As 2023 draws to a close, travel patterns among Indian tourists have revealed intriguing insights into their favored domestic and international destinations, showcasing a preference for familiar locales and responsive shifts to policy changes.
New Delhi and NCR Retains Domestic Appeal:
For the second consecutive year, New Delhi and NCR emerge as the most frequented domestic destination among Indian travelers. The capital city continues to entice visitors with its rich historical heritage and diverse cultural offerings. Following closely behind are perennial favorites like Goa, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, solidifying their positions in the top five domestic choices.
Bangkok Surpasses Dubai in International Appeal:
In the realm of international travel, Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok, has overtaken Dubai to claim the coveted top spot among Indian globetrotters. This shift in preference highlights an evolving trend toward short-haul destinations, complemented by Bangkok’s recent announcement of visa-free travel for Indian tourists. Bali, Singapore, and Pattaya secure their places among the top five international destinations, showcasing a continued fondness for nearby getaways.
Influence of Visa Policies on Travel Trends:
The recent policy changes allowing visa-free travel for Indians to Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia have notably influenced travel behavior. A surge of 26% in search queries for Thailand within ten days of the visa-free announcement indicates the significant impact of such policy alterations on travel decisions.
Krishna Rathi, Agoda Country Director for India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, commented, “2023 has seen remarkable growth in travel within India and beyond. The surge in search queries following visa policy changes reflects the responsiveness of Indian travelers to new opportunities. It’ll be intriguing to witness how these trends shape the travel industry in the upcoming year.”
Here’s a comparison chart illustrating the top domestic and international destinations for Indian travelers in 2022 and 2023 based on Agoda’s booking data from January 1st to November 11th:
| Top Destinations | Domestic (2022) | Domestic (2023) | International (2022) | International (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | New Delhi and NCR | New Delhi and NCR | Dubai | Bangkok |
| 2nd | Goa | Goa | Bangkok | Dubai |
| 3rd | Mumbai | Mumbai | Bali | Bali |
| 4th | Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Singapore | Singapore |
| 5th | Chennai | Chennai | Pattaya | Pattaya |
This chart showcases the consistency of domestic preferences among Indian travelers, with New Delhi and NCR, Goa, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai maintaining their positions in 2023. However, the international scene saw a notable shift as Bangkok ascended to the top spot, overtaking Dubai, while the rest of the top five international destinations remained consistent between the two years.
The insights from travel data hint at a consistent preference among Indian travelers for established destinations, both domestically and internationally. The anticipation now lies in how these preferences might evolve and shape the travel landscape in the coming year.
The revealed travel patterns paint a picture of Indian travelers’ inclination toward familiar favorites, while also showcasing their responsiveness to policy changes that influence travel decisions.
