The world is beckoning Indian travelers, and they’re answering the call with a resounding surge in interest for international destinations. This growing wanderlust isn’t confined to major cities; in fact, non-metro areas are leading the charge, indicating a shift in travel trends across India.
Data from Justdial, a leading online platform, reveals a striking 17% nationwide increase in travel-related searches between January 2023 and August 2024. This spike highlights the escalating demand for diverse experiences beyond India’s borders.
Non-metro cities have witnessed a remarkable surge in search interest for international travel, outpacing their metropolitan counterparts. A staggering 129% increase in searches was recorded in 2023, followed by a 126% jump in 2024, signifying a rapid expansion of wanderlust in smaller cities.
Popular destinations like Israel, the Gulf, Europe, Australia, Japan, Schengen countries, and Turkey have caught the eye of Indian travelers, reflecting their curiosity for unique and diverse experiences.
This increasing interest in international travel has fueled a parallel rise in demand for professional travel services. More and more travelers are seeking assistance from travel agents, opting for international tour packages, and actively pursuing visa services to streamline their travel planning.
Cities like Lucknow, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai show particularly high search volumes for destinations like Israel and the Gulf, indicating localized travel preferences.
The growing interest in destinations like Israel, despite global news, speaks to a shift in consumer sentiment towards seeking unique travel experiences. The steady rise in international travel interest paints a positive picture for outbound tourism from India, with expectations of continued growth in the coming years.
