Indian travellers are following the global travel trends and are actively shaping them. Modern Indian globetrotters seek experiences that go beyond the standard, merging adventure, cultural exploration, and luxury. We have mapped the top tourism trends of Indian tourists that shape Indian tourism and their implications. Find out what they are!
Top Travel Trends Among Indian Travellers in 2025
1. Chasing Northern Lights: An Extraordinary Dreamy Experience
The attraction of northern lights continues to mesmerise Indian tourists. Arctic destinations such as Tromsø in Norway and Lapland in Finland have become hotspots for Indian tourists eager to see this natural spectacle. Northern lights have received a mainstream appeal for better travel infrastructure, targeted marketing, and curated tour packages to suit Indian desires.
This trend highlights the demand for bespoke experiences, including guided tourism, comfortable Arctic housing, and activities such as husky sledding or hike safari. The demand for environmentally friendly travel options in delicate ecosystems also underlines the need for permanent practices.
2. Concert Tourism: Experienced Trips take Centre Stage
Music lovers in India are taking their passion globally by combining the journey with live concerts. K-pop, EDM festivals, and meteorite growth of international artists visiting Europe and America have promoted this boom in concert tourism.
Indian tourists now see these visits as more than the opportunity to enjoy music—they see them as cultural pilgrimages that allow them to join with similar-ideology communities worldwide.
3. Sports Tourism: Where Passion Comes from Travel
Indian sports enthusiasts are travelling additional miles to support their favourite teams and players. Whether it is the Cricket World Cup, Wimbledon, or Olympics, live sporting events are now the main travel motivations. More than 50% of Indian sports tourists spend more than $500 per trip, showing the desire to invest in premium experiences.
This trend underlines a symbiotic relationship between sports and tourism. Countries hosting the international tournament can tailor their marketing to Indian fans. Airlines and hotels can collaborate with sports associations to provide themed experiences echoing with this audience. Additionally, an increase in family-orientated sports trips gives an opportunity to create a family-friendly journey programme that suits both enthusiasts and their comrades.
4. Art Tourism: Immersion in Creativity
Indian tourists are rapidly giving priority to cultural enrichment, with art-centred holidays at the forefront. Museums, galleries, and art celebrations around the world are attracting visitors eager to engage deeply with creative and historical narratives. Paris for the Louvre, Venice for the Biennale, and Amsterdam for the Van Gogh Museum reflect this change.
35 to 44-year-olds represent a spectator who gives importance to meaningful and reflective experiences. Local culture, gastronomy, and cooperation with local artists, workshops, and galleries can further enhance the itinerary experience.
5. Cherry Blossom Tourism: Blooming Interest in Japan
The beauty of Japan's cherry blossoms has strengthened its place on the Indian tourists' bucket list. The Sakura season not only provides stunning views but also serves as an entry point to Japanese culture. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, with their temples, tea houses, and traditional festivals, provide an immersive experience.
This trend emphasises the importance of seasonal marketing. Cherry Blossom offers a focused campaign around tourism, limited-time packages, early-bird discounts, and highlights of the lesser-known places beyond Tokyo, offering unique excursions.
6. Luxury Flight Experience: Prioritising Travel Comfort
The journey is becoming an important part of the travel experience for Indian globetrotters. Luxury air travel is in high demand, with 57% prioritising high-quality in-flight meals and 42% valuing exclusive airport lounge access, increased cabin facilities and individual attention attracting travellers.
Emerging Indian Travel and Hospitality Preferences:
- • Experience rather than Sightseeing
Indian passengers are moving beyond traditional scenic spots. They want immersive experiences that allow them to connect with their destinations emotionally and culturally. For example, participating in a local art festival or eating in a Michelin-starred restaurant provides a deep understanding of the locale compared to a simple city tour.
- • Individualisation and Analogy
Demand for bespoke experiences is increasing as passengers expect a journey to suit their interests and needs. This includes dietary requirements or activities such as wine tours or yoga retreats.
- • Cultural and Emotional Experience
Holidays are no longer about ticking from landmarks – they are about a destination's culture, history and relationship with people. This change holds more importance on authenticity, stability and responsible tourism.
In 2025, Indian tourists are not only exploring the world – they are shaping how the world thinks about travel. By prioritising personal and meaningful experiences, they are creating new benchmarks for the global tourism industry. For the travel and hospitality sector, it is important to be associated with these trends. Since the expansion of this market continues, innovation and development opportunities are endless, ensuring that Indian globetrotters are at the forefront of global travel trends.