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India's 2025 Holiday Surge: Manali Tops Winter Bookings with 27%

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 7:31 GMT by Business Today

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India’s 2025 Holiday Season: Six Destinations Lead the Charge

The Indian travel sector has been on a steady climb since the easing of Covid‑19 restrictions, and the latest data shows that the trend is only getting stronger. A BusinessToday feature published on 20 November 2025, titled “With year‑end trips surging, six destinations dominate India’s 2025 holiday bookings this winter”, chronicles a striking shift in the domestic holiday landscape. It highlights that, as the festive calendar approaches, travelers are booking more trips than ever before, with a concentrated share of bookings flowing to just six key destinations. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article’s findings, its context, and the wider implications for India’s tourism ecosystem.

1. The “Year‑End Surge” Explained

The article opens by noting that holiday bookings in India have spiked during the last two months of 2024, with an estimated 15 % rise in bookings compared to the same period in 2023. According to data sourced from the National Travel & Tourism Council (NTTC) and aggregated by travel‑aggregator MakeMyTrip, this surge is largely driven by:

The article cites a 2024 NTTC report that projected $45 billion in tourism revenue for 2025, a 12 % rise from 2023 levels. The figure underscores the importance of the upcoming winter season for the overall recovery of the industry.

2. Six Destinations that Dominate the Bookings

The core of the feature is a ranking of the top six Indian destinations that have captured the lion’s share of winter holiday bookings. The ranking is based on a composite index that combines the number of bookings, average spend per traveler, and customer satisfaction scores. The six destinations are:

Manali tops the list by a wide margin, benefiting from its cooler climate, scenic landscapes, and the burgeoning “adventure tourism” sector. The article explains that Manali has seen a 30 % increase in last‑minute bookings during the first week of November alone, thanks to promotional offers from the local tourism department and several OTA partners.

Jaipur and Udaipur both draw tourists with their regal heritage and iconic architecture. The Jaipur segment has reported a 14 % rise in group bookings, with many families traveling as part of “heritage tours.” Meanwhile, Goa continues to be a favorite for couples and solo travelers seeking a beach getaway, with a particularly strong surge in the “Goa–Coorg” travel package, which offers a mix of beach and hill‑station experiences.

3. What’s Driving the Preference for These Destinations?

The article’s analysis goes beyond mere numbers. It identifies several drivers that have made these six destinations especially attractive:

a) Accessibility & Connectivity

• All six locations have direct flights or robust rail connectivity from major metros, cutting down travel time. For example, the new “Goa‑Bangalore” corridor has added an extra 10 % capacity at peak times.

b) Tailored Packages

• Major OTA platforms, such as OYO Travel and Cleartrip, have introduced “Winter Warm‑Up” packages that bundle accommodation, dining, and local experiences. These bundles reduce per‑person cost by 15 % on average.

c) Digital Engagement

• Influencers and local travel vloggers have collaborated on short‑form content (TikTok, Instagram Reels) that showcases “hidden gems” within these destinations. The article reports a 22 % increase in “click‑through” rates for winter travel content in the last quarter.

d) Safety Protocols

• Despite the easing of pandemic restrictions, travelers still prioritize health and safety. Destinations like Kashmir and Coorg have implemented local “safe‑travel” certifications, which boosted booking confidence.

4. Implications for the Tourism Industry

The BusinessToday feature emphasizes that the surge in bookings signals a broader “domestic boom” for Indian tourism. The article notes that:

• Airlines like Air India and IndiGo have filled over 70 % of their winter slots, with ancillary revenue from seat‑upgrades and onboard services rising sharply.
• Hotel chains such as OYO, Zostel, and Trivago have reported a 12‑15 % uptick in occupancy rates for the January–March period.
• Local economies in Manali and Jaipur are seeing a ripple effect, with increased demand for hospitality, guided tours, and transport services. The NTTC reports that Manali’s local businesses recorded a 20 % rise in revenue during the first half of 2025.

Furthermore, the article highlights a “triple‑win” scenario: travelers benefit from affordable packages, operators enjoy higher occupancy and ancillary revenue, and local communities receive a boost to their economy.

5. Looking Ahead: Trends to Watch

While the article focuses on the 2025 winter bookings, it also points out key emerging trends that could shape the next holiday season:

1. Sustainable Tourism – A growing number of travelers are seeking eco‑friendly accommodations. Destinations that showcase green practices may capture an additional 5 % of the market.
2. Digital Check‑Ins & Contactless Services – OTA platforms are integrating blockchain‑based identity verification to expedite check‑in processes.
3. AI‑Driven Personalization – Machine‑learning models predict traveler preferences, enabling hyper‑personalized itineraries.
4. Government Initiatives – The Ministry of Tourism’s “India Tourism 2026” plan proposes a ₹50 billion investment in infrastructure upgrades for key destinations.

6. Bottom Line

India’s winter holiday bookings are on a remarkable upswing, with six destinations—Manali, Jaipur, Goa, Coorg, Udaipur, and Kashmir—dominating the market. This surge is a testament to the growing confidence of domestic travelers, the strategic use of technology by travel operators, and the concerted efforts of local tourism bodies to create an inviting experience. As the industry gears up for 2026, the trends outlined in the article suggest that sustainable growth, digital innovation, and community‑driven tourism will play pivotal roles.

For travelers, the message is clear: choose a destination that aligns with your interests—be it adventure, heritage, or a beach escape—and you’re likely to find a package that fits both your budget and your expectations. For industry stakeholders, the data underscores the importance of investing in connectivity, safety, and digital engagement to stay ahead of the curve.

Reference: BusinessToday article – With year‑end trips surging, six destinations dominate India’s 2025 holiday bookings this winter (20 Nov 2025).