MAM
Indians choose slower, longer trips in 2025: Thrillophilia report
JAIPUR: Indian travellers are pressing pause, not play. In 2025, holidays became less about ticking off cities and more about settling in, slowing down and actually enjoying the journey, according to the Thrillophilia 2025 Multi-Day Travel Index.
Based on completed trips rather than wishful searches, the index paints a picture of a travel market growing up. Indians across ages and budgets chose longer stays, calmer itineraries and well-planned experiences over rushed schedules and bargain hunting.
“Travellers stopped asking how many places they could squeeze in and started asking how smoothly a trip would run,” said Thrillophilia co-founder Abhishek Daga. “Peace of mind became the new definition of value.”
The clearest change came in how trips were designed. Single-base holidays with day outings jumped 36 percent, while four-city-and-more tours fell sharply. Medium-length trips of six to nine nights emerged as the sweet spot, giving travellers room to breathe.
Overpacked itineraries lost favour, replaced by realistic schedules, downtime and flexibility. Custom and semi-custom trips became mainstream, while large group tours quietly slipped out of fashion.
Domestic travel remained the backbone of Indian leisure trips. Kerala and Rajasthan stayed popular, while Kashmir, Ladakh and the North East saw strong growth as travellers looked for nature, adventure and fewer logistical headaches.
Destinations with reliable infrastructure and easy pacing consistently outperformed, underlining a comfort-first approach to holiday planning.
International travel bounced back strongly, led by destinations within easy flying distance. Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines attracted travellers with simple visas, compact routes and plenty to do without hopping cities.
Long-haul trips were fewer but more meaningful. Places like Japan, Kenya and Iceland drew travellers planning once-in-a-while journeys focused on standout experiences rather than frequency.
Gen Z and young professionals travelled more often, taking advantage of flexible work and long weekends. Short breaks, adventure-led trips and off-season travel surged, with offbeat destinations stealing the spotlight.
Families, meanwhile, doubled down on planning and comfort. Custom itineraries, advance bookings and dependable destinations drove growth, while hectic multi-city tours lost appeal.
Couples reimagined romance too. Honeymoons became more personal, with private stays, shorter minimoons and lesser-known destinations gaining ground.
Luxury travel shifted quietly but decisively. Precision replaced excess, with fewer destinations, tailored plans and wellness-led journeys defining high-end travel in 2025.
Across the board, well-paced and well-executed trips delivered higher satisfaction and fewer cancellations. The message was clear. Indian travellers no longer measure holidays by how much they cover, but by how confidently the experience is delivered.
In 2025, travel was not about going faster. It was about going better.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
