Kolkata/IBNS-CMEDIA: Nearly one in two travellers from Kolkata now plan their holidays around cultural experiences, while Durga Puja and the city’s festive culture have emerged as the defining elements of Kolkata’s identity, according to Skyscanner’s India Culture Travel Index 2026, unveiled in the city on Wednesday.
The report, based on a survey of 2,000 respondents, examines how travellers from Kolkata and West Bengal are increasingly prioritising cultural experiences over conventional sightseeing.
It also analyses travel trends to Kolkata and the state, particularly during major festivals such as Durga Puja and Christmas.
According to the survey, 47 percent of Kolkata respondents said they primarily plan their holidays around cultural experiences, including heritage, festivals, food and local traditions. Meanwhile, 76 percent expressed a growing interest in culture-led travel.
The findings also showed that 69 percent of respondents identified Durga Puja and the city’s festive culture as Kolkata’s defining cultural identity, while 74 percent said they would consider planning a trip specifically to attend a major cultural or religious festival.
Speaking to IBNS about the economic impact of culture-led tourism, Neel Ghose, Travel and Destinations Expert at Skyscanner, said such travel creates a multiplier effect on local economies.
“Every time a new place is discovered, there is a multiplier effect in the economy, especially when we take our attention away from the typical tourist sites. Local artisans, local homestays, local restaurants and local markets all benefit significantly,” Ghose said.
He pointed to increasing interest in destinations across West Bengal, including the Sundarbans (45%), Santiniketan (38%), Chandannagar (33%) and Bishnupur (28%).
On rising international travel costs, Ghose said growing cultural pride among Indians and increasing global recognition of Indian heritage sites, including those recognised by UNESCO, have encouraged more travellers to explore destinations within the country. He added that Japan remains the most preferred international destination among travellers from Kolkata.
The report also highlighted Skyscanner’s travel-planning tools, including Explore with AI, Price Alerts, Drops, which showcases flight fares that have fallen by more than 20 percent over the past seven days, and Whole Month Search, which compares fares across an entire month.
Heritage tourism expert Dr. Navina Jafa said India’s cultural wealth extends beyond monuments to include living traditions, skilled communities and heritage landscapes.
“India’s cultural heritage is not only about monuments, but also the ecosystems around heritage landscapes—creative, skilled communities, cultural traditions and living practices. Studies show a growing number of travellers seeking immersive heritage experiences, highlighting the need to invest in India’s geographical diversity and cultural legacy,” she said.
