Indian travelers are embracing the world like never before, with a dramatic surge in international trips fueled by rising incomes and a thirst for unique experiences. Their passports are ready, and their desire to explore is stronger than ever. The How India Travels Abroad report, by MakeMyTrip, sheds light on this exciting travel boom, revealing key trends, preferences, and emerging hotspots for Indian globetrotters.
Trend 1: Growth in Indian Outbound Travel
The increase in international travel can be attributed to several factors: higher disposable incomes, broader cultural exposure, and easier access to global destinations. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, highlights that more Indians are not only visiting international locales but are also opting for luxurious experiences, signaling a significant shift in travel patterns. While domestic tourism remains strong, international travel is seeing substantial growth, driven by macroeconomic trends. The report reveals that international travel search volumes are steady throughout the year, with December being the peak month. The October-December quarter is popular for short-haul destinations, while searches for mid and long-haul destinations spike from April to September.
Trend 2: Increased Frequency of Travel
More Indians are traveling frequently, with a 32% rise in those taking multiple international trips each year. The top ten most searched countries, including favorites like the UAE, Thailand, and the USA, represent 64% of all international searches on MakeMyTrip. Travelers from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi are leading the charge, while the UK, Australia, and Germany remain popular among students. Emerging destinations are also gaining traction, with countries like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Bhutan seeing increased interest. Notably, Almaty and Baku have experienced remarkable growth, with search increases of 527% and 395%, respectively. This trend reflects a growing desire among Indians to explore new and unique global experiences.
Trend 3: Rise in Luxury Travel
Luxury travel is becoming increasingly popular among Indians, evidenced by a 10% rise in searches for business class flights. Destinations like Hong Kong, which saw a 131% increase in business class searches, along with Sri Lanka, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia, are attracting luxury travelers. This trend highlights the growing demand for premium experiences among Indian tourists. While budget-friendly options are still sought after, nearly half of international hotel bookings fall within the above INR 7,000 per night range. New York tops the list for high-end hotel stays, whereas destinations like Pokhara, Pattaya, and Kuala Lumpur offer more affordable accommodation. Travelers from Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana tend to spend more on premium hotel bookings, while those from Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu favor budget options.
Trend 4: Growing Interest in Homestays and Villas
Interest in homestays and villas has surged by 42%, indicating a preference for personalized and unique lodging experiences. Bali, Dubai, and Singapore are leading destinations for homestay and villa searches, along with Interlaken, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome, which are also gaining popularity. This shift suggests that Indian travelers are seeking more intimate and immersive travel experiences.
Trend 5: Dominance of Leisure Travel
Leisure travel continues to be the primary driver of international trips, accounting for 55% of all travel. Visiting friends and relatives (VFR) makes up 33% of international travel. Thailand remains a favorite leisure destination, with 44% of travelers from West Bengal opting for this tropical paradise. Other top leisure destinations include the UAE, Europe, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam, reflecting the diverse interests of Indian tourists.
Trend 6: Attraction to Urban Nightlife and Shopping
Urban destinations with vibrant nightlife are highly appealing, with more than a third of Indian travelers showing a preference for such locales. West Bengal and Punjab travelers are particularly drawn to urban nightlife, with Bangkok, Pattaya, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, and Ho Chi Minh City ranking as top choices. Additionally, 23% of travelers seek shopping and luxury experiences, with Dubai and Singapore being the preferred spots for high-end retail.
Trend 7: Demand for Flexibility and Assurance
Indian travelers are increasingly prioritizing flexibility and assurance in their travel plans. Japan, Europe, the USA, and South Korea are popular choices for zero-cancellation flight bookings. Meanwhile, the UAE, Thailand, Europe, and the USA see the highest share of travelers opting for travel insurance. Extra baggage options are also a priority, with Rajasthan leading in additional baggage bookings, followed by Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. For many, the option of Visa Rejection Full Refund, especially in Europe, the UAE, Singapore, and the USA, offers peace of mind.
Trend 8: The Rise of Last-Minute Travel
One of the most striking findings is the increase in last-minute bookings. Close to 50% of international flights and 56% of hotel rooms are booked less than two weeks before departure. Oman, Nepal, and the UAE see the highest last-minute flight bookings, while Qatar, Oman, and Azerbaijan lead for hotel bookings. In contrast, Indian travelers to European cities prefer to plan their trips well in advance.
Trend 9: India as a Global Travel Power
The How India Travels Abroad report underscores India’s growing influence in global tourism. With a rising demand for authenticity, luxury, and personal connections in travel, the industry must adapt to meet the needs of this dynamic market. Whether exploring the historic ruins of Greece or enjoying the tranquility of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations, Indian travelers are leaving their mark worldwide, contributing significantly to the growth of international tourism. As the travel industry continues to evolve, the insights from this report provide valuable guidance for businesses aiming to cater to the expanding and evolving market of Indian travelers. The opportunities for innovation and growth in travel and tourism are vast, reflecting the changing preferences and expectations of Indian tourists.
