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Women Traveller is a growing segment of travel.

Atlys’ 2025 Travel Trends forecasts 30% surge in solo female travel

Atlys, a visa processing platform, has released its Travel Trends report, encompassing the key patterns that shaped travel in 2024 and offering a glimpse into emerging themes for 2025. Drawing from extensive data across its platform, the report highlights the evolving priorities of travellers and the broader shifts in the global travel landscape.

The year 2024 saw a steady resurgence in outbound travel, building on the momentum of 2023. Travellers sought meaningful experiences, with affordability and sustainability driving decisions. Cultural exploration, solo adventures, and wellness retreats gained prominence, reflecting a growing focus on personal enrichment and mental well-being.

Adventure tourism and event-driven travel, such as major sports tournaments and global music tours, continued to draw significant interest, showcasing a shift toward immersive journeys.

Mohak Nahta, CEO and Founder of Atlys, said, “Tourism continues to grow year after year, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of meaningful travel. People aren’t just visiting destinations: they’re seeking deeper connections through hidden gems, local cuisines, and transformative adventures. This shift toward more enriching journeys is redefining how we experience the world. We, at Atlys, are committed to helping travellers navigate this evolution, making exploration seamless and memorable.”

Key Travel Trends Shaping 2025
Solo Women Travel: In 2025, solo female travel is set to become a defining trend, reflecting a growing focus on empowerment, personal growth, and exploration. Atlys data reveals that 30% of solo visa applications in 2024 came from women travellers, with projections indicating a 37% increase in 2025. Millennials and Gen Z women dominate this trend, accounting for nearly 70% of solo female travellers aged between their 20s and 40s. The most popular destinations for solo female travelers on the Atlys platform include Bali, Thailand, and Japan, known for their safety, affordability, and immersive cultural experiences. The rise of women-only travel groups and online communities has further fueled this shift toward independent travel, providing women with the confidence to explore the world on their own terms.

Asia’s Tourism Boom: As Asia strengthens its position as a global tourism hub, destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, Indonesia are set to witness significant growth in 2025. Thailand is targeting 40 million international visitors, supported by expanded visa-free policies, increased flight connectivity, and its ongoing efforts to legalize casinos, which could boost tourist arrivals during the low season. Japan is expected to draw 28 million visitors, with Expo 2025 in Osaka anticipated to attract 3.5 million international attendees, showcasing its global appeal. Vietnam and Indonesia, with its affordability, rich cultural heritage, and unspoiled natural beauty, continue to gain popularity among travellers.

The Rise of Wellness Escapes and Slow Travel: Travellers are prioritizing wellness-focused trips, with destinations such as Bali, and Taiwan offering yoga retreats, meditation programs, and holistic health escapes. The rising trend of “slow travel” has encouraged longer stays in culturally immersive settings, where travellers can explore local traditions and reconnect with nature.

Trailblazer Hotels: Travellers are increasingly drawn to unique accommodations that blend comfort with cultural immersion. The global boutique hotel market, valued at USD 25.04 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% through 2030, reflecting rising demand for properties that offer more than just a place to stay. Countries like Italy, Japan, Morocco, and South Africa captivate visitors with boutique riads, traditional ryokans, and vineyard retreats that reflect the lifestyle and traditions of the region. Many of these properties also provide local activities, such as cooking classes, guided cultural tours, or craft workshops, creating a deeper connection to the destination.
Adventure Travel: Adventure tourism is set to thrive in 2025, as travellers increasingly seek immersive and adrenaline-packed experiences. Destinations like Norway, renowned for its Arctic expeditions, and Peru, famous for treks through pristine wilderness such as the Inca Trail, are expected to draw significant interest. Similarly, Australia, celebrated for its vast national parks and unique wildlife, continues to attract adventure enthusiasts. These offbeat experiences reflect a growing global trend toward experiential travel that fosters deeper connections with nature and the environment.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: 2024 saw a noticeable shift, with travellers increasingly seeking offbeat locations over traditional tourist hotspots. This trend is set to continue in 2025, with more people opting for hidden gems that promise unique cultural and natural experiences. Destinations like Slovenia, Laos, and the Faroe Islands are gaining recognition for their authenticity and charm, offering unspoiled beauty and meaningful interactions with local communities.

Pop Culture Pilgrimages: Travel inspired by pop culture is expected to thrive in 2025, as fans continue to plan trips around their favorite movies, shows, and music events. Popular series and influencer-led travel content are fueling excitement for destinations, encouraging travellers to explore local cuisines, traditions, and unique experiences tied to the regions featured. These journeys allow fans to immerse themselves in the worlds they admire, seamlessly blending entertainment with cultural discovery for a truly memorable experience. According to Atlys, there has been a significant surge in visa interest for destinations linked to global media phenomena, with a notable example being Singapore’s Disney Cruise, which is predicted to see a 27.12% rise in demand in 2025.

Nature’s Greatest Shows: Natural spectacles will continue to captivate travellers in 2025, offering extraordinary opportunities for awe and inspiration. Destinations like Iceland and Norway, renowned for the Aurora Borealis, and Egypt, with its prime locations for witnessing solar eclipses, are expected to see a surge in interest. Bioluminescent beaches in Puerto Rico and the Maldives are also drawing visitors with their magical glow. These journeys offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, creating visually stunning and meaningful experiences. According to Atlys data, demand for visas to destinations famous for their natural wonders is on the rise, with Iceland predicted to see an 18.37% increase and Egypt a remarkable 43% increase in 2025.

Culinary Tourism: Culinary tourism is rapidly growing, with the market projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.78% between 2024 and 2031. Iconic events like Italy’s Truffle Festival, Thailand’s Songkran Food Festival, and the Cheese Festival in France are drawing travellers eager to explore local flavors and traditions. Destinations such as Japan, renowned for its sushi and ramen, and Turkey, celebrated for its baklava and traditional meze, are also gaining traction. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, have fueled this trend by showcasing vibrant food festivals and unique dining experiences, making gastronomy a key driver of travel decisions for 2025.

Shifting Demographics and Preferences:
Indian travellers, a critical segment for Atlys, exhibited unique preferences in 2024 that are shaping 2025 trends:
Youthful Wanderlust: 60.74% of Atlys users in 2024 were under 35, demonstrating Gen Z’s and millennials’ dominance in travel.

Increased Mobility: Business and leisure travel hybrid (bleisure) saw significant growth, with 24% of travellers opting for extended stays to explore beyond work commitments.

The growing middle class and the emergence of tier 2 and tier 3 cities paved the way for more international travellers seeking authentic, budget-friendly travel experiences abroad.

Cities that travelled the most: Bangalore lead the way, with Delhi and Mumbai following.

Looking ahead, travel will continue to evolve with a focus on personalization and convenience. As technological advancements streamline the planning process, travellers will benefit from more efficient, tailored experiences.

Atlys introduces AI features for Visa

 

Atlys, a visa processing platform, has introduced five AI-powered features to streamline and enhance the visa application process. These tools aim to eliminate common challenges faced by applicants, such as repetitive tasks, complex requirements, and document errors. By automating critical steps like document verification and offering real-time guidance, Atlys is making visa applications faster, more accurate, and less stressful for travellers.

One of the standout features is BOLO, an AI-driven post-checkout assistant that provides human-like support after users submit their applications. BOLO understands emotions and responds quickly, significantly reducing resolution times from hours to just 3.4 minutes. Currently managing 38% of customer interactions, BOLO ensures prompt, empathetic support and helps prevent delays, enhancing the overall user experience.

Atlys also offers a “Pre-Qualification” feature, which simplifies the visa process by allowing users to upload documents once, qualifying them for over 100 types of visas. This AI-powered tool eliminates redundant uploads, cuts down preparation time, and enables applicants to complete the process in under 10 minutes. Additionally, the “No More Visa Photos – Photo Model” automatically adjusts photo backgrounds, dimensions, and formatting to meet visa standards, saving users time and hassle.

Other features include an AI-powered Pre-Check Out Bot that provides real-time, accurate guidance on visa requirements, and AI-enhanced passport scanning that detects and flags low-quality scans, ensuring only high-quality images are submitted. These innovations address common pitfalls in the visa process, ensuring a smoother and more reliable experience for travellers, while making global travel more accessible.

Atlys secures USD 20 mn in Series B funding

 

Atlys has raised USD 20 million in its Series B funding round, co-led by Peak XV Partners and Elevation Capital, with participation from existing and new investors such as DST Global and Headline. This round marks a significant milestone for Atlys, which has experienced 20x growth over the past year, expanding its presence in key global markets like the US, UAE, and the UK.

The fresh capital will support Atlys’ aggressive expansion plans, focusing on enhancing product and engineering capabilities, scaling operations, and entering new markets. With a core emphasis on addressing the rising demand from travellers, particularly in India, the company aims to simplify the visa process and ensure on-time approvals as international tourism surges.

Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO, highlighted the importance of this funding in enabling Atlys to meet the growing needs of global travellers. Atlys has streamlined visa applications for over 150 destinations, reducing rejections and cutting processing times to as fast as 55 seconds, providing both convenience and security for users.

Investors from Peak XV Partners and Elevation Capital expressed confidence in Atlys’ long-term vision to become a broader travel services platform. They see Atlys as a key player in transforming the travel industry, addressing real pain points for global travellers, and driving seamless travel experiences through innovation.

Travel tech startup Atlys expands global footprint with UAE foray

Travel tech startup, Atlys, has launched in the UAE, advancing its mission to streamline and enhance the visa application process for the region’s sizable expatriate community.

With the UAE’s expatriate population comprising 92% of the total, many face complexities and challenges with their visa applications. This makes the UAE an ideal market for Atlys’s cutting-edge solution, which aims to alleviate the general stress and hassle of visa processing. Atlys has set up shop in western Dubai to facilitate visa services.

Mohak Nahta, CEO and Founder, Atlys, said, “Navigating visa applications can be one of the most daunting aspects of international travel. At Atlys, we are committed to empowering individuals to travel freely. We are thrilled to introduce our innovative solution to the UAE, marking a significant advancement in making global travel more accessible for those living and working here.”

Currently serving over 100 countries from the UAE, the travel tech startup offers on-time processing, clear upfront information, and the convenience of managing everything from home. Since its inception, the company has processed more than 1.2 million visas across 100+ countries. With an impressive 200% growth rate over the past two years, it has become a trusted name in the visa application industry.

Atlys reports 60% rise in Indian visa applications for Paris Olympics

 

With excitement building for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris, Atlys, India’s leading online visa platform, has reported a staggering 60% surge in visa applications for France. This unprecedented spike underscores the heightened interest and enthusiasm among Indian travellers eager to be part of this global event. Notably, while travellers from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore dominate the applicant pool, Atlys has also seen a significant increase in applications from smaller towns and rural areas.

In response to this surge, French consulates in India have ramped up their processing capabilities. Olympic visitors are now receiving their visa decisions in under a week on average, a substantial improvement over usual processing times. This expedited service ensures a smoother and more efficient experience for travellers, allowing them to focus on their Olympic journey rather than visa hurdles. Paris remains a top destination, with nearly a 40% increase in active travel listings on Atlys, ensuring ample availability for visitors drawn to the city’s iconic landmarks and Olympic venues.

Beyond Paris, travellers are exploring vibrant locations such as Nice, Aubervilliers, Colombes, and Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, all of which host key Olympic events. Lesser-known areas like Châteauroux for shooting events and Colombes for field hockey are also seeing a rise in bookings, offering visitors a diverse and enriching French experience. The rise in group travel bookings, with families and friends planning their Olympic trips together, is notable, with Atlys witnessing a 45% increase in group visa applications.

Additionally, a notable 50% increase in sports tourism-related queries has been observed, with travellers not only seeking to attend Olympic events but also expressing interest in visiting iconic French sports venues like Stade de France and Roland Garros. This surge highlights a growing trend among Indian travellers who are keen to combine their love for sports with their travel plans. Atlys has leveraged advanced AI and machine learning technologies to streamline the visa application process, offering real-time tracking, step-by-step guidance, and personalised assistance, ensuring even first-time applicants can navigate the complexities of visa procedures with ease.

Atlys appoints Ajit Alexander as Head of B2G

Atlys, a travel technology startup, has appointed Ajit Alexander as Head of B2G (Business-to-Government). With over 20 years of experience in business development and strategic partnerships, Alexander brings a wealth of expertise to Atlys, further solidifying its position as a key player in the government-focused business vertical.

Alexander is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success in driving business growth and fostering strategic alliances. His extensive career includes senior roles at industry giants such as BLS International and VFS Global, where he led initiatives to secure government contracts and expand market presence.

In his new role at Atlys, he will lead the company’s efforts to enhance its footprint in the government sector. His responsibilities include developing and implementing strategies to forge strong relationships with government agencies, identifying emerging opportunities, and leading the B2G team to execute government contracts efficiently.

Speaking on his appointment, Alexander said, “I’m thrilled to join Atlys at such an exciting juncture. The travel and visa industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and government partnerships play a crucial role in shaping the future of seamless international travel. Atlys is at the forefront of this evolution, and I’m excited to contribute to the company’s vision by leveraging strategic partnerships, technological innovation, and regulatory alignment.”

Mohak Nahta, CEO of Atlys, expressed his enthusiasm over Ajit’s appointment, stating, “We’re delighted to welcome Ajit Alexander to the Atlys team. His vast experience in strategic government partnerships and business growth aligns perfectly with our vision. Ajit’s leadership will strengthen our B2G initiatives, enabling us to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our government clients. We’re confident that his expertise will play a pivotal role in driving our growth strategy forward.”

In his first six months at Atlys, Alexander’s key focus areas will include building a robust pipeline of government contracts and partnerships, establishing Atlys as a trusted partner for government agencies, implementing strategic frameworks, and identifying emerging opportunities within the government sector.