Tag Archives: Outbound travel

This summer, Indian travellers are opting for destinations that provide an escape from the ominous heat while offering visa-free travel. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE & Visa, Thomas Cook India, said, “Visa-free destinations are fuelling outbound travel demand. Countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Maldives and Mauritius have seen robust growth due to ease of access.”

Outbound travel from India remained strong, with visa application volumes increasing by 11% Year over Year in 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 4%. This increase indicates a recovery and a rise in the number of Indian travellers visiting international destinations. Yummi Talwar, COO—South Asia, VFS Global, said, “India continues to show a strong demand for international travel, and it’s clear that this robust momentum will persist in 2025.”

Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, said, “Last year, India ranked 2 in terms of tourist arrivals in Bali. This year, our global target exceeds 14 million tourists, with an aim to attract 700,000 from India alone, owing to increased direct flights.”

Speaking at South African Tourism’s India Roadshow 2024, Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head, Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, South African Tourism said the country witnessed a growth of 43 per cent in Indian visitors in 2023. There was a rise of 26% in outbound travel to South Africa from Jaipur, and 36 per cent from Delhi.

Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director, International Promotion Division, Asia/Africa, Malaysia Tourism, highlights that the Malaysia Tourism is focusing on tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3 cities as they have more spending power and have the interest to travel.