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Europe travel gets cheaper: Winter season gains Indian fans as travel costs drop by up to 40% Report - BusinessToday

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 4:01 GMT by Business Today
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Europe’s Winter Getaway Becomes a Reality for Indian Travelers as Costs Drop by Up to 40 %

The long‑anticipated shift in European tourism dynamics is finally arriving on the Indian market. According to a comprehensive report released yesterday by Business Today, travel to Europe is becoming significantly cheaper during the winter season, with flight and accommodation costs falling by up to 40 % compared to peak summer rates. The trend is drawing a new wave of Indian vacationers to the continent, who are eager to experience Europe’s festive cities, ski resorts and cultural heritage without breaking the bank.

Why the Winter Advantage?

The primary driver behind the price drop is the sharp contrast between European winter demand and Indian demand during the same period. While Indian families prefer to travel abroad during school holidays in August and December, European tourism boards have traditionally seen a lull in visitor numbers after the Christmas rush. As a result, airlines and hotels across key destinations – Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Berlin, and London – are slashing fares and room rates to fill seats and rooms that would otherwise sit empty.

Currency fluctuations have also played a pivotal role. The Euro’s depreciation against the Indian Rupee over the past year has reduced the real cost of travel for Indians. Even a 5 % swing in the INR/EUR exchange rate translates into a significant discount on airfare and accommodation when booked in advance.

Key Figures from the Report

The Business Today report, sourced from the travel data aggregator Statista and the European Tourism Association, presents a detailed snapshot of the cost landscape:

The report also notes a 12 % increase in Indian bookings for European destinations in the first quarter of 2025, a sharp rise from the 6 % growth seen last year.

Airline and Hotel Alliances

Airlines have seized the opportunity to capitalize on the new demand curve. Emirates, Air India, Lufthansa, and British Airways have all announced “Winter Warm‑Up” deals that combine discounted fares with flexible change policies – a feature that has become crucial post‑pandemic. In particular, Emirates’ “Europe Winter Flight‑Deal” offers fares as low as INR 36,000 for round‑trip travel from Delhi to London, contingent on booking at least six months in advance.

Hotels have mirrored these concessions. Major chains such as Accor, Marriott, and the European boutique brand “The Ritz‑Carlton” now offer 20–30 % off on rooms during the January–March window. The report highlights a trend towards “stay‑and‑learn” packages, where travelers can combine accommodation with city tours and culinary experiences at a reduced rate. For instance, the “Paris Culture Pack” from Accor’s Ibis brand includes a guided museum tour and a French cooking class, all bundled for INR 25,000 per person.

Indian Travel Agencies Riding the Wave

The boom in demand has been felt across the domestic travel agency sector. MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, and Yatra have all rolled out dedicated winter packages that bundle flights, hotels, and local transport. MakeMyTrip’s “Europe Winter Wonder” package starts at INR 48,000 for a 10‑day trip that covers London, Paris, and Amsterdam, with complimentary airport transfers and a local SIM card. Yatra’s “Alpine Adventure” targets the high‑spending segment, offering ski passes and luxury lodge stays at a 35 % discount versus normal rates.

Industry experts point out that these packages are especially attractive to Indian millennials, who value experiential travel over traditional sightseeing. “We’ve seen a surge in bookings from families and young professionals who want to experience European winters without the peak‑season costs,” said Rajesh Singh, a senior market analyst at Travel + Tourism India. “The bundling strategy gives them the convenience of a single payment and eliminates the hassle of piecemeal bookings.”

The Cultural and Economic Impact on Europe

While Indian tourists are often labeled as “budget travelers,” the new pattern is benefiting European economies in more nuanced ways. The influx of Indian visitors during the off‑season helps local businesses, especially restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets that otherwise suffer from the post‑holiday slump. In Germany, the tourism ministry reports that the winter season’s revenue has increased by 18 % compared to 2023, with a notable uptick in Indian tourists visiting the Black Forest and Bavarian Alps.

Moreover, the increased visibility of European destinations in Indian media is generating long‑term loyalty. Travel blogger Anjali Desai, who recently documented her 14‑day winter trip to Italy and France, noted that “the affordability of flights and hotels made me consider extending my stay. I plan to revisit next year, potentially exploring Northern Italy, which was previously outside my budget.”

Practical Tips for Indian Travelers

1. Book Early – The report shows that flights and hotels booked more than six months ahead receive the best discounts.
2. Use Currency‑Friendly Apps – Platforms like Revolut and Paytm Wallet offer real‑time exchange rates, reducing the risk of unfavorable currency conversions.
3. Leverage Flexible Policies – With the lingering uncertainty around travel restrictions, choose airlines and hotels that provide free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
4. Explore Off‑Peak Cities – Consider lesser‑known cities like Porto (Portugal), Bruges (Belgium), or Ljubljana (Slovenia) which offer rich cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost of the more frequented capitals.
5. Pack Wisely – Pack light to avoid checked baggage fees, which are higher during the winter season due to the heavier luggage loads in some European airlines.

Looking Ahead

The winter 2024‑2025 season marks a turning point for European tourism in India. While the exact trajectory remains uncertain due to global economic fluctuations, the current data suggests sustained demand for affordable winter escapes. The Business Today report concludes that if the trend continues, European travel could become a staple in the annual itinerary of many Indian families, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the international travel market.

In a world where travel is no longer a luxury but a necessity for mental and cultural enrichment, the fact that Europe is now more accessible than ever during the winter months could herald a new era of global connectivity. For Indian travelers, the opportunity is clear: book early, take advantage of the 40 % cost reduction, and experience Europe’s winter wonderland without compromise.