​The Holi festival in 2025 has catalyzed a significant surge in both outbound and inbound tourism, reflecting evolving travel trends among Indian and international travellers. This year, the confluence of the festival with an extended weekend has prompted many to combine cultural celebrations with exploration, leading to notable shifts in travel patterns.​

Outbound Tourism: Indians Embracing International Destinations

Data from Atlys, a prominent visa facilitation platform, indicates that 21% of Holi-related visa applications are from Indian families and groups planning to celebrate abroad.

This trend underscores a growing inclination to merge traditional festivities with international travel experiences. The preferred destinations for these travelers include Japan, Thailand, Dubai, and Singapore.

The extended weekend has further contributed to a 27.2% increase in family travel compared to the previous year, with 55% of these trips spanning four to seven days.

Inbound Tourism: Global Enthusiasm for Holi Celebrations in India

India’s vibrant Holi celebrations continue to attract international tourists.

In March 2025, 13.2% of inbound visa applications are from foreign nationals eager to partake in the festivities, marking an 18% year-on-year growth in Holi tourism.

Delhi serves as the primary entry point, with many visitors proceeding to Rajasthan, particularly Pushkar, renowned for its iconic Holi celebrations.

Government Initiatives and Tourism Growth

The Ministry of Tourism’s initiatives, such as the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme, aim to promote holistic development of tourism destinations, enhancing infrastructure and visitor experience.

These efforts align with the observed increase in travel during the Holi weekend, reflecting a growing trend of cultural exploration and global travel among Indian tourists.

The festival’s timing has created the perfect scenario for travelers to blend cultural celebration with exploration, highlighting how people are reimagining traditions and merging them with global adventures.

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