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Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel maximise on the Festival/Carnival Tourism trend

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Launch unique holidays around Global and Indian cultural celebrations

  • Growing demand for immersive experiences centered around major global and Indian festivals
  • Celebrations include La Tomatina Festival, Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras, Rio Carnival, Rann Utsav, Hornbill Festival and more

Mumbai, July 29, 2025: Data from Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its group company SOTC Travel, highlights a significant change in Indian travel preferences towards festival and cultural event tourism. As outlined in the India Holiday Report, nearly 75% of respondents expressed a strong interest in experience-led holidays, reflecting a broader trend where travel is no longer confined to specific seasons but is now driven by year-round events and festivals.

Travelers are actively seeking opportunities to participate in festivals and carnivals, viewing them as gateways to authentic cultural engagement and memorable experiences. To tap into this growing demand, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated a diverse portfolio of festival led holidays – spanning from the most celebrated festivals to lesser known hidden gems in India and around the world, aligning their offerings with the increasing consumer desire for experiential and event-based travel.

The famous La Tomatina in Spain (Aug 2025) turns Buñol into a tomato-splattered playground, where travellers can also explore Valencia’s rich culinary scene with dishes like paella and tapas. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany (Sept 2025) serves up Bavarian beer gardens, folk parades and hearty cuisine, while the Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea (July – Aug 2025) invites visitors to indulge in playful mud sports, beach parties and music concerts. Mombasa Carnival in Kenya (Nov 2025) features vibrant coastal parades, music and Swahili cuisine. In Brazil, the iconic Rio Carnival (Feb 2026) dazzles with samba, parades, and parties. Mardi Gras in New Orleans, US (Feb 2026) adds jazz, masquerades and Creole flavours. The Venice Carnival, Italy (Feb/March 2026) enchants with masked balls and gondola rides. Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan (Feb 2026) features giant ice sculptures and snow fun, while Moomba Festival in Victoria, Australia (March 2026) offers river sports, street food and live shows. In Malaysia, Chinese New Year (Feb–March 2026) delights with lion dances, fireworks, and festive treats. Lantern Festival in Hoi An, Vietnam (March 2026) lights up the ancient town with floating lanterns and riverside charm. Songkran in Thailand (April 2026) caps it off with joyful water fights, temple visits, and Thai street food.

In India, Onam Festival in Kerala (Sept 2025) offers grand boat races and traditional feasts (sadhya). Rann Utsav in Gujarat (Oct 2025 – March 2026) brings the white desert alive with folk performances, tent stays, camel rides and local crafts. In Rajasthan, the Pushkar Mela (Nov 2025) blends spiritual rituals with camel trading and rural games. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland (Dec 2025) offers tribal dances, crafts and indigenous food. Brahmaputra Beach Festival, Assam (Jan 2026) combines adventure sports and riverside celebrations. Goa Carnival (Feb 2026) offers a fun experience with parades, floats and seafood shacks. Jaisalmer Desert Festival (Feb 2026) brings camel parades and folk shows to Rajasthan’s dunes.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said “Festivals and carnivals have a fascinating way of bringing a destination to life – they serve as vibrant expressions of culture, history, and community. Today’s new age Indian traveller is seeking more than just sightseeing; they crave authentic, immersive experiences that connect them with local traditions and celebrations. Our portfolio on festival and carnival tourism reflects a broader movement towards travel that is enriching and truly memorable.

We are excited by the demand that we are witnessing – and this is across segments – from Young India’s Millennials & GenZ, couples, multi-generational families to Corporate MICE.”

Mr. S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel, said, “ At SOTC Travel, we actively embrace evolving consumer trends to craft unforgettable, high-impact experiences that inspire and excite. We are witnessing a growing demand for travel centered around the world’s most iconic celebrations – from the fun of La Tomatina Festival to the energy of Rio Carnival, or the vibrancy of Rann Utsav in Rajasthan. And what is noteworthy is that, this demand is not limited to India’s metros but also our regional Tier 2-3 travellers. By curating these festival-led journeys, we’re offering more than just holidays – we’re opening doors to stories, memories and once-in-a-lifetime moments that travellers carry with them long after they return.”





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Top 35 Travel Trends in August

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The 2025 August travel trends reveal a world in transformation, where nostalgia meets innovation and wellness intersects with luxury. This month’s top developments highlight how travel continues to evolve with purpose-driven experiences, tech-driven personalization, and imaginative brand partnerships that redefine how we explore and unwind.

At the forefront of digital innovation, Mindtrip debuts a new AI-powered mobile app, offering real-time, hyper-personalized travel guidance that adapts to users on the go. United Airlines also upgraded its app with a connecting flight-centric feature, simplifying complicated itineraries for smoother travel. Meanwhile, the luxury sector is expanding with a renewed focus on wellbeing. Marriott International’s Luxury Group launched its ‘Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025’ across top Asian destinations, while Loreto’s Mailena, debuting in late summer 2026, introduces a restorative adults-only retreat to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.

Nostalgia is trending, too as ‘Pan Am Journeys’ by Private Air, under license from the iconic Pan American World Airways, offers retro-inspired, private air travel experiences. Similarly, Carl Friedrik’s ‘Carry-on X Core Collection’ nods to mid-century aviation aesthetics with sleek, functional design. On the water, Viking makes waves by entering the Indian river cruise market with the introduction of the ‘Viking Brahmaputra,’ bringing high-end cruising to the subcontinent. Nox, looking to the future of European rail travel, announces plans for 2027 overnight trains with private, comfort-first cabins—reshaping the night train experience.

On the lifestyle side, Four Seasons adds flair with its ‘Resort Pajamas Collection,’ while Groupe GM and Hei Poa debut a soothing, protective sun care hotel amenity line. Additionally, ‘The Cayman Club’ by Cayman Jack provides travelers with a sense of calm amid travel disruptions, and ‘Camp Unwritten’ by World of Hyatt and Reese’s Book Club invites guests to glamp with books, nature, and luxury.

Altogether, August’s travel trends reflect a traveler mindset increasingly shaped by individuality, relaxation, and meaningful escape—one that seeks not just destinations, but immersive, personal journeys.



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Nepal’s Royal Tulip opens Doors

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In a major push to elevate Nepal’s hospitality landscape, Sarovar Hotels—part of the Louvre Hotels Group—has launched Royal Tulip Chitwan, the brand’s premium entry into the country. Situated at the edge of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the new resort seamlessly blends luxury, nature, and Nepali culture. The opening marks the debut of the Royal Tulip brand in Nepal and signals growing confidence in the country’s tourism potential.

 

Developed by KTM Hospitality (a KTM Group Holdings company), the resort spans over 4 acres and offers 65 upscale rooms and villas. Accommodation options include private Pool Villas, serene Water Villas, and unique Machan-style stays that elevate the guest experience. With a focus on nature-inspired design and top-tier comfort, the resort is positioned as an ideal destination for luxury travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, and honeymooners alike.

 

Royal Tulip Chitwan goes beyond just accommodation, offering world-class facilities like a luxury spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, and multiple gourmet dining options. Guests can enjoy meals at Majhighar, Forest Flame, the revolving deck Machan, or unwind at the stylish Tanavi Sports Bar. The emphasis is on immersive experiences rooted in local culture and cuisine, combined with global service standards.

 

Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman of Sarovar Hotels, emphasised the strategic significance of this launch, noting Nepal’s increasing appeal among Indian and international tourists. He stated that Royal Tulip Chitwan is designed to offer a luxurious yet culturally authentic retreat. Rameshwar Shah of KTM Hospitality echoed this sentiment, highlighting the resort’s role in promoting Chitwan as a luxury eco-tourism hotspot.

 

With this debut, Louvre Hotels Group is expanding its South Asian footprint by targeting high-potential, experience-driven markets. Royal Tulip Chitwan is expected to become a landmark for leisure travel in Nepal, attracting guests seeking a tranquil yet luxurious escape surrounded by nature and culture.



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Wyndham expands in Wayanad Hills

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its footprint in South India with the upcoming Ramada by Wyndham Wayanad Vythiri, a 52-room upscale hotel scheduled to open in 2026. Nestled in the lush greenery of Vythiri, this property is being developed by local entrepreneur Asok Thirikkoth. The hotel is poised to cater to a growing wave of both domestic and international travellers seeking wellness and nature-driven escapes.

The hotel will feature modern amenities, including a full-service spa, all-day dining, meeting and event spaces, and rooms designed for both leisure and business needs. This launch is expected to enhance the hospitality landscape of Wayanad, a region gaining popularity for eco-tourism and holistic wellness offerings.

Asok Thirikkoth emphasised that the Ramada brand’s arrival aligns with the vision to elevate local tourism. Wyndham’s Rahool Macarius also highlighted Wayanad’s potential as a high-demand destination for eco-conscious travelers, signaling the brand’s long-term commitment to Tier-2 markets.

With over 9,300 hotels globally, Wyndham’s strategic expansion in India continues, reflecting its focus on emerging leisure destinations and robust regional collaborations that prioritise sustainable growth and premium guest experiences.



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