KAYAK reveals inbound travel trends for international visitors to India in 2023

As India looks forward to the summer high season, new flight search data from the travel search site KAYAK.co.in, shows that flight searches over the last six months (searches between 20.07.2022 - 20.01.2023) for travels to India in 2023 have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, growing by about 29% compared to the same period in 2019. This indicates that inbound travellers may be feeling restored confidence in international travel - and shows that the country’s efforts to attract tourists are showing results.

“This is positive for India’s tourism sector, which has been amplifying its efforts to grow inbound travel from not just traditional source markets, but expanding its promotion further across the globe,” said Tarun Tahiliani, India Country Manager at KAYAK.

The United States has long been one of India’s most prominent tourism sources, with searches for flights until the end of this year growing about 21% compared to the same pre-pandemic period. Increases in flight searches from other European countries are also very positive, with the UK having a spike in flight searches of about 48% and France increasing by around 22%. There was also strong growth from Canada increasing by around 63% and Australia increasing by around 60% compared to 2019.

Top-10 countries from where travellers searched for flights to India for travels in 2023 and change compared to 2019

“We are seeing a global trend, where travellers want to experience new, unique and different things. And so they are looking beyond the usual favourites to see what else India has to offer. This is very positive for many local tourism players, as more eyes are turned to their offerings, linking the tourism and experience economies,” added Tahiliani. 

Global travellers are looking to immerse themselves in the various experiences India offers. The top three spots on the most searched list of destinations are captured by sprawling urban centres New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, which are at the cross-section of the country's rich heritage and modern infrastructure. As exceptional experiences with culture, traditions, and cuisines continue to be one of the most significant attractions for travellers visiting India, destinations like Ahmedabad, home to intricate textiles, Mughal heritage, and unparalleled delicacies, have also found a spot among the most sought after designations for international visitors. Southern destinations, a convergence of lush landscapes and serene beaches like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and the always favourite Goa, have also garnered traveller interest.