As we enter 2025, the Indian travel industry reflects on a transformative year. In the past year, India emerged as a global powerhouse in outbound travel, with the world eager to tap into its potential. Driven by innovation, adaptability, and shifting preferences, the industry saw unprecedented growth. With anticipation building for the year ahead, TTJ presents insights and predictions from outbound stakeholders and decision-makers, offering a glimpse into India’s exciting future in global travel.
From record-breaking revenue figures to shifting traveller preferences, let us explore the factors driving the surge in outbound travel and how the trade is adapting to evolving demands, from personalised itineraries to emerging destinations, setting the stage for a new era in global travel.
A Year of Remarkable Recovery
In a year defined by a resurgence in global travel, Travstarz achieved significant milestones across destinations and partnerships. Pankaj Nagpal, Managing Director, Travstarz Global Group, a Trip.com-invested company, proudly reflected on a milestone year that marked remarkable growth and strategic partnerships. He shared, “2024 has been a tremendous year for us in terms of our growth, especially as we restarted our full operations in 2022 itself. We achieved 60 per cent YOY growth in Gross Revenue compared to 2023. Despite the ongoing war situation in West Asia, we crossed 1,000 passengers to Egypt. The numbers for Turkey and Vietnam stood at over 1,500 passengers each. Baku registered over 1,600 passengers. We added Greece, Georgia, Oman, Qatar, and Japan to our list of destinations.” Travstarz has renewed its Joint Marketing Partnership with Tourism Boards, including Abu Dhabi and Oman.
Rakshit Kansal, Director and Operation Head, SR Destination, stated, “We demonstrated a strong recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Indian travellers were eager to explore international destinations after extended travel restrictions in previous years.” Naisarg Shah, Director, Mellow Tours, echoed this statement, adding, “With over 15 million Indians travelling overseas, the growth represents a strong 12 per cent increase compared to India’s pre-pandemic figures.”
Kanishka Khimani, Director, Carving Journeys, identified 2024 as a pivotal year, reflecting India’s evolving travel aspirations. She said, “With a move toward personalised and high-value experiences, Indian travellers are redefining global tourism trends. Sports and event-based travel saw a surge like never before, while global concerts and major sporting events drew massive Indian crowds, showcasing a shift towards themed and purpose-driven travel.”
Vinay Arora, Director, ATG Holidays, highlighted the impressive trajectory of India’s outbound tourism market reflected in a growing appetite among Indian travellers for international experiences, driven by increased affluence and a thirst for unique adventures.
Meha Vashi, Co-founder and Director, Nivalink, notes the steady rise in demand for more personalised and adventurous outbound travel. This shift is reshaping how Indians approach travel, opening up new opportunities and experiences.
Deepak Anand, Founder and CEO, TripHunter, shared that India’s outbound tourism market reached $18 billion with a projected CAGR of over 11 per cent, leading to remarkable growth in 2024.
What is Driving India’s Travel Boom?
India’s outbound travel boom is being powered by an intricate mix of transformative factors, as listed by our featured respondents, that are central to this extraordinary growth. Post-pandemic travel has emerged as a key focus for discretionary spending among Indian consumers, driven by shifting socio-economic dynamics. The rise of the urban middle class, coupled with a predominantly young population of travellers, has significantly fuelled outbound tourism. Enhanced air connectivity and the abundance of low-cost carriers have made international travel more affordable, while streamlined visa policies, including e-visas and visa-on-arrival options, have made international travel much more accessible for Indians.
An increasing preference marks this growth for experiential journeys, with more travellers seeking luxury, adventure, wellness, eco-conscious accommodations, and cultural explorations. Social media, celebrity endorsements, and digital platforms have played a transformative role, propelling offbeat destinations into the spotlight as travellers increasingly seek unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventures beyond traditional hotspots. Improved connectivity from Tier 2 cities has also made international travel accessible to a broader audience, contributing to exponential growth in outbound trips.
Affluent travellers are gravitating towards luxury tourism, which is marked by a surge in demand for ultra-luxury hotel stays and high-end bespoke experiences. Financing options like ‘travel now, pay later’ schemes have made international vacations more feasible, with many Indians now taking two overseas trips annually. This shift towards value-for-money destinations and unique experiences reflects the evolving aspirations
Top Travel Picks of 2024
The international travel landscape for Indian tourists witnessed radically new emerging destinations gaining traction alongside traditional favourites. Kanishka shared, “Our clients exhibited a growing affinity for Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland, especially for the Northern Lights, stunning fjords, and Arctic adventures. Switzerland and France remained hot traditional favourites for luxury, culinary and cultural experiences, while Spain attracted more visitors for its food, history and vibrant cities.” She further pointed out the rise in popularity of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan for their heritage and affordability. Japan and South Korea gained traction due to the popularity of anime and K-pop tourism. Australia saw growth for India from a long-haul perspective while Turkey fascinated clients with its history, bazaars, and scenic beauty.
Nivalink saw a healthy mix of traditional favourites and emerging destinations gaining prominence. Meha outlined the hot favourites, “Chasing the Northern Lights in Norway, Finland, and Iceland became highly popular this year, the Border-Gavaskar cricket series and other events attracted a significant number of visitors to Australia, while South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania drew attention for their wildlife safaris and immersive cultural experiences. Europe attracted an experiential travel fanbase to Switzerland Italy, and central European countries, while the Arctic and Antarctica cruises gained traction as travellers sought extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime adventures.” Destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, Bali, Azerbaijan, the United States, and Dubai performed exceptionally well.
For ATG Holidays, Indian travellers showed consistent interest in destinations such as Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Bali, and the Maldives. Vinay noted, “Vietnam gained immense traction, thanks to its cost-effectiveness and enhanced connectivity with India. Turkey became a go-to alternative to Europe due to quick visa processing and its historical sites. Japan also captured attention, with travellers drawn to cherry blossoms, Bullet Train rides, and Mount Fuji’s breathtaking views. Abu Dhabi, while often overshadowed by Dubai, experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in 2024, thanks to its unique attractions such as Yas Island’s entertainment hub and the serene conservation park on Sir Bani Yas Island.”
New Experiences and Emerging Destinations
As Indian travellers clocked record travel numbers in the past year, they leaned increasingly towards diverse experiences and new destinations. Even though traditional locations witnessed a steady, noticeable shift, travellers increasingly sought unique and offbeat experiences within familiar locations.
At TripHunter, Deepak observed a rise in young Indian travellers gravitating towards immersive group trips, with international music festivals like Tomorrowland in Belgium and Coldplay concerts across Europe often paired with classic European itineraries. He said, “People want to combine fun with traditional itineraries, seeking events aligned with their interests. Finland and Norway remained top choices for Northern Lights and Arctic adventures. Many travellers flew to Dubai and Abu Dhabi just to attend events or to celebrate anniversaries and birthdays at ultra-luxury hotels.”
Deepak also highlighted the growing appeal of Baku, Azerbaijan, for its historical charm and European vibe at an affordable price while Greece, Bali, Europe, Seychelles, Australia, and New Zealand remained perennial favourites among honeymooners. He further noted that Cappadocia, Turkey, emerged as a popular choice for honeymooners and pre-wedding shoots due to its Instagram-worthy landscapes while seasoned travellers ventured to newer destinations like Japan South Korea and Croatia during Yacht Week.
For Mellow Tours, Naisarg, observed a broader travel preference diversification: “In 2024, Dubai, Azerbaijan, Germany, Malaysia, London, Thailand, and Indonesia gained more popularity due to improved connectivity and favourable travel policies amongst the others.”
Rakshit highlighted the growing appeal of destinations like Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Turkey, the Maldives, and the UAE, attributing their popularity to their unique cultural experiences, affordability, and accessibility. He further added, “Europe’s Schengen countries remained popular, especially Switzerland, France, and Italy, with honeymooners and luxury travellers flocking to these destinations. Southeast Asia saw continued popularity for family and leisure travellers, with Thailand, Singapore, and Bali offering affordability and easy visa access.” Meanwhile, countries like Nepal and Bhutan emerged as favourites for adventure and spiritual tourism, and the Middle East recorded increased visitations in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, benefiting from cultural festivals, events, and the ease of travel.
Quest for the Perfect Adventure
The quest for the ultimate ‘A-ha!’ moment defines today’s travellers, inspiring journeys to the farthest reaches of the world. With fresh experiences popping up every day, crafting unique itineraries has become an art form. Sharing insights on what fascinates her guests, Meha said, “Japan has been a showstopper, not just for its iconic cherry blossoms, but also for our fall tours that showcase the country’s breathtaking autumn colours. We have gone beyond the usual to include traditional activities like tea ceremonies, sake tastings, and stays at authentic ryokans. Guests specially request onsen ryokan accommodations typically located in the mountains, where the onsen water directly comes from the mineral-rich waters of natural mountain springs.”
Nivalink curated another atypical itinerary for six French travellers on a 15-night bespoke holiday in Thailand, designed for an immersive experience blending culture, cuisine, and relaxation. It featured dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, attending a Thai boxing match, and exploring UNESCO-listed Sukhothai, including activities like cycling and kayaking. The trip wrapped up with a tranquil beach stay, perfectly balancing adventure and leisure. Meha noted, “We are currently curating a trip for a leading orthopaedic doctor from Mangalore. He just returned from the Christmas market in the Alsace region of France and will be travelling with five friends on the Ghan, a luxury train passage from Adelaide to Darwin, passing through the Red Centre and the Outback. Another guest couple is headed for the Antarctica cruise at the end of this month, following a 10-day exploration of Chile.” Demand for hitherto unknown experiences reflects the shift in post-COVID travel preferences, with customers seeking new, unique, and unforgettable adventures.
Meha emphasised the importance of curating bespoke itineraries, including food tours, wellness retreats, adventure trips, and local cultural immersions. She explained, “We need to keep up with the preferences of our evolved clientele, seasoned explorers who have visited 30 to 40 countries and take multiple holidays each year, sometimes as many as six.”
Mastering Disruptions
Handling travel challenges and navigating visa complexities have become critical aspects of ensuring seamless experiences for travellers. Naisarg emphasised the importance of structured strategies to mitigate disruptions, noting, “At Mellow Tours, we closely monitor visa regulations and travel advisories to keep our clients updated while our dedicated team is trained to address unforeseen travel disruptions, from rescheduling flights to providing alternate accommodations, in case of sudden cancellations. We also encourage our clients to stay informed about destination-specific requirements.”
Sharing the importance of planning strategies, Rakshit said, “We provide end-to-end visa support, ensuring accurate submissions to avoid delays. A dedicated team monitors travel advisories, visa policies, and regulations, and we offer Crisis Management Plans for disruptions like flight cancellations or geopolitical events.”
Pankaj explains geopolitical challenges, “The transition to a new US administration raises expectations for a more stable world and resolving conflicts, which would positively influence the travel industry. The concern remains the steep depreciation of the Rupee against the US$ which seems to be in a free fall, and this may have a short-term negative impact on outbound travel.”
Expansion Strategy for 2025
As India’s economy thrives, the outbound tourism sector is positioned for remarkable, sustained growth. However, to fully capitalise on this momentum, it is crucial to maintain a steady trajectory of success by continuously offering innovative itineraries and exceptional experiences that meet the evolving demands of Indian travellers.
Sharing an optimistic projection, Rakshit noted, “We anticipate continued growth in 2025, with an estimated 15-20 per cent increase in overall numbers. Destinations like Vietnam and Azerbaijan will gain further recognition. We are expanding our portfolio by adding more destinations and niche experiences while investing in technology and building collaborations with airlines, hotels, and tourism boards. Most importantly, we are upskilling teams to offer better personalized and multicultural service.”
Outbound travel is expected to grow with a rising demand for luxury, experiential, and sustainable tourism. Kanishka surmised, “Travellers will seek offbeat destinations, with increased interest in countries like Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bhutan, Morocco and Portugal. Adventure, wellness, and culinary tourism will see strong growth, while event-based travel, including global concerts and sports tournaments, will remain popular.”
Vinay forecasts a surge in outbound travel for Indians in 2025 to long-haul destinations, with a growing interest in unique experiences such as wellness vacations. He asserted, “To meet the demand for meaningful travel experience, we are offering tailored travel plans, forging partnerships with airlines and hotels for better deals, and prioritising eco-friendly travel options.” ATG Holidays is doubling down on digital marketing to connect with younger travellers, using social media campaigns and influencer collaborations to capture their attention. The focus is clear—adapting quickly to the changing landscape and providing customised solutions for the evolving needs of today’s travellers is the need of the hour.
As outbound tourism from India continues to evolve, Travstarz has focused on maintaining high service delivery standards. Pankaj shared, “With RezB2B Inc. the US-based subsidiary of Trip.Com, acquiring a stake in our company in 2024, we have gained access to advanced technology and an extensive online inventory in our back-end systems. This has enhanced our ability to offer competitive pricing and improved delivery standards.” He outlined their expansion policy: “As of 2024, we have added five new DMC locations and intend on adding Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya and Morocco in 2025. This will take our total DMC locations to 26 and cover most parts of the world for travel from India.”
Key to Staying Ahead of the Curve
Adapting to the ever-changing travel landscape with innovative solutions is key to staying ahead. Naisarg elaborated on strategic priorities, “For 2025, we are diversifying our portfolio to include emerging destinations and niche experiences to cater to evolving demands. Personalised itineraries powered by advanced AI will allow us to tailor travel plans to individual preferences, creating unique journeys for each traveller. We are further strengthening partnerships with global suppliers, aligning with the sustainability movement, investing in technology to offer 24/7 seamless support and further investing in unique marketing campaigns to ensure we stay ahead of the curve.”
Meha foresees an ongoing surge in travel demand, noting, “While traditional destinations like Dubai, Singapore, United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia remain strong, emerging destinations such as Japan, Peru, Brazil, New Zealand, Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Morocco are capturing increasing attention from travellers offering authentic travel experiences.” To leverage this shift, she advocates the need to streamline the travel experience by simplifying visa processes, promoting destinations that offer easy access and building strong partnerships with local suppliers to offer off-the-beaten-path experiences. She further noted the importance of regular in-house training, refining digital marketing strategies and utilising customer feedback and data analytics to enhance service.
Highlighting the importance of catering to younger travellers, Deepak said, “At TripHunter, we are constantly innovating to meet the needs of these dynamic travellers by blending classic itineraries with modern experiences like adventure tourism and lifestyle events, to create unforgettable travel journeys that will resonate with the next generation.”
As travellers become more discerning, all segments of the market are poised for growth, with many planning vacations up to six months in advance, conducting extensive research to curate the perfect trip. Deepak pointed out, “Traditional itineraries are still in demand, especially among first-time travellers. However, a new wave of Gen Z and Millennials in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s is shaping the market, gravitating toward unique experiences such as cruise vacations, adventure sports, self-drive tours, and events at nearby international destinations.”
As India’s travel sector emerges as a significant driver of economic growth, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year. While the world is increasingly wooing Indian travellers, India is slowly but surely strengthening its position as a global tourism powerhouse while carving a more influential role in the international economy.
