MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel platform, has released its latest report, “How India Travels Abroad,” offering fresh insights into the evolving preferences and behaviors of Indian travellers. Covering the period from June 2023 to May 2024, the report sheds light on significant trends that are reshaping the international travel landscape for Indian tourists.
The report reveals a notable 32 per cent increase in the number of Indians taking two or more international trips per year, indicating a growing enthusiasm for exploring global destinations. Interestingly, nearly half of all international flights and hotel bookings are made less than 14 days before the travel date, reflecting a trend towards impulsive travel decisions. Destinations such as Oman, Nepal, and the UAE have seen the highest last-minute flight bookings, while Qatar, Oman, and Azerbaijan top the charts for last-minute hotel reservations.
While traditional hotspots like the UAE, Thailand, and the USA continue to dominate the list of preferred destinations, emerging locations such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Bhutan are gaining traction among Indian travellers. The report highlights a staggering 527 per cent increase in search volumes for Almaty and a 395 per cent rise for Baku, underscoring the growing curiosity for these lesser-known destinations.
Luxury travel is also seeing an upward trend, with a 10 per cent growth in searches for business class flights in the international segment. Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Japan are among the top destinations where Indians are increasingly opting for premium travel experiences. Additionally, close to 50 per cent of international hotel bookings fall in the above INR 7,000 per night tariff bracket, with New York emerging as the most expensive city for accommodation.
The report also highlights Indian travellers’ strong inclination towards leisure travel, with 55 per cent of all international trips being for leisure purposes. Thailand remains the favorite leisure destination, particularly among travellers from West Bengal, while Europe, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam are also popular choices.
Domestic travel is the preferred choice for 72 per cent of those planning trips, with popular destinations including Goa (35 per cent), Kerala (26 per cent), and Himachal Pradesh (24 per cent). Meanwhile, 9 per cent are eyeing international getaways, with the Middle East topping the list at 46 per cent, followed by Europe (35 per cent) and Southeast Asia (34 per cent). Additionally, 19 per cent of respondents are considering a mix of both domestic and international travel.
Urban destinations with vibrant nightlife appeal to more than one-third of Indian travellers, with Bangkok, Pattaya, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City being top choices. Additionally, 23 per cent of Indian travellers have a proclivity for shopping and luxury, with Dubai and Singapore leading the way.The MMT report further revealed that Indians are increasingly prioritizing flexibility and assurance in their travel plans. Japan, Europe, the USA, and South Korea are the top destinations where travellers opted for Zero Cancellation for flight bookings, while the UAE, Thailand, Europe, and the USA saw the highest share of travel insurance purchases. The preference for additional baggage is also on the rise, with travelers from Rajasthan leading in booking extra luggage.
Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, emphasised the significance of these findings, stating, “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 and business. Our data reflects the growing confidence in exploring new destinations and indulging in diverse experiences, which is transforming the travel industry.”
Magow added that these trends present exciting opportunities for the travel and tourism industry to innovate and cater to the evolving needs of Indian travellers.
