As the year comes to an end, Indian travelers are demonstrating a keen interest in exploring both established and emerging global destinations. With evolving preferences for luxury, budget options, and spontaneous trips, it’s clear that the travel landscape for Indians is becoming more dynamic and diverse
As 2024 comes to a close, Indian travelers are showcasing a strong interest in exploring a mix of traditional and emerging international destinations. A new travel report by MakeMyTrip highlights that countries like the UAE, Thailand, and Bhutan are topping the list for year-end trips, with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan also gaining popularity. The report offers insights into the evolving preferences of Indian travelers, revealing significant growth in international travel.
Sustained Interest in International Destinations
Search volumes for international trips have remained consistent, with December being the most active month. The report notes that while short-haul destinations like UAE and Thailand are popular in the last quarter of the year, mid and long-haul destinations gain attention between April and September.
Traditional favorites like the USA, UK, and Australia remain high on the list, especially for students pursuing education abroad.
A Surge in Emerging Destinations
Interest in less-explored destinations is on the rise, with cities such as Almaty in Kazakhstan and Baku in Azerbaijan seeing substantial growth in search volumes—527% and 395%, respectively. This surge reflects the increasing curiosity among Indian travelers to discover newer and less commercialized global spots. Emerging destinations now account for 14% of all travel searches, a noticeable jump from previous years.
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Spontaneous travel is gaining momentum, with nearly half of all international flights and more than half of hotel bookings being made less than two weeks before departure
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Destinations like Oman, Nepal, and the UAE are seeing the highest rates of last-minute bookings, reflecting a growing trend for impromptu travel plans among Indian travelers
Luxury Travel on the Rise
Indian travelers are also showing a growing inclination toward luxury travel, with a 10% increase in searches for business class flights. Hong Kong leads in business-class travel searches, while destinations like Japan, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia follow closely. Despite this shift towards luxury, budget travel still holds a significant share, with 50% of hotel bookings falling in the Rs 7,000-plus per night range. South Asian cities like Pattaya and Kuala Lumpur remain top picks for cost-conscious travelers.
Increasing Interest in Homestays and Villas
Travelers are now seeking more personalized experiences, as demonstrated by the 42% increase in searches for homestays and villas. Bali, Dubai, and Singapore have emerged as popular choices for such accommodations, along with European cities like Paris and Rome. This trend highlights a desire for unique and intimate travel experiences, departing from the traditional hotel stays.
Leisure Travel Leads, With Growing Interest in Nightlife and Urban Experiences
Leisure remains the primary reason for travel, accounting for 55% of international trips. Thailand, the UAE, and Europe continue to be the top choices for Indian leisure travelers. Urban destinations with vibrant nightlife are also increasingly sought after, particularly by travelers from West Bengal and Punjab. Cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Abu Dhabi are popular among those looking for lively nightlife experiences.
Flexibility in Travel Planning
Indian travelers are increasingly prioritizing flexibility, with a notable increase in the uptake of zero-cancellation policies for flight bookings to destinations like Japan and Europe. The demand for travel insurance is also on the rise, especially for trips to the UAE and Thailand. Many travelers are opting for additional baggage allowances and full refunds in case of visa rejections.
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