Indians Flock To Visa-Free Destinations, Overseas Travel Jumps 12% In H12024: Report

The report reads, “The rise in disposable income has made international travel more affordable, and improved airline connectivity has made foreign destinations more accessible"

Indians are travelling abroad in surging numbers, with a 12 per cent rise in departures during the first half of 2024 compared to pre-COVID levels, according to a report by the rating agency CRISIL. Indian tourists, who represented 2.4 per cent of the global outbound travel market in 2019, are now emerging as a significant force in the global tourism landscape.

Rising disposable incomes, improved airline connectivity, and streamlined visa processes have made international travel more accessible for Indians.

The report reads, “The rise in disposable income has made international travel more affordable, and improved airline connectivity has made foreign destinations more accessible.”

Indians increasingly seek unique travel experiences rather than traditional vacations, with a growing interest in wellness retreats and adventure trips. Demand for international destinations is rising, particularly in locations where travel has become cost-effective. For instance, a five-day all-inclusive trip from Mumbai to Bangkok during Diwali week, staying in a five-star hotel, could be about 7 per cent cheaper than a similar trip to Goa. With four-star accommodations, the costs for trips to both Bangkok and Goa are nearly identical. 

“International destinations are increasingly becoming attractive, with trips sometimes only 5-10 per cent more expensive than domestic travel,” noted Pickyourtrail, an online travel platform, reported Business Standard. 

"In the past year, last-minute bookings to visa-free destinations have surged by about 20-25%. We've even seen customers booking trips while en route to the airport! Hotels are responding with enticing last-minute deals, making spontaneous international travel incredibly convenient," said Hari Ganapathy, Co-Founder of Pickyourtrail, as per the report.

"As more nations recognise the potential of the Indian market, we anticipate a rise in visa-free options ahead," he added.

According to Pickyourtrail, Indian travellers have a budget of mostly between Rs 30,000 and Rs 70,000 per person for a week-long international trip. They tend to prefer value-for-money deals and package options, enabling them to maximise their experiences while minimising costs. 

Travelers are increasingly focused on balancing affordability with quality experiences. "Indians are increasingly opting for value-for-money options that still offer a great travel experience," the platform notes.