TBM Staff - Mumbai SOTC Travel has released data on East India travel trends. Interestingly, the data highlights Kolkata’s position as a key source market for SOTC travel – with demand from not only the city, but also neighboring regions, powering the company’s growth trajectory.
The company is witnessing a strong demand uptick of 21% YoY for premium destinations including Europe (Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, and Scandinavia), Japan and South Korea.
West Bengal/Kolkata Travel Trends
• Increased travel intent in 2024: 21% YoY
• Desire for multiple trips: 25% higher compared to last year
• Higher spends: 15-20% compared to last year
• Top destinations
o Domestic: Kashmir, Ladakh, Chardham, Sikkim, Andamans, Bhutan & Sri Lanka
o International: Europe, Scandinavia, Vietnam, Bali, Singapore – Malaysia, Georgia, Japan
o New emerging: Azerbaijan & South Korea
• Strong demand for spiritual journeys and darshans – Ayodhya and Char Dham
• Unique preferences: high interest for experiential holidays, domestic cruises, safaris and biking trips
• Top customer segments: multi-generational families, millennials & Gen Z
• Top selling products: Bali Te Gurga Pujo – Bali, Osadharon Vietnam – Vietnam, Japan Ne Sarod Utsov – Japan, Asia Te Hoi Choi Songe Thailand – Singapore – Malaysia & Thailand, Bishyokor Purbo Europe – East Europe, Apurbo France O Swiss – France & Swiss Delight, Shundor Europe – Belgium – Swiss – Germany among others.
Daniel D’souza, President and Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel said “Kolkata continues to be one of our top source markets with an increase in demand of over 21% YoY from this region. The summer season has witnessed strong growth across both international and domestic destinations 23% vs last year.
What is interesting is that traditionally, travelers from West Bengal and East India used to spend time with their families during the Pujo season, whereas today’s travelers are clearly travelling –to celebrate the festival with their families. To cater to this growing demand we have introduced a specially designed Pujo portfolio with over 35 tours across group escorted tours and customised options.”
SOTC is an Indian-grown entrepreneurial brand with a legacy of 75 years, pioneering group escorted tours in the country. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’
