Travellers, this might interest you. The word ‘Noctourism’ has emerged as India’s travel word of the year. The reason is simple. Travellers are showing a growing appetite for after-dark adventures, stargazing, and moonlit escapes instead of daytime travel. Here’s everything you need to know.
‘Noctourism’ Is India’s Travel World Of The Year
According to recent travel trends, many travellers are now drawn to unique after-dark experiences. Instead of daytime activities, adventure seekers are opting for stargazing, night safaris, and illuminated nightscapes. This shift is why Booking.com, one of the world’s leading online travel platforms, has announced ‘Noctourism’ as India’s travel word of the year for 2025. The decision was taken in collaboration with Meltwater.
Honestly, this does not come as a surprise. Noctourism refers to night-time travel experiences. It can include stargazing trips, night-time safaris, visits to dark-sky reserves, moonlit beaches, and more. As per the research, three out of four people, or 78% of travellers, expressed interest in experiencing noctourism this year. The term has clearly captured India’s imagination. It reflects a growing desire for slower, more immersive, and emotionally led travel experiences in 2025.
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Other Travel Words Trending In 2025
The research also highlights several other travel-related trends shaping how people plan trips:
- Calmcation: It refers to mindful breaks focused on rest, rejuvenation, and stress reduction. About 83% of travellers showed interest in longevity retreats aimed at deep revitalisation.
- Frolleagues: It describes work-life blended trips where colleagues travel together and bond as friends.
- Eco-scape: It focuses on conscious and sustainable travel. Around 87% of travellers expressed willingness to travel sustainably this year.
- Microcation: This trend refers to short yet memorable trips that fit into busy schedules.
- Bucket list: These are once-in-a-lifetime journeys to finally experience destinations or moments travellers have long dreamed of.
- Gastro trails: This trend is focused on culinary-focused trips built around local food and dining experiences.
Talking about these findings, Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia, Booking.com, said, “Fueled by the growing appetite for after-dark safaris, stargazing escapes, bioluminescent beaches and culturally rich night markets that reveal a destination’s character in entirely new ways, Noctourism emerged as India’s Travel Word of the Year. This new vocabulary clearly shows that every trip is now an investment in self-discovery, forging deeper connections and embracing experiences that align with individual values.”
Also Read: 79% Of Indian Families Are Planning Skip-Gen Holidays This Year; All About The New Travel Trend
So, what do you think of these travel trends? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Nurlita and Cinar (Representative Image)