Tuesday, Dec 2 — Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company SOTC Travel have released their Winter Travel Trends 2025, highlighting a strong surge in demand driven by new air routes, improved direct connectivity, and attractive early-booking prices.
According to the company, searches for winter experiences have increased by 20%, while interest in cruises has risen by 25%. Top international destinations searched include Dubai, Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan. On the domestic front, Andamans, Kerala, Sri Lanka, Rajasthan, Bhutan, Rann of Kutch, and Goa remain favourites.
Thomas Cook India’s internal data also indicates high interest in Europe’s alpine snow holidays, Northern Lights in Scandinavia and Russia, and global cultural calendars such as the Rio Carnival, along with snow festivals across Japan, South Korea, and China. Travellers are extending winter holidays all the way till March 2026, reflecting broader seasonality and a shift toward longer travel windows.
Key travel themes for Winter 2025
• Strong demand for soft adventure—skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, and husky safaris across Europe
• 20–25% rise in interest for visa-free or easy-visa destinations, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Growing preference for winter wellness—onsens in Japan, jjimjilbangs in South Korea, Scandinavian ice bathing, and spa retreats in the Himalayas
• Demand for distinctive stays—igloos in Lapland, eco-glamping in Swiss Alps, wooden cabins, and heritage havelis in Rajasthan
• Increasing inclination for wildlife safaris, both domestic and global
• Cruises emerging as a strong category, with interest in sailings from Singapore, Australia, Abu Dhabi and Egypt’s river cruises
Company commentary
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE & Visa, Thomas Cook India, said that winter travel is becoming a season of “discovery,” driven by better connectivity and pricing. Europe continues to lead winter travel choices, while short-haul destinations across South East Asia and Central Asia are growing rapidly.
S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, noted rising demand from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, alongside strong momentum in the MICE segment. Cruises, Northern Lights tours, and global festivals are among the fastest-growing categories.
