Travel demand takes off: Overseas tourism boards brace for 25% jump in bookings this December

New Delhi: Despite a temporary dip in sentiment following the Indigo crisis, the Indian travel industry is witnessing a strong resurgence. Travel companies, overseas tourism boards, cruise operators, hotel chains, and alternative accommodation providers report that holiday bookings are significantly higher than last year, with some recording an over 25% year-on-year increase this month.

While year-end arrivals are still in progress, Thailand is on track to welcome around 2.48 million Indian travellers by the end of the year — potentially its highest-ever figure. According to Nattachit Oonsiam, Director at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai office, strong demand is being fuelled by improved air connectivity and robust interest from leisure and repeat travellers. Between January 1 and December 15, Thailand welcomed over 2.34 million Indian visitors, reflecting a 17% growth compared to the same period last year.

Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings, noted that across the industry, travel platforms are reporting a 15–25% increase in bookings year-on-year, with tier-two destinations emerging as key growth drivers. Echoing this optimism, SD Nandakumar, President and Country Head for Holidays and Corporate Tours at SOTC Travel, said rising bookings signal positive consumer sentiment and higher discretionary spending.

Winter travel is increasingly becoming the preferred season, according to Neeraj Singh Dev, Executive Vice President and Head of E-commerce and Domestic & Short Haul Holidays at Thomas Cook (India). With December departures to destinations such as Japan and Korea, Indian travellers are also celebrating Christmas and New Year in emerging locales like Tashkent, Phu Quoc, and Tbilisi, underscoring an expanding global travel appetite.

The surge extends to alternative accommodations as well. StayVista reported bookings over 25% higher than last year and more than 40% up month-on-month, according to founder Amit Damani. Meanwhile, Lohono Stays saw bookings rise by around 25% for November and December, with Dhimaan Shah, Executive Director and Co-CEO of Isprava Group, highlighting hyper-growth in leisure markets such as Alibag, Karjat, Lonavala, and Khandala.