Travel
Goa breaks travel records with 1 crore tourists in 2025, but foreign arrivals still trail pre-Covid highs
Goa has welcomed over one crore tourists, a record driven by a surge in domestic visitors. This marks a strong recovery post-pandemic. However, foreign tourist numbers remain significantly lower than in 2017. Charter flight tourism has seen a sharp decline. Scheduled international flights show partial recovery. Cruise tourism now predominantly features Indian travellers.
Delhi NCR year-end travel surge spills into 2026 as foul air persists
Year-end travel demand from Delhi NCR surged as residents sought cleaner air, influencing destination choices both domestically and internationally. Prolonged pollution episodes are now a significant factor in travel planning, with a noticeable increase in bookings for hill stations and overseas trips.
Xponentia buys stake in travel services company ASEGO
ASEGO Global Assistance has secured a significant minority stake from Xponentia Capital. The private equity firm invested approximately ₹175 crore for a 25-30% share. This funding will fuel ASEGO's expansion plans. The company aims for ₹350 crore revenue by FY26. ASEGO offers travel assistance and insurance solutions, protecting over three million travelers annually. They partner with various travel industry players.
Airbnb insights reveals how music-led experiences are shaping India’s Gen Z travel culture
Young Indians are increasingly planning trips around music concerts and festivals. This trend is driving travel decisions for Gen Z. They are exploring new cities and neighborhoods through live events. Many are willing to travel internationally for their favorite artists. Concert tourism boosts local economies and introduces new destinations to young travelers. Airbnb notes this shift in travel behavior.
Duniya Dekho 2026: Cox & Kings brings back trusted group tour series to Vietnam, Europe, Dubai, Japan and more
Cox & Kings has relaunched its popular Duniya Dekho group tour series. This programme previously introduced many Indians to international travel. The tours are designed for families, seniors, couples, and first-time travellers. They feature structured itineraries, Indian meals, and simplified visa processes. Modern updates include enhanced planning, smaller group sizes, and a broader range of destinations.
Journeys not getaways: The Indian traveller now finds higher purpose in experience
Indian travellers are embracing slower, more meaningful journeys. Expect growth in cultural, wellness, and nature-focused trips. Offbeat destinations and longer stays are becoming popular. AI will personalize travel planning. Value will be defined by experiences, not just price. This trend signals a new phase of travel growth.
Varanasi draws record 7.26 crore tourists in 2025, says UP govt
Varanasi recorded a surge in tourism in 2025, with more than 7.26 crore visitors, according to the Uttar Pradesh government. The state said infrastructure upgrades, including the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, beautification of Ganga ghats, temples and roads, and improved tourist facilities, have helped turn the spiritual city into a major global tourism hub.
Gen Zoomers take the road less travelled
Gen Z is significantly influencing the travel industry, making up almost 40% of global travelers. This tech-savvy, eco-conscious generation prioritizes experiences, leading to innovations like bar check-ins and all-day breakfasts. They are driving demand for spontaneous, short-haul trips and immersive long-haul journeys, with a growing interest in spiritual travel.
Indians give new meaning to 'quick getaway' as last-minute bookings jump this year
Indians are increasingly making last-minute travel plans for the New Year. Overseas destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Dubai are popular choices. Domestically, places such as Udaipur, Dehradun, and Jodhpur are also seeing a surge in bookings. This trend indicates a shift towards spontaneous travel, with many bookings made within 15 days of departure.
Indian tourists look beyond Thailand, Cambodia for their New Year getaways
Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have led Indian travelers to seek alternative New Year destinations like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. While Thailand saw a slight dip in bookings, Cambodia experienced a sharper decline. This shift highlights a growing preference for experience-driven and personalized holidays over traditional nightlife celebrations.
Must Watch
Northeast flight bookings soar as OTT content boosts regional tourism: Report
Indian OTT series are now catalyzing a tourism boom in the Northeast, with a notable upsurge in flight reservations for destinations like Imphal and Dimapur by 2025. This phenomenon underscores the power of narratives in influencing travel choices. Additionally, Japan and South Korea stole the spotlight as favored international excursions.
Modi govt is turning India’s coldest months into hot business deals
India's winter is experiencing unprecedented momentum, driven by a surge in destination weddings and increased tourism. This trend, amplified by government initiatives promoting winter travel and domestic celebrations, is significantly boosting sectors like aviation, hospitality, and retail, marking winter as a key economic growth period.
First cruise vessel of 2025-26 season calls at New Mangalore port
The 2025-26 cruise season at New Mangalore Port has begun. The luxury vessel M S Seven Seas Navigator arrived, carrying international passengers and crew. The port welcomed tourists with cultural displays. Special facilities were arranged for visitors. Tourists explored local attractions, experiencing the region's heritage. The port expects more cruise ship requests for the season.
Indian travellers chase offbeat global destinations, Antarctica tops bucket lists
Indian travellers are broadening their itineraries, venturing beyond the usual hotspots. The allure of Antarctic cruises is rising, drawing adventurous souls eager for the icy wilderness. South Korea is captivating wanderers, thanks to the global influence of K-dramas and its impressive ski slopes.
Goa’s tinderbox clubs: Blocked exits, bamboo roofs, foam walls
Goa's nightlife has exploded, with over 200 clubs now operating, many illegally. A recent fire at Birch by Romeo Lane tragically claimed 25 lives, exposing years of regulatory neglect. This boom, driven by tourism, has seen corners cut and rules flouted, creating high-risk environments. Authorities have often overlooked violations, prioritizing revenue over safety.
Gen Z, affordability drives India's travel boom in 2025: Report
Gen Z travellers surged 650 per cent in 2025, hopping across multiple destinations and chasing experiences all year long, according to Cleartrip Unpacked 2025 - A recap of 'How India flew, stayed, and searched for chutti' in 2025.
