India’s travel industry is watching the next phase of international tourism demand with growing interest. Despite a challenging financial year and disruptions affecting some overseas destinations, travel company Thomas Cook India expects passenger numbers and bookings to increase in fiscal 2028.
In an update reported by Reuters on November 11, the company’s leadership said travel demand had started recovering during the third quarter of the current financial year. The company expects the second half of FY27 to perform at least as well as the first half, provided there are no major external disruptions.
The outlook comes after a difficult first six months. Thomas Cook India’s revenue declined 10% to ₹4,036 crore for the half year ended September 30, while profit after tax fell 20% to ₹117 crore.
The company has also delayed the launch of its European summer holiday packages. Traditionally introduced around the middle of October, the packages are now expected to be launched in the second or third week of November. Protests affecting transport and tourist attractions, along with uncertainty around weather conditions, contributed to the delay.
Nevertheless, winter bookings for Europe are reportedly strong. The company’s management believes that some travellers who postponed earlier plans have shifted their holidays to the winter season.
The broader opportunity for India’s travel industry remains substantial. According to government data cited in the report, Indian nationals made approximately four million departures to Europe in 2025, representing around 12% of the country’s total outbound travel.
For travel companies, this creates opportunities across international packages, airline bookings, hotel reservations, travel insurance and financial services. Domestic tourism also remains an important market, supported by road connectivity, regional airports and growing interest in experiential travel.
Yet the latest tourism news also shows why growth cannot be taken for granted. In Rajasthan, hotels reported a subdued start to the November tourism season, with weaker-than-expected Diwali footfall and a delayed wedding season affecting occupancy.
This contrast illustrates how travel demand can vary significantly by destination, season and customer segment. A strong international booking outlook does not automatically translate into higher occupancy for every domestic tourism business.
For hotels, tour operators and destination managers, the challenge is to create experiences that attract visitors throughout the year rather than depending on a few peak seasons.
India’s tourism future will be shaped by a combination of domestic travel, international outbound demand, improved infrastructure and the ability of businesses to respond to changing traveller expectations.
The industry may be entering a period of recovery, but the winners will be those that turn renewed interest in travel into reliable service, memorable experiences and sustainable growth.
