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India Today
5 days ago
- India Today
Floating hotels, silk trails and jungle safaris: India's cruise story
The Indian middle class grew up watching cruises as the ultimate luxurious holidays, meant only for the idea? Sipping wine in the middle of the oceans, trying your luck at the casinos as the ship sails towards its next stop, watching unreal sunsets where the ever-so-vast waters gulp down the giant golden sun, soaking in the strong breezes on the deck. Add to that elaborate buffets, live music and the sheer indulgence of doing it all at many, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio's Titanic (1997) was the introduction to these indulgent cruise holidays. Aamir Khan and Manisha Koirala's Mann (1999) too gave a glimpse of how rich Indians jetted off on long cruise holidays. Years later, Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) set cruise goals for Indian families (minus the family drama, of course). Nearly a decade since we watched the ultra-rich dance to Gallan Goodiyan aboard a luxurious 10-day Mediterranean cruise, such holidays are no longer a rarity or the domain of just the ultra-elite in growing cruise cultureIn fact, cruises are emerging as the next big travel trend in India. A travel trend report by SOTC and Thomas Cook recently noted that Indians are increasingly opting for new and unique travel formats, with cruises topping the across domestic and international (both ocean and river options) are now popular among Indian travellers. Industry experts believe that this shift reflects the growing appeal of immersive and slow travel over rushed itineraries. There is an increased demand from first-time cruisers as well as repeat travellers Anish Sharma, a 54-year-old businessman based in Delhi, took his family on a Cordelia cruise (Chennai - Sri Lanka - Chennai) for the first time two years ago, it was an unforgettable experience for his entire family. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepak Saran // The Cravings Mania (@ we plan a long trip, it usually means hopping between hotels, catching multiple flights, or enduring long road journeys. But the cruise took all that hassle away. There was no constant packing and unpacking - the ship was like a floating hotel. We disembarked at various stops and explored Sri Lankan cities like Hambantota and Trincomalee, without the stress of wondering whether the next hotel would meet our expectations,' he tells India Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore are among the international destinations you can set sail to from India. Cordelia Cruises, an Indian cruise line that launched operations in 2021, is at the forefront of this trend. A 5-night, 6-day cruise trip originating from Chennai can cost around Rs 50,000 per person. If you're based in Mumbai, this does not include your travel to and from from this affordable luxury segment, premium and ultra-luxe options like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Greek Islands and Scandinavia cruises have always existed. These require flying to international departure cities. India's growing cruise interest is significant for players like Disney Cruise Line that recently entered the Asia market, with the cruise set to sail from Singapore this cruises jet offWhile the vast oceans and endless sea escapades come with hefty prices, domestic river cruises are emerging as budget-friendly alternatives for many first-time cruisers in sailings start at Rs 20,000 per person and international sailings from Rs 45,000 the Brahmaputra and Ganga to the Hooghly, domestic river cruises in India offer a range of experiences - from short 2 to 3 day getaways to extended journeys lasting up to 20 days. Growth in river cruises in India (Source: PIB) advertisementWhile Mumbai-Goa has been one of the most sought-after routes, many are now also opting for other options, like Kolkata to Varanasi by Antara Cruises, which lets you witness the untouched beauty of the stops in between on the way. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antara Cruises (@ Bengal Navigation offers cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganga rivers. The Assam Despatch, named after an old mail route from Kolkata to Dibrugarh, operates on the Brahmaputra. These voyages, lasting 4 to 10 nights, provide a relaxed way to explore Assam. Many destinations along the river are difficult to access by road, making the cruise a unique and convenient way to experience this slice of paradise in the - Lakshadweep - Mumbai is another popular domestic route.'The arrival of cruise lines like Costa and Cordelia in India has sparked strong interest on domestic waters offering sailings from Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Goa and to scenic destinations like Lakshadweep and Sri Lanka, driving demand among first-time cruisers and repeat travellers alike,' says SD Nandakumar, president and country head, holidays and corporate tours, SOTC international sailings with MSC Cruises, Star Dream Cruise and Norwegian Cruise Line continue to gain traction,' he adds. Angriya Cruises, with a capacity of 400, operates between Mumbai and Goa. (Photo: Arun Sharma/Unsplash) Theme-based cruises are also gaining popularity. Artisans of Bengal by Antara Cruises lets you explore various textile weaving traditions and indigenous crafts, along with insights into erstwhile colonies like French Chandernagore and Danish the Brahmaputra River Cruise offers Silk & Rhinos – a 4-day expedition from Guwahati to Silghat. It includes a stop at Sualkuchi, the hub of Assamese silk production, where visitors can tour weaving workshops and witness the entire silk-making process - from cocoon and spinning to dyeing and hand-weaving exquisite mekhela chadars. The journey also features a stop in Silghat for a jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park, offering a chance to spot the majestic Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos. Themed cruise options by Antara Cruises advertisementNot just an old-gen activityDriving the cruise culture in India are youngsters. Unlike the perception, retirees are not the only ones keen on cruising.'While cruising has traditionally been popular with senior citizens globally, it's Young India — Gen Z, millennials and young working professionals — that's showing strong interest, thanks to high-adrenaline onboard activities and value pricing,' says Rajeev Kale, president and country head, holidays, MICE, visa, Thomas Cook (India) especially for the younger generation, is no longer about taking trains or flights and following itineraries. Thrill, seclusion, slow travel and unique experiences top their list of travel them, the number of fridge magnets collected from their travel escapades is worth more than a new affordable SUV or a 2BHK in a semi-posh society. Experiences are considered superior to material purchases, and affordable luxury is what appeals to them. Unlike buying houses and cars, travel does not involve a massive financial experts believe that it is also the all-inclusive nature of cruises that resonates with families, couples and young professionals who look for stress-free vacations. Nandakumar of SOTC Travels also admits to a growing interest from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.'To meet this demand, we've curated regional cruise tours aligning with regional festivals (regional tour managers speaking the local language and the comfort of local home food), bringing both comfort and cultural connection onboard,' he tells India anniversaries and family reunions are moving to cruises India's cruise story unfolds, the government is also obviously pushing for it with the Cruise Bharat Mission (announced in September 2024) and Maritime India Vision vision is to make India a significant player in the global cruise market, both for ocean and river cruises.'Indian cruise market has the potential to grow by 8X over the next decade, driven by rising demand and disposable incomes,' says a PIB FY 2023-24, the number of cruise passengers was 4.71 lakhs. The government aims to double cruise passenger traffic to over 1 million by Indian middle class is no longer watching cruises from afar - it's on board, and the journey has just begun.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Trade Arabia
01-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Indian travellers seek more, ready to spend higher: Survey
Indian travel market is a picture of a booming sector with 85% of people responding to a survey planning to increase their frequency of holidays and a significant number intending to boost budgets by up to 50%. The survey, India Holiday Report 2025, released by Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India's leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company SOTC Travel, is a comprehensive study capturing the evolving aspirations and travel behaviour of Indian consumers. The survey conducted across digital platforms covering over 2,500 respondents (a combination of past Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel customers, as well as non-customers) over a month, reflects a significant shift driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential holidays. Experiential and event-led travel such as polar/ icebreaker cruises, music concerts, global sporting events, wildlife safaris, gastronomy and vineyard trails, stargazing camps and phenomenon travel (Northern Lights, Cherry Blossom, Midnight Sun, etc.) are at the forefront of Indian travellers' preferences, it said. Phygital journeys, blending digital discovery with human touch-points, continue to influence and drive bookings. Additionally, travellers are showing a clear inclination towards longer holidays – both domestic and international. Today's new-age Indian traveller is also keen on spiritual travel, hidden-gems and distinctive accommodation like igloos, treehouses, chalets-chateaux, it found. Key findings include: 1. Key Holiday Drivers: Travel has now become a necessity – an essential part of the Indian lifestyle and is driven by factors like: • Influence of Social media, OTT platforms and Movies: 60% respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions • Simplified visa processes and easy access: 44% respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, Sri Lanka; while countries that issue long-term visas are also seeing uptick like the Australia, Japan, USA • Enhanced connectivity: 43% Introduction of new routes and direct flights are significantly improving accessibility - fuelling travel demand not just from metros, but significantly from India's rapidly growing Regional Tier 1 & 2 markets • Indian consumers continue to remain value-seekers: 39% prefer to actively seek promotions, highlighting the strong influence of discounts/special offers on their purchasing decisions. Promotional campaigns & deals from tour operators and tourism boards are driving travel interest. At the same time, there is a clear shift towards trusted travel brands for premium holiday experiences, reflecting a focus on reliability • Word of mouth still relevant: 30% of respondents reported that recommendations from friends, family and colleagues continue to impact their holiday decisions 2. Increased frequency of holidays and longer stays: • Holidays set to double/triple: 85% of respondents plan to increase their holidays from 2 per year to 4-6 trips annually • Smart planning fuels mini-cations: 47% of respondents intend to leverage long weekends/ public holidays for short getaways • Equally, Strong shift towards longer trips with 54% respondents preferring longer holidays by extending for an additional 5-10 days, to create holidays of an average of 8-15 days 3. Strong holiday spend intent: • Approximately 84% of respondents plan to increase their travel spends by 20-50% in 2025, with over 18% intending to boost budgets by a significant 50% • This mirrors a broader trend, where travellers are allocating more budgets to gastronomy, experiences and shopping - including premium outlets like McArthurGlen and Bicester Village 4. Evolving travel companion preferences: • Travelling together remains the preferred mode, with 90% opting for company. Multigenerational families (65%) lead the chart, followed by couples (60%) and a rising segment—'frolleagues' (colleagues who double as friends) at 28%; Solo at 10% • Family bonding trips on the rise: There's been an increase in travel experiences focused on family connections, such as mother-daughter trips and sibling/cousin holidays • Growing subsets, including solo female travellers, also in older age groups and empty nesters, reflecting diverse companion preferences across demographics 5. Experiential travel takes centre stage: • Close to 75% respondents indicating strong interest for experience-led holidays • Over 45% of respondents are prioritizing phenomenon-based travel (like Northern Lights – Norway, Murmansk; Japan-S Korea's Cherry blossoms; Midnight sun –Iceland, Russia) - a pivot towards bucket list experiences • Uptick in safaris, self-drives, outdoor adventures (32%) • Gastronomy (26%) reflecting - evolving palates and desire to experiment - with France, Spain, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea • Event tourism—global music concerts, sporting events and festivals are also on the rise, aligning with a focus on entertainment-driven travel experiences (22%). Australia, Abu Dhabi, Thailand • Spa-Wellness (19%) Relaxation & rejuvenation seeing demand – especially in destinations like Thailand, Bali, Kerala 6. Premium & Luxury Holidays on the Rise: • Over 36% respondents are opting for premium experiences like transportation via super cars/bikes, luxury cruise holidays (Scandinavia, Mediterranean, USA), private island dining in Australia, upscale stays in boutique hotels, French chateaux/Swiss chalets, heritage properties in India, glacier landings in New Zealand 7. Destination Preferences: • Internationally, Europe continues to top the list (50%) led by Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany; Eastern Europe's Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia emerging well. Short-hauls like Southeast Asia follows with favourites like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore (46%); also Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Ras Al-Khaimah (37%); Japan & South Korea (35%) and Australia-New Zealand¬ (26%); Island locales – Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, Sri Lanka (22%); South Africa & Kenya (12%) • Central Asia's Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan (32%) signal growing interest for unique short hauls with easy access and affordability • Morocco, Iceland, Greenland (8%) emerging on the radar • For travel in India and subcontinent: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (55%) remain top favourites; North East (25%); Bhutan (32%); Rajasthan & Kerala (21%). Island/beach escapes like Andaman & Lakshadweep (3%); are also gaining strong momentum; Goa (13%) 8. Increasing Demand for New Travel formats: Indians are increasingly opting for new and unique travel formats • Cruises (45%), self-drives (35%) and scenic train journeys (20%) have entered the top three holiday travel formats apart from flights, as more travellers seek unique, curated, comfort-first experiences. • Cruises across domestic and international for both ocean and river options, are emerging as popular choices • This shift reflects the growing appeal of slow, immersive travel over rushed itineraries, including sustainable options like scenic train journeys in Switzerland 9. Booking Patterns: Travellers are increasingly using a blend of digital platforms for research, contact centers and retail outlets for bookings, making phygital journeys a key driver of conversions • 58% prefer a mix of online convenience with offline guidance (phygital), 59% opt for in-person visits to tour agency or talking over the phone while 68% book online • While digital adoption is growing, there remains a strong dependency on in-person visits to agencies, valued for the human touch, personalized guidance and expert recommendations 10. Travellers equally divided across travel styles: The report reveals a near-equal distribution in travellers preferences for type of holidays • 35% prefer partially guided tours, valuing a balance of structure and autonomy • 33% respondents opted for fully packaged and guided tours, seeking a seamless, worry-free experience. Interestingly an equal number of respondents (32%) opted for entirely self-planned journeys 11. Sustainability focus: 37% of respondents are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and eco-conscious practices in their travel choices 12. Impact of AI & Tech on Travel Planning: The rise of AI and technology is transforming travel planning, with 35% of travellers using digital platforms for research, bookings and itinerary planning Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India), said: "The Indian traveller story is no longer just about destinations—it's a reflection of evolving lifestyles and rising aspirations. Our Holiday Report 2025 clearly signals the emergence of a bold, experience-first traveller mind-set. 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 strong emergence of new travel subsets like frolleagues and solo travellers. 'Our Holiday Report 25 reflects a strong shift towards offbeat travel and emerging destinations like phenomenon travel - whether it's experiencing cherry blossoms in Japan/South Korea or witnessing the midnight sun in Scandinavia/Russia. At Thomas Cook, we're excited to witness the rapid evolution of Indian travellers and are curating exciting holidays that reflect this experience-first outlook.' S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours - SOTC Travel, said: 'Our Holiday Report 2025 reflects evolving travel formats, with Indians moving away from rushed itineraries in favour of comfort-first, immersive experiences. Slow travel is seeing an uptick, with river and ocean cruises and sustainable rail journeys offering unique opportunities for exploration. Additionally, spiritual/pilgrimage tourism is on the rise – with our 'darshans' portfolio coupled with adventure tourism is gaining popularity – interestingly from young India's millennials and GenZ. 'Booking behaviours have also shifted—while Indians are researching online, they continue to value expert guidance, making SOTC's phygital approach a key driver of trust and convenience. At SOTC, we're proud to offer experiences to suit every Indian traveller segment. With over 75 years of experience and a deep understanding of Indian travellers' evolving needs, SOTC ensures that every journey is memorable and enriching.' – TradeArabia News Service
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Business Standard
28-05-2025
- Business Standard
Cruises, self drive: 85% Indians plan more holidays, 84% to spend big
Indians are packing their bags—and their wallets—with renewed purpose. As per the India Holiday Report 2025 by Thomas Cook and SOTC, travel is no longer a luxury or a once-a-year indulgence. It's becoming a lifestyle priority, with 85% of Indians planning more frequent and longer holidays this year, and 84% ready to boost their travel budgets by up to 50%. Cruises, self-drives, and scenic trains take center stage Forget whirlwind sightseeing tours—today's Indian traveller prefers immersive journeys. Unique travel formats like cruise holidays (45%), self-drive road trips (35%), and scenic train journeys (20%) have gained serious traction. From European river cruises to panoramic rail rides in Switzerland, the shift reflects a desire for slower, more meaningful travel. 'Travellers are prioritizing depth, discovery and emotion,' sais Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. 'It's about curated comfort-first experiences rather than ticking off destinations.' Digital Meets Human: Phygital Booking is the New Normal Travel planning has gone hybrid. A growing number of Indians (58%) now blend online research with offline bookings through travel agents or call centers. While 68% book online, 59% still prefer talking to an expert, indicating the enduring trust in human touch and personalized advice. This phygital model—a mix of digital and physical channels—is emerging as a strong conversion driver, catering to both tech-savvy millennials and value-seeking families. Travel Styles: One Size Doesn't Fit All When it comes to how Indians prefer to travel: 35% want partially guided tours with flexibility. 33% choose fully packaged, guided tours. 32% plan their holidays entirely on their own. Here are the key findings of the report: 1. Key Holiday Drivers: Influence of Social media, OTT platforms and Movies: 60% respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions Simplified visa processes and easy access: 44% respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, Sri Lanka; while countries that issue long-term visas are also seeing uptick like the Australia, Japan, USA Enhanced connectivity: 43% Introduction of new routes and direct flights are significantly improving accessibility - fuelling travel demand not just from metros, but significantly from India's rapidly growing Regional Tier 1 & 2 markets. Indian consumers continue to remain value-seekers: 39% prefer to actively seek promotions. At the same time, there is a clear shift towards trusted travel brands for premium holiday experiences, reflecting a focus on reliability 2. Increased frequency of Holidays and Longer Stays: Smart planning fuels mini-cations: 47% of respondents intend to leverage long weekends/ public holidays for short getaways. Equally, Strong shift towards longer trips with 54% respondents preferring longer holidays by extending for an additional 5-10 days, to create holidays of an average of 8-15 days. 3. Strong Holiday Spend Intent: Approximately 84% of respondents plan to increase their travel spends by 20-50% in 2025, with over 18% intending to boost budgets by a significant 50%. This mirrors a broader trend, where travellers are allocating more budgets to gastronomy, experiences and shopping - including premium outlets like McArthurGlen and Bicester Village. Evolving Travel Companion Preferences: Travelling together remains the preferred mode, with 90% opting for company. Multigenerational families (65%) lead the chart, followed by couples (60%) and a rising segment—'frolleagues' (colleagues who double as friends) at 28%; Solo at 10% Family bonding trips on the rise: There has been an increase in travel experiences focused on family connections, such as mother-daughter trips and sibling/cousin holidays Growing subsets, including solo female travellers, also in older age groups and empty nesters, reflecting diverse companion preferences across demographics 4. Experiential Travel Takes Centre Stage: Close to 75% respondents indicating strong interest for experience-led holidays. Over 45% of respondents are prioritizing phenomenon-based travel (like Northern Lights – Norway, Murmansk; Japan-S Korea's Cherry blossoms; Midnight sun –Iceland, Russia) - a pivot towards bucket list experiences Uptick in Safaris, self-drives, outdoor adventures (32%) Gastronomy (26%) reflecting - evolving palates and desire to experiment - with France, Spain, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea Event tourism—global music concerts, sporting events and festivals are also on the rise, aligning with a focus on entertainment-driven travel experiences (22%). Australia, Abu Dhabi, Thailand Spa-Wellness (19%) Relaxation, rejuvenation seeing demand – especially in destinations like Thailand, Bali, Kerala Luxury Holidays on the Rise: Over 36% respondents are opting for premium experiences like transportation via super cars/bikes, luxury cruise holidays (Scandinavia, Mediterranean, USA), private island dining in Australia, upscale stays in boutique hotels, French chateaux/Swiss chalets, heritage properties in India, glacier landings in New Zealand. Destination Preferences: Internationally, Europe continues to top the list (50%) led by Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany; Eastern Europe's Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia emerging well. Short-hauls like Southeast Asia follows with favourites like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore (46%); also Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Ras Al-Khaimah (37%); Japan & South Korea (35%) and Australia-New Zealand (26%); Island locales – Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, Sri Lanka (22%); South Africa & Kenya (12%) Central Asia's Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan (32%) signal growing interest for unique short hauls with easy access and affordability Morocco, Iceland, Greenland (8%) emerging on the radar For travel in India and subcontinent: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (55%) remain top favourites; North East (25%); Bhutan (32%); Rajasthan & Kerala (21%). Island/beach escapes like Andaman &; Lakshadweep (3%); are also gaining strong momentum; Goa (13%)
