International Travel Soars: 14% YoY Rise in 2024

In the first half of 2024, international travel for Indians surged by 14% YoY, outpacing a modest 4% rise in domestic trips. A growing preference for premium services and spontaneous bookings are driving this trend. Delhi and Mumbai remain major hubs for these journeys.

International travel for Indians saw a significant uptick in the first half of 2024, with a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 14%, according to a Nuvama report. This growth greatly surpasses the 4% YoY rise in domestic travel over the same period and even outshines the pre-COVID growth of 12% in 2019.

The upscale trend is evident as higher travel budgets and a preference for business-class flights indicate a shift towards premium experiences. MakeMyTrip (MMT) data reveals that 55% of international trips are leisure-focused, with explorers seeking new destinations and prioritizing comfort.

Travelers taking multiple international trips have notably increased, with a 32% rise in those taking at least two trips, and a 37% increase for three or more. This trend reflects strong demand in the premium market, where business travel and premium services are highly favored.

A notable 50% of international trips are now booked spontaneously, showing a surge in impulsive travel. Destinations like Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Nepal, and Azerbaijan are popular for last-minute getaways, while European and Canadian trips require more planning.

Spontaneity is also seen in domestic leisure travel, suggesting a revival in key tourist destinations within India. Urban nightlife is emerging as a principal travel motive, particularly among younger travelers without children or elderly companions.

Delhi and Mumbai continue to be top departure points, thanks to excellent connectivity. The upward trend in travel budgets and demand for business-class flights signals a robust sector recovery.

Hotel occupancy has also risen alongside the outbound travel surge, with a 24% increase in leisure travelers booking room nights. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)