By: Elle Dela Cruz
Two brothers with a shared vision of enhancing the travel industry founded Culture Holidays as an international tour operator. Over time, it has become a recognized name in experiential travel, offering distinctive journeys beyond traditional tourism.
Authentic Tourism Experiences
Since the pandemic, the travel industry has seen an increased interest in meaningful cultural experiences. Established in 2000, Culture Holidays has been part of this transformation, reporting a notable rise in its customer base over the previous year. This growth reflects a broader trend in the tourism sector, where travelers increasingly seek deeper cultural engagement alongside sightseeing.
“We have built a network of over 35,000 travel agents worldwide and have had the opportunity to serve 250,000 travelers. Our initiatives extend beyond tourism. Through our ‘Travel with a Purpose’ mission, we strive to contribute to social causes, including providing meals to underprivileged children, turning each booking into an opportunity for positive impact,” explains Rajni Pandey, Vice President at Culture Holidays.
The Economics of Cultural Preservation
The relationship between tourism and cultural preservation has led to an evolving economic model. According to the World Tourism Organization, in 2023, the cultural tourism sector contributed significantly to the global economy. Culture Holidays has aimed to support this growth by developing partnerships with local communities and promoting sustainable economic opportunities while respecting cultural traditions.
Market analyses suggest that the cultural tourism sector may expand considerably in the coming years, with some forecasts projecting a strong growth trajectory through 2030. In response to this trend, Culture Holidays has introduced programs to balance tourism demand with cultural authenticity.
Technology and Tradition: A Delicate Balance
A key element of Culture Holidays’ approach is integrating technology with traditional cultural experiences. The company has introduced an innovative AI-powered itinerary builder, allowing travel agents to instantly generate customized itineraries and quotes. This groundbreaking tool enhances efficiency while maintaining the personalized touch essential for curating unforgettable journeys.
“One of our recent initiatives is leveraging AI to simplify the itinerary creation process for travel agents,” shares Pandey. “This ensures seamless trip planning while enabling agents to focus on delivering exceptional cultural experiences to their clients.”
According to the company’s internal data, many travelers select programs emphasizing sustainable practices and community engagement. This trend has encouraged Culture Holidays to expand initiatives that support local economies while maintaining cultural integrity.
The Future of Cultural Tourism
The projections for the future of the cultural tourism industry indicate continued growth in cultural tourism, with immersive and sustainable experiences playing a key role. Culture Holidays plans to broaden its outreach in 2025 by focusing on responsible tourism initiatives and deepening community collaborations.
“Looking ahead, our greatest success lies not just in the number of travelers we have served but in the connections we help foster between cultures. Every meaningful interaction, every preserved tradition, and every sustainable effort contributes to a more interconnected world,” Pandey reflects.
Published by Kaye A.
