Thomas Cook (India) Limited has released a press statement highlighting a significant increase in travel interest during the September-October period. This trend, driven by multiple holidays, long weekends, and evolving traveler preferences, suggests a broadening of the travel calendar beyond traditional peak seasons. The company sees this as an opportunity for growth in both domestic and international travel, benefiting from increased flexibility and value-driven choices among Indian consumers.
Expanding Travel Calendar
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, a leading omnichannel travel services company, reports a notable shift in Indian travel patterns, with September and October emerging as increasingly popular months for holidays. This trend is attributed to the confluence of multiple holidays, long weekends, and a growing traveler flexibility, contributing to a more balanced demand throughout the year. This expansion of the travel calendar is expected to provide more opportunities for Indians to travel beyond the conventional summer, festive, and year-end peak seasons.
Drivers of Growth
The company’s analysis indicates that factors such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Gandhi Jayanti, Navratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra are creating natural reasons for travel during this period. The post-monsoon weather also enhances domestic travel appeal, with opportunities for nature, wildlife, and experiential holidays. Internationally, seasonal transitions in destinations across Europe and Asia, coupled with easier visa processes, are encouraging shorter breaks and spontaneous getaways. This period offers potential for better value, allowing travelers to allocate budgets towards premium experiences and accommodation.
Sustained Demand for Traditional Peaks
Importantly, the growing interest in September-October travel is not diminishing the importance of traditional peak periods. Diwali continues to be a significant time for family and group holidays, while Christmas and New Year remain key for international travel, cruises, and premium experiences. This suggests a longer overall travel season in the second half of the year, benefiting the travel industry.
Industry Outlook
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, commented on the shift, stating, “In recent years, however, we have seen a more even distribution of demand, with travellers increasingly willing to consider shoulder and off-season periods as viable times to holiday. This is a meaningful shift in travel behaviours, with consumers no longer necessarily waiting for the next major holiday season to plan a trip. September and October are benefiting from this broader trend, while the established festive and year-end peaks continue to remain important anchors for holiday demand.”
Mr. S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, added that the September-October period offers natural advantages for planning holidays due to festivals and long weekends, facilitating short breaks or extended trips. Favorable conditions across domestic and international destinations further boost this trend, with travelers utilizing these opportunities for family, leisure, and experience-led travel, adding another layer of demand before the peak Diwali and Christmas–New Year seasons.
Source: BSE
