BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
NEW DELHI | 27 AUGUST 2025
- What trends are you seeing in travellers linking personal milestones to booking their next trip?
A)We are witnessing a clear shift among Indian travellers who are increasingly choosing travel experiences over traditional celebrations to mark life’s significant milestones. Be it anniversaries, milestone birthdays, babymoons, graduations or reunions, today’s travellers – across segements ofmultigenerational families, Young India’s Millenials and GenZ, couples, GenS and ‘frolleagues’ are seeking meaningful ways to create lasting memories through unique and immersive journeys.
This trend is not only from India’s metro cities but also from regional India’s mini-metros and tier 2-3 cities as well. Travellers from across the country are looking to elevate their celebrations with holidays designed around experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
International favourites such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Vietnam continue to feature well, aided by enhanced connectivity and visa-free access or simplified visa/e-visa processes. We’re also seeing growing interest for mid & long-haul destinations like Australia (Melbourne, Gold Coast, Queensland, Victoria), New Zealand, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, among others. From a domestic perspective, all-season favourites like Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa remain top choices.
Cruises, in particular, are emerging as a preferred choice for “earned travel”. There’s something magical about ringing in a birthday or anniversary in the middle of the sea—surrounded by loved ones, world-class hospitality, and a seamless all-inclusive experience that combines accommodation, dining, entertainment and sightseeing. We’re also seeing a rise in spiritual tourism, with families and friends opting for pilgrimage travel to sacred destinations—seeking blessings and shared moments of reflection as part of their celebrations. Our ‘Darshans’ portfolio caters to this growing demand. We have curated spiritual journeys with personalised packages, guided spiritual walks led by local experts and immersive experiences that are resonating deeply across age groups.
- How is this “earned travel” mindset influencing travel planning?
A)This earned travel mindset is unique because it urges travellers to make more deliberate travel decisions, where timing aligns with personal milestones rather than traditional vacation periods.
Destination choices are becoming more meaningful, with travellers selecting places that hold special significance to their achievements or are a dream destination they would never consider for any other trip. Budgets are also being adjusted upward, as people are willing to invest more in these special, hard-earned trips to create truly memorable experiences that match the importance of their accomplishments.
- Are travellers spending more on milestone trips compared to regular vacations?
A)Travellers tend to set aside larger budgets for milestone trips, viewing them as once-in-a-lifetime celebrations that merit something truly special. Travellers often seek bespoke touches—private dining experiences, surprise arrangements, curated excursions, or stays in boutique properties.
There’s a growing appetite for destination-led celebrations — from staying at traditional ryokans in Japan or riads in Morocco, to indulging in vineyard tours in France, or choosing Australia and New Zealand for adventure-filled getaways. For those seeking vibrant nightlife, destinations like Ibiza and Singapore are popular for clubbing and bar-hopping experiences.
Young working professionals and ‘frolleagues’ are increasingly seeking unique and immersive experiences—from private yacht sailings and self-drive holidays to adventure-led activities like safaris, hiking, surfing and skydiving to celebrate their milestones and achievements.
This evolving consumer preference underscores the growing value placed on creating memorable experiences through travel and SOTC Travel remains committed to curating exceptional offerings that meet this demand.”
- How is this trend impacting the travel industry?
A)While “earned travel” is still a growing trend, it presents significant opportunities for the industry. This evolving mindset is encouraging travel companies like ours to design milestone-focused holidays and bespoke experiences that celebrate special occasions. The focus is steadily shifting beyond standard itineraries to journeys that offer emotional fulfilment and personal meaning. For the industry, this opens up a valuable opportunity to innovate, differentiate, and position travel as one of the most powerful aspirational rewards.
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