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As India emerges as a global travel force, whether exploring ancient ruins in Greece or enjoying a luxury stay in Dubai, Indian travellers are making their mark on the global tourism landscape. MakeMyTrip, has released its "How India Travels Abroad" report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the international travel behaviour of Indians from June 2023 to May 2024. The report provides valuable insights into how macroeconomic factors and changing consumer preferences are driving a surge in international travel, presenting new opportunities for the travel and tourism industry to innovate and cater to the evolving needs of Indian travellers.
The report also reveals that international travel search volumes have remained relatively steady throughout the year, with December emerging as the peak month for travel searches. The October-December quarter saw the most activity for short-haul destinations, while the April-September period was dominated by searches for mid and long-haul destinations. This consistent interest underscores the growing enthusiasm among Indians for exploring global destinations, regardless of the season.
Popular destinations
Traditional favourites like the UAE, Thailand, and the USA continue to top the list of preferred destinations. However, there is a significant rise in interest in emerging hotspots, with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Bhutan leading the charge. The report highlights a 70 per cent increase in search volumes for the top 10 emerging destinations, with Almaty and Baku experiencing remarkable growth rates of 527 per cent and 395 per cent, respectively. This trend indicates a shift towards exploring lesser-known destinations, driven by a desire for unique travel experiences.
Luxury Travels
The report also points to a growing preference for luxury travel among Indians, with a 10 per cent increase in searches for business class flights. Hong Kong saw the highest growth in this segment, followed by Sri Lanka, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. In terms of accommodation, nearly 50 per cent of international hotel bookings fall within the INR 7,000 per night range, reflecting a balanced demand for both luxury and budget-friendly options. While New York remains the most expensive city for hotel bookings, South Asian destinations like Pokhara, Pattaya, and Kuala Lumpur are popular for budget stays.
Alternative accommodations
Searches for homestays and villas have surged by 42 per cent, signalling a shift towards more personalised and unique lodging experiences. Bali, Dubai, and Singapore lead in this category, with European cities like Interlaken, Paris, and Rome also showing significant growth in search volumes.
Leisure and Urban nightlife preferences
Leisure travel remains the primary motivation for 55 per cent of international trips, with Thailand being the top leisure destination for Indians. The report also notes a strong preference for urban destinations with vibrant nightlife, particularly among travellers from West Bengal and Punjab. Bangkok, Pattaya, and Kuala Lumpur are among the top choices for those seeking an active nightlife.
Travel and flexibility
The report highlights a growing trend towards impulsive travel, with nearly 50 per cent of international flights and 56 per cent of hotel bookings made less than 14 days before departure. Oman, Nepal, and the UAE are the most popular for last-minute flight bookings, while Qatar and Azerbaijan lead in last-minute hotel reservations. Additionally, there is a strong demand for flexible travel options, including zero cancellation policies and travel insurance, particularly for destinations like Japan, Europe, and the USA.
Highlighting the importance of the released report, Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said, “With rising disposable incomes, greater exposure to global cultures, and the increasing ease of travel, more Indians are exploring both domestic and international destinations for leisure as well as business. Our data attests to the growing confidence in exploring new destinations and indulging in different/ luxury experiences, which is also transforming the travel industry”.
He further added, “With rising disposable incomes, greater exposure to global cultures, and the increasing ease of travel, more Indians are exploring both domestic and international destinations for leisure as well as business. Our data attests to the growing confidence in exploring new destinations and indulging in different/ luxury experiences, which is also transforming the travel industry”.
The "How India Travels Abroad" report underscores the vast nature of Indian travellers, who are increasingly seeking authentic, personalised, and flexible travel experiences.
