while still feeling socially connected. 'It aligns with their preference for community, flexibility, and shared exploration. There's also an unspoken understanding among frolleagues about balancing fun with downtime, something that may not be as easy with family or in solo travel,' notes the expert.
India Today
16-06-2025
- India Today
Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, now Philippines: Is Southeast Asia India's new backyard?
There is a brand-new stamp for Indian travellers to chase! The Philippines has just announced a 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists. Yes, you read that right. This latest move is part of the country's plan to boost tourism.'The visa-free arrangement is aimed at boosting tourism arrivals from India, which rose 12 per cent in 2024 to nearly 80,000,' Reuters means there's yet another travel diary waiting to be written, just minus the paperwork hustle. In 2025, bucket lists are getting longer and travel budgets are expanding. Travellers are now more open to taking frequent trips, not just across India but globally. International travel is starting to feel as accessible, and sometimes as affordable, as a domestic let's be real, travel isn't just about the fun and the pretty views. The first step? Planning and booking (yawn): flights, hotels, itineraries, visa applications. Now imagine international trips, minus the visa stress. Bingo!Dil Chahta Hai less visa stress!We all know visa work is time-consuming, expensive and stressful. That's why countries that offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival (VOA) are becoming big wins for Indian travellers. According to the Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025, 44 per cent of Indian travellers are more likely to visit countries with a hassle-free visa process. Survey suggests that 44 per cent travellers look for hassle free travel (Photo: Pexels) advertisementPopular destinations offering VOA for Indian passport holders are: Maldives, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Jordan amongst countries are even more chill - no visa needed, but only for a limited number of days. Think Mauritius, Nepal, Hong Kong, Fiji, the Philippines (now proudly on that list), and and visa-free stays are often time-limited and purpose-specific. Requirements can change, and you don't want a surprise at the airport - so double-check!The rise of Southeast Asian travelLet's agree that Southeast Asia is clearly having a moment. There has been a substantial rise in the tourism sector. Experts believe this is just the has been a travel staple for Indians. However, in the first quarter of 2025, Malaysia stole the spotlight as the most visited country. As per Malaysia Tourism data presented in VN Express report, over 10.1 million foreign travellers visited Malaysia. Thailand came in second with 9.55 million tourist arrivals, followed by Vietnam with 6 million and Singapore with 4.31 what exactly is driving the buzz around this region?"Southeast Asia fits the bill perfectly. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and now the Philippines offer strong value for money, visa-friendly policies, and a wide variety of experiences. As air connectivity improves and more travellers seek short-haul destinations, this region is seeing consistent growth," Karan Agarwal, director, Cox and Kings tells India Today. Da Nang, Vietnam (Photo: Pexels) Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, also highlights the role of rising disposable incomes and how the Philippines is now emerging as a traveller's favourite."Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam - these destinations have consistently been favourites, but we are seeing a growing interest in places like the Philippines, which was not as prominent a few years ago. According to recent data, Bali continues to lead, with nearly 23.43 per cent of Indian travellers opting for it. Thailand and Vietnam are also experiencing a rise in both flight bookings and package bookings due to their combination of beaches, culture, and adventure offerings," he has been a rise in demand for places like Da Nang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Luang Prabang in Laos, and now, several regions within the Philippines, such as Cebu and El Nido. "We've seen a shift in booking patterns. Travellers are asking for more personalised itineraries in these regions, including offbeat locations, culture retreats, and culinary tours," he the proximity, culture, adventure, budget and luxury travel experiences make these Southeast Asian countries a one-stop shop for every kind of choose Philippines for your next vacationThe Philippines has suddenly found a place on the search engines, Instagram reels, and Pinterest travel mood boards. Soon after the announcement of visa relaxation, there has been a rapid increase in the search for the island country."In just a week, our searches from India rose by around 25 per cent, with the Philippines climbing from the eighth to the third most searched destination in Southeast Asia, just behind Thailand and Indonesia. What stands out is the pace and consistency of this interest. Our projections indicate that this momentum will continue, with travel demand expected to grow by another 15-25 per cent in the coming months," Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder, EaseMyTrip tells India the increase in search demands, Ganapathy also explains that the rise in interest is not just due to visa relaxation, but also due to the region's growing reputation for offering adventure and luxury experiences in tandem. With stunning islands, affordable luxury resorts, and water-based activities, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for both couples and there yetAmidst the last-minute booking rush (hello, summer vacations!), one aspect might still pose a hurdle: direct connectivity. Air India is set to commence direct flights between Delhi and Manila, but that only begins in October 2025."Currently, limited flight options can act as a deterrent. Introducing more direct routes from major Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities to key destinations in the Philippines will play a crucial role in unlocking the country's full tourism potential for Indian travellers," Agarwal calling!Are you already planning your island escapades itinerary? From waterfalls to postcard-perfect beaches, here are some of the popular tourist This is where you'll find that serene turquoise water and powdery white sand. Not emotions, but yes—sunsets worth framing, and hammock naps that feel like a This is like a tropical blockbuster- adventure and relaxation, all in one. One may explore the lagoons in El Nido and shipwreck dives in Coron. Or kayak through the limestone cliffs and soak in the sound of rippling water and birds. Chocolate Hills in Philippines (Pexels) advertisementBohol: A haven for nature lovers, this island is famous for its iconic Chocolate Hills (no, not edible). These hills are popular owing to the unique geological composition of limestone. It is also home to the tiniest primates, called tarsiers. This place offers a tropical experience where you can cruise down the rivers, enjoy heritage churches and bask in the sun, of course!Siargao: It is called the 'Surf Capital of the Philippines'. Reef breaks, marine life, and secluded beaches are crowd pullers. You can simply hire a scooter and explore the scenic roads of the Rice Terraces: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lush rice paddies that stretch as far as your eyes can take you. These terraces were made by manual labour thousands of years ago. Waterfalls in Philippines (Photo: Unsplash) Cebu: Are you a water baby? Cebu is where you can chase waterfalls at Kaswan. You can snorkel your way through reefs and have an experience swimming alongside the gentle giants - whale sharks!There are several other islands that offer skydiving, natural waterfalls, cliff jumping domestic travel getting more expensive every day, for Indians, travelling to these Southeast Asian countries seems like a viable and lucrative option, and there's no debating Reel
India Today
06-06-2025
- India Today
How 'frolleagues' and streaming platforms are redefining travel in 2025
The travel landscape in India has changed drastically over the years. New terms and trends have emerged and redefined the idea of travelling altogether. It is not just about a routine holiday that happens once or twice a year. It is not just about the beach or mountains. Indian travellers, in 2025, are all about travelling more, spending more (on travel), going for mini and major vacations, from the when, where and how of travel, what's becoming increasingly important is the 'who'. Who are you travelling with? And the emerging trend is a travel tribe called the 'frolleagues'- colleagues who double as friends and also travel buddies. In a survey released by the Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025, about 28 per cent of people preferred 'frolleagues' as their travel would have thought that your coffee-break buddy would become your trekking partner too? But here, we are living in the era of office besties, work wives or work husbands, so the trend justifies. But, irrespective of how close you are to your work friends, 65 per cent of Indians still prefer travelling with multigenerational families, 60 per cent with their partners, and 10 per cent opt for solo trips, the report Kale, president and country head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, "Indians are not only travelling more, but also increasing spends - choosing depth, discovery and emotion over traditional sightseeing tours. While multigenerational family segments continue to lead, we are seeing a strong emergence of new travel subsets like 'frolleagues' and solo travellers."The survey incorporates insights from over 2,500 respondents recorded over a month's time across digital platforms. And this comes at a time when there's a growing demand for experiential travel and that accounts for 75 per cent, the survey further states. The growing aspirational value of travel is in tandem with the rise of experiential, event-based, and phenomenon-based travel, travel trends of 2025As mentioned earlier, there's a growing demand for experiential travel, which includes phenomenon-based trips like chasing the Northern Lights or visiting Japan during cherry blossom season. Event-led tourism has also seen a sudden boom. All the Swifties, Diljit Dosanjh fans, and Coldplay followers are testament to this trend. A rise of about 20 percent has been observed, driven by global concerts, sporting events, festivals, and from these, wellness tourism and gastronomical experiences have significantly impacted travel as luxury stays, smart planningIn this digital-first scene, social media, OTT, and AI are catalysts for travel and planning. '60% of respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms, and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions,' the survey 85% plan to increase their travel frequency and 84% are ready to spend 20–50% more, both mini-vacations and long getaways are on the cards. Travellers are ready to leverage long weekends, public holidays, and mini-moons to unwind and reconnect. On the other hand, 36 per cent are willing to extend stays and opt for premium experiences like cruises, upscale hotels, heritage properties, travellers are all set to increase their travel in 2025, and Europe tops the list of preferred international destinations. In India, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have secured the top place in the Indian travel bucket Reel
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Business Standard
02-06-2025
- Business Standard
Travel insurance: Choose sum insured based on health, age and trip type
Longer trips, adventure activities and remote destinations require higher coverage; policy sub-limits, pre-existing conditions and travel risks must be factored in premium Himali Patel Listen to This Article Indians wish to travel more frequently and are prepared to spend more on travel. Thomas Cook and SOTC's India Holiday Report 2025 says that 85 per cent of respondents in a recent survey planned to increase their holidays from two per year to four or six trips annually. Around 84 per cent intend to boost their travel spends by 20–50 per cent in 2025, with over 18 per cent aiming for a 50 per cent increase. Before setting out for a foreign destination, holidaymakers must purchase a travel insurance policy with an adequate sum insured and sufficient limits for each
