Home » India Travel News » Indian travel advisors can plan visa-free trips to 58 countries including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Barbados
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
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Fueled by a burgeoning middle class and rising disposable income, India’s international travel has witnessed impressive growth in recent years. As a measure to boost tourism, India has implemented a visa-free policy for nationals of 58 countries, allowing them to visit and explore India’s diverse culture and natural landscapes without the hassle of obtaining a visa. The initiative aims to strengthen international connectivity and make India a more accessible destination for travellers. The resulting ease of travel has not only enhanced the visitor experience but has also contributed significantly to the expansion of the tourism sector, paving the way for more global engagement and economic benefits.
India’s outbound travel market is expected to grow significantly and is estimated to reach US$ 15,163.4 million in 2022, projected to increase at a CAGR of 11.4% from 2022 to 2032. This impressive recovery in Asia and Europe as source markets for outbound travel reflects the increasing demand for international travel among Indian tourists and indicates a positive trend for the tourism industry.
By the first quarter of 2023, the number of Indian nationals travelling abroad reached 10.69 million. This impressive figure highlights the rapid recovery of India’s international travel sector to pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the resilience and robust growth potential of this market. Indians’ renewed enthusiasm for travel is expected to continue to drive the expansion of the global tourism industry in the coming years.
In 2024, India’s travel and tourism sector had a significant impact on the country’s economy, contributing approximately 9.1% of the total GDP. This is equivalent to more than US$ 11.1 trillion, marking a significant increase of approximately 12.1% over the previous year. This growth highlights the important role of travel and tourism in the Indian economic landscape.
Visa-free destinations for Indian tourists
AngolaBarbadosBhutanBoliviaBritish Virgin IslandsBurundi (VOA)Cambodia (VOA)Cape Verde Islands (VOA)Comoros Islands (VOA)Cook IslandsDjibouti (VOA)DominicaEthiopia (VOA)FijiGrenadaGuinea-Bissau (VOA)HaitiIndonesia (VOA)IranJamaicaJordan (VOA)KazakhstanKenya (ETA)KiribatiLaos (VOA)MacauMadagascarMalaysiaMaldives (VOA)Marshall Islands (VOA)Mauritania (VOA)MauritiusMicronesiaMontserratMozambique (VOA)Myanmar (VOA)NepalNiuePalau Islands (VOA)Qatar (VOA)RwandaSamoa (VOA)SenegalSeychelles (VOA)Sierra Leone (VOA)Somalia (VOA)Sri Lanka (VOA)Saint Kitts and NevisSaint Lucia (VOA)Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesTanzania (VOA)ThailandEast Timor (VOA)Trinidad and TobagoTunisiaTuvalu (VOA)VanuatuZimbabwe (VOA)
Traveler types and preferences
Indian travellers vary widely in type and preference, reflecting the rich cultural and economic diversity of the country. The range of Indian travellers is vast, from budget-conscious backpackers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures to well-heeled luxury seekers looking to enjoy exclusive resorts and special experiences. Families tend to prioritise culturally and historically significant destinations and blend leisure with educational values, while young professionals and millennials prefer experiential travel with emphasis on adventure, wellness and social media-worthy experiences. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards solo and female travellers, signalling a shift towards more independent and personalized travel experiences. Overall, Indian traveller preferences are increasingly leaning towards customized, unique and immersive experiences that offer a deeper connection with the destination.
airport
India has several top-notch airports that serve as key gateways for domestic and international travellers. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi stands out as the busiest and largest airport, offering extensive connectivity and world-class facilities. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is known for its high passenger volumes and modern facilities. Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore has grown rapidly to become a major hub in South India, while Chennai International Airport serves as a key gateway to the region. Other notable airports include Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, known for its efficiency and quality of service, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, a key gateway to Eastern India. These airports play a pivotal role in supporting the growth of India’s aviation industry and enhancing the travel experience of millions of passengers.
Airlines
The Indian aviation industry is dominated by several top airlines offering extensive domestic and international connectivity. Leading the way is IndiGo, India’s largest airline, known for its extensive network and affordable fares. National carrier Air India boasts of a rich history and a wide range of international destinations. SpiceJet is another leading airline known for its competitive pricing and expanding route network. Full-service airline Vistara offers a premium flying experience with its modern fleet and superior service. GoAir, rebranded as Go First, focuses on budget-friendly options and efficient operations. Together, these airlines are driving the growth of India’s aviation sector, making air travel more accessible and convenient for millions of passengers.
