As 2024 draws to a close, Indian travelers are showing an enthusiastic desire to explore the world. A recent travel report by MakeMyTrip, a leading online travel company, sheds light on these evolving travel preferences, highlighting significant growth patterns and new trends.
While popular travel spots like the UAE, Thailand, and the USA remain top contenders, the report reveals a burgeoning interest in exploring lesser-known destinations. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Bhutan are rapidly emerging as popular choices, indicating a growing wanderlust among Indian travelers seeking unique and enriching experiences.
A Wanderlust Boom
The MakeMyTrip report indicates a significant increase in international travel among Indians, with a notable 32% growth in the number of travelers taking two or more international trips within a year. This surge in outbound travel is further reflected in the consistent popularity of the top ten most searched countries, accounting for a significant 64% of all international searches on the platform. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi are leading the charge, contributing the most to international travel searches. The UK, Australia, and Germany have also emerged as top choices for Indian students pursuing education abroad.
Emerging Hotspots
The report reveals a growing fascination with emerging destinations. The combined search volume for the top 10 emerging destinations has surged by a remarkable 70%. Cities like Almaty in Kazakhstan and Baku in Azerbaijan have experienced phenomenal growth rates in searches, with increases of 527% and 395% respectively. This shift in travel preferences indicates that Indian travelers are actively seeking new and exciting global destinations.
Luxury Travel Takes Center Stage
Luxury travel is gaining traction, as evidenced by a 10% growth in searches for business class flights in the international segment. Hong Kong has seen a remarkable 131% increase in searches for business class travel, followed by Sri Lanka, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. This trend underscores a growing desire for comfort, exclusivity, and elevated travel experiences among Indian travelers.
Balancing Luxury with Budget
While luxury travel is on the rise, many Indian travelers are also seeking budget-friendly options. About 50% of international hotel bookings fall into the above Rs 7,000 per night tariff bracket, indicating a preference for mid-range to premium accommodations. New York is identified as the most expensive city for hotel bookings, while South Asian destinations like Pokhara, Pattaya, and Kuala Lumpur are highlighted as top choices for budget-conscious travelers. States like Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana show a higher propensity to spend on premium hotels, while travelers from Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu tend to prefer budget accommodations.
Homestays and Villas Gain Popularity
There has been a noticeable surge in interest for homestays and villas, with searches increasing by 42%. Popular destinations for these types of accommodations include Bali, Dubai, and Singapore, which see the highest search volumes. Other cities like Interlaken, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome are also experiencing significant growth in searches for homestays and villas, reflecting a shift towards more personalized and unique travel experiences.
Leisure Travel Reigns Supreme
Leisure travel remains the primary driving force behind international trips among Indian travelers, accounting for 55% of all journeys. Visiting friends and relatives (VFR) follows closely at 33%. Thailand emerges as the favorite leisure destination, with 44% of international travelers from West Bengal choosing it as their preferred overseas destination. Other top leisure destinations include the UAE, Europe, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam, showcasing the diverse travel preferences among Indian travelers.
Urban Nightlife and Shopping Delights
Urban destinations with vibrant nightlife are increasingly appealing to Indian travelers, with more than one-third expressing a preference for such locations. Travelers from West Bengal and Punjab make up the largest share of those seeking vibrant urban nightlife experiences. Cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, and Ho Chi Minh City are identified as the top five destinations for nightlife enthusiasts. Additionally, 23% of Indian travelers express a keen interest in shopping and luxury, with Dubai and Singapore being the top choices for these activities.
Flexibility and Assurance in Travel Planning
Indian travelers are increasingly seeking flexibility and assurance in their travel plans. Destinations such as Japan, Europe, the USA, and South Korea have seen the highest uptake of zero-cancellation policies for flight bookings. Meanwhile, the UAE, Thailand, Europe, and the USA have the highest number of travelers purchasing travel insurance. There is also a growing preference for additional baggage allowances, with Rajasthan leading the way in extra baggage bookings, followed by Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Furthermore, Europe, the UAE, Singapore, and the USA are the destinations with the highest share of travelers opting for a full refund in case of visa rejection.
Spontaneous Travel on the Rise
The trend of spontaneous travel is gaining traction, with close to 50% of international flights and 56% of international hotel bookings being made less than 14 days before the travel date. Destinations like Oman, Nepal, and the UAE are noted for having the highest last-minute flight bookings, while Qatar, Oman, and Azerbaijan lead in last-minute hotel bookings. In contrast, European cities tend to have longer advance purchase (AP) windows, indicating more planned and structured travel behavior for these destinations.
The latest MakeMyTrip report provides a comprehensive view of the evolving travel landscape among Indian travelers, showcasing a dynamic blend of traditional favorites and emerging hotspots. As year-end approaches, it is evident that Indian travelers are eager to explore a diverse range of international destinations, with a growing appetite for both luxury and budget-friendly options. Whether for leisure, business, or spontaneous adventures, the desire to explore the world continues to drive Indian outbound travel trends. As new destinations like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Bhutan gain popularity, it will be fascinating to observe how these travel preferences evolve in the coming years.
