As the holiday season approaches, a growing number of Indian travelers are heading to Europe to experience the magic of winter. With a surge in demand for snow-based activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, travel companies are reporting significant increases in bookings, particularly for European destinations. Social media influencers and a desire for unique, enriching experiences are driving the trend, with millennials and working professionals at the forefront of this winter travel movement.
Boom in Winter Travel to Europe
Thomas Cook and SOTC have noted a 50-60% increase in winter tour bookings this year, driven by a rising appetite for cold-weather activities across Europe’s famed Alpine regions, including Switzerland, France, Austria, and Germany. According to Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head for Holidays at Thomas Cook (India), travelers are increasingly drawn to outdoor experiences such as skiing, snowshoe trekking, snowboarding, and even more adventurous activities like snowmobiling and crab fishing safaris.
Additionally, Thomas Cook is offering unique experiences such as ice bathing in Sweden’s Uppsala and Norway’s Svalbard, as well as trips to Strasbourg in France, known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’ for its magical markets and festive atmosphere.
Emerging Winter Destinations
The trend is also extending beyond traditional European hotspots. New and emerging destinations like Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan are gaining popularity among Indian travelers, offering an alternative to well-trodden routes. SD Nandakumar, President of SOTC Travel, noted that millennials and professionals are leveraging their year-end leaves to explore these destinations, which offer not just snow activities but also cultural experiences like tobogganing and glacier sledding.
MakeMyTrip has observed a 27% increase in searches for snow-capped regions in Switzerland, Austria, and France, highlighting the growing intent of Indian travelers to venture beyond familiar locales. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and CEO of MakeMyTrip, emphasized that social media is playing a crucial role in amplifying the desire to explore these destinations, with travelers increasingly willing to spend on memorable travel experiences.
Germany’s Christmas Markets Draw Attention
One of the standout destinations this season is Germany, which has become a favorite for Indian travelers seeking authentic Christmas markets and winter festivities. Romit Theophilus, Director for India at the German National Tourist Office, confirmed that the country’s festive charm is attracting more Indian visitors than ever before.
Rise in Domestic and International Bookings
According to data from Booking.com, year-end travel searches have surged by up to 100% for certain international destinations, with the UAE, Thailand, and the UK topping the list. Domestic travel searches are also on the rise, with popular spots like Udaipur, Jaipur, and Varanasi seeing double-digit growth.
Sabina Chopra, COO of Corporate Travel at Yatra Online, echoed similar observations, noting a clear shift towards European destinations, with countries like Greece, Norway, and Switzerland gaining popularity among Indian travelers.
Airbnb also reported that group travel remains a favorite, with searches averaging four guests per booking, underscoring the importance of family-friendly destinations such as Goa, Varkala, and Vrindavan. Meanwhile, emerging international destinations like Baku and Langkawi have also seen an uptick in searches, signaling a diversification of Indian travelers’ holiday preferences.
A Growing Trend Towards Cold-Weather Escapes
The trend towards winter destinations is also visible on platforms like Pickyourtrail, where colder locations now account for 22.72% of total bookings. Cleartrip and RateGain data further reinforce this, with an increase in demand for destinations in Europe, as well as in emerging spots like Tbilisi in Georgia.
As more Indians look to escape the heat of the tropics and embrace the charm of a white Christmas, Europe’s winter allure continues to captivate a diverse range of travelers this holiday season.
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