Festival Tourism is driving Travel Demand witnesses 20% Growth.

HospiBuz Desk

India ’s dominant interspersed travel related financial services company Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. has reported a vigorous rise in “Festival Tourism” as the Indian Travellers pursue to combine spiritual elements with unique cultural experiences. This year Holi and Kumbh Mela have proved to be compelling drivers with over 20% growth from the previous year also recognizes a “ Smart Weekend Holiday” concept as Holi this year came on Thursday people had planned trips by taking a day off on Friday created a distinctive boost to travel demand.
Holi has recapitulated the trend of Festival Tourism and this has been a boon to Travel Business. Indians have shown significant interest in the celebrations at Vrindavan’s popular Banke Bihari temple and Gulal Kundi re-enactment of Holi by local Krishna-Leela drama troupes in Brar, similarly Mathura - Dwarka or joining in Shantiniketan’s cultural events initiated by Tagore.

Travellers were not only restricted to India but opening up to cultural experience globally and gateways to an international destination like Malaysia, Thailand and Bhutan increased demand over 25%.

Banke Bihari Temple

Mathura

President and Country Head, Leisure Travel, MICE, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. Rajeev Kale said, “Festival Tourism is the new trend, with India’s new age travellers rediscovering their roots and joining in the celebrations of festivals like Holi in India’s Vrindavan, Mathura-Dwarka; also Mardi Grass, Songkran, and several others in international locations. Extending the weekend by taking a day off from work, is giving rise to an interesting concept of ‘smart weekend holidays’. Both are catalysing our travel demand this year, and clearly trends that we are looking forward to!”