Indian Travelers Shift Focus to Asian Destinations Post-Pandemic

The recovery of India’s economy after the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a surge in international travel, with many Indians now increasingly opting for Asian destinations. This growth in overseas vacations is driven by a growing middle class with higher disposable incomes and an ambitious younger population. According to travel industry experts, the trend of traveling abroad has expanded throughout the year, with more people choosing short-term trips to nearby Asian countries.

“Earlier travel picked up in the summer and festive seasons, but post the pandemic we have observed that Indians travel throughout the year. Younger Indians want to do multiple short-haul holidays while older people want to do longer overseas holidays,” said Neil Patel, co-founder of Veena World, a Mumbai-based travel agency. This shift reflects the changing travel habits of Indian tourists, with an increasing preference for both short getaways and longer vacations abroad.

While Europe has traditionally been a favorite vacation destination for many Indians, it is no longer the top choice for all travelers. Many Indians are now exploring new destinations across Asia, including countries like Japan, Vietnam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Central Asian republics like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. These places are attracting Indian travelers not just because of their affordability but also due to the ease of travel compared to Europe.

Some Indians find the complex visa processes and paperwork for European countries to be cumbersome. In contrast, the cost of traveling to Asian destinations tends to be more affordable, making them an appealing choice for budget-conscious travelers. Kumkum Sharma and her husband, Vinayak Gawankar, from Mumbai, who vacationed in Europe in 2022, now prefer Southeast Asia. The couple visited Singapore and Malaysia in 2022 and traveled to Vietnam and Thailand this year.

“Europe is slightly expensive. After getting married, much of our budget goes into household expenses, so we decided Southeast Asian countries are better. You get to experience a new culture as well,” said Gawankar, a marketing consultant. Sharma, a corporate employee, added that traveling through Southeast Asia was more convenient for them. “Traveling through Southeast Asian countries is definitely friendlier for Indians. Also, you need more time and more planning to travel to Europe,” she said.

In another example, Kalyani Jagwani, a homemaker from Kolkata, and her husband, Devanand, a businessman, traveled to Japan for two weeks in October. Their trip took them to popular destinations such as Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hakone, which is known for its hot springs and scenic beauty.

“We had already visited Europe a few times and we wanted a new experience. And we were really attracted by the videos we saw of the fall season when the landscape turns beautiful,” Kalyani Jagwani explained. For many, such destinations offer a blend of rich culture and natural beauty, which continues to draw Indian tourists.

As the number of Indian travelers continues to rise, several Asian countries have been actively marketing their destinations to Indian tourists. Some countries are offering visa-free entry to Indian citizens, while budget airlines are expanding their routes from India. For example, Vietair, a Vietnamese budget airline, expanded its services to smaller Indian cities two years ago, significantly increasing the number of visitors to Vietnam. This year, nearly half a million Indian tourists are expected to visit Vietnam, attracted by budget-friendly fares that are often priced under $400.

Thailand, another popular destination for Indian tourists, made headlines in November 2023 when it eliminated visa requirements for Indians for a year, and just last month, the facility was extended indefinitely. As a result, tourism from India to Thailand has surged. In comparison to one million Indian tourists visiting Thailand a decade ago, more than 1.5 million had visited by October of this year. Similarly, Sri Lanka has allowed visa-free entry for Indian nationals, while Japan has simplified the visa application process by introducing an e-visa.

In the Middle East, countries like the United Arab Emirates are actively courting Indian tourists with the help of Bollywood celebrities. India’s film industry, particularly Bollywood, has long influenced the travel choices of Indian tourists. Ranveer Singh, a top Bollywood actor, is now promoting Abu Dhabi, a destination that he once promoted as the perfect holiday destination for Indian tourists. Similarly, actors Saif Ali Khan and his daughter, Sara Ali Khan, are helping promote Dubai to Indian tourists. Countries in the region are also inviting influencers and travel writers in larger numbers to publicize their destinations.

For those with more disposable income, distant destinations are becoming an increasingly popular option. Sumitra Senapaty, who runs a travel club called “Women on Wanderlust,” reports that her clients are seeking more off-the-beaten-path destinations.

“They are tired of doing the usual touristy places and want to go to different places. This year, I have organized vacations to Easter Island and Puerto Natales in Chile, Patagonia in South America, and Azores, a Portuguese archipelago,” she said. This reflects the growing demand among Indian travelers for more unique and unconventional holiday experiences.

According to a report by MakeMyTrip, a leading online travel agency in India, the number of Indians taking two or more overseas trips grew by 32% last year. This increase in overseas travel is part of a broader trend in which more Indians are prioritizing experiences over material goods.

“I think people want to live in the moment, because we don’t know what tomorrow brings,” said Patel from Veena World, emphasizing that the pandemic has led to a shift in consumer behavior, where people are spending more on creating memories through travel.

“As incomes increase, people want to invest more in experiences – this is the big change we have seen post the pandemic,” he added.

Many travelers now seek authentic cultural experiences during their trips. Kalyani Jagwani shared how her trip to Japan allowed her to immerse herself in Japanese culture. In addition to visiting famous tourist spots like monasteries and gardens, the Jagwanis spent a day in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn that offers a glimpse into Japan’s history.

“We slept on the floor on mattresses, had typical Japanese food, and a traditional bath with mineral salts,” she recalled. “It was a novelty experience that plugged us into Japanese culture.”

This evolving trend of international travel by Indians reflects not only a shift in preferences but also the deepening cultural exploration that many travelers now seek when venturing beyond their borders.