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Bangkok has emerged as the top international city destination for Indian travelers, surpassing Dubai, according to insights from digital travel platform Agoda. This transformation is attributed to the visa relaxation initiated by Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, unlocking new travel opportunities for Indian tourists.
Since Thailand decided to offer visa-free travel to Indian tourists from November 10, 2023, there has been a notable shift in booking trends. Agoda’s data reveals the impact of this visa relaxation, with Bangkok now claiming the top spot, and even Pattaya climbing from fifth to third place in popularity among Indian travelers. This move signifies the growing allure of Southeast Asian destinations, backed by progressive visa policies.
Southeast Asia Rises in Popularity
The positive influence of visa relaxation extends beyond Thailand, as Southeast Asian markets and city destinations witness an upward trend in bookings. Noteworthy mentions include Pattaya, Singapore, and Bali, reflecting the increasing appeal of Southeast Asia for Indian travelers. The data underscores how the easing of visa restrictions is reshaping the preferences and choices of Indian tourists.
Wider Trend in Asia-Pacific
Beyond Southeast Asia, other countries in the Asia-Pacific region are also adjusting their visa policies. China, a travel powerhouse, has notably announced a visa-free corridor with Thailand and extended visa-free travel windows for visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Switzerland, Spain, and the Netherlands. These changes suggest a broader regional trend toward welcoming Indian tourists with open arms.
Agoda’s Role in Facilitating Travel
Agoda, as a leading digital travel platform, plays a pivotal role in shaping these travel dynamics. Offering a vast network of over 3.9 million holiday properties, flights, and activities, Agoda simplifies travel planning for Indian tourists. The platform’s commitment to making travel easy and accessible aligns with the evolving preferences of Indian travelers exploring international destinations.
Top Destinations and Outbound Markets
According to Agoda’s insights, the current top international city destinations for Indian travelers are Bangkok, Dubai, Pattaya, Singapore, and Bali. Additionally, the five most popular outbound markets for Indian tourists include Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These findings shed light on the destinations that are capturing the imagination of Indian travelers in the post-visa relaxation era.
CEO’s Perspective and Growth in Outbound Market
Agoda’s CEO, Omri Morgenshtern, had previously highlighted India as one of the most important markets in the Asia-Pacific region during a visit in 2023. In a subsequent LinkedIn post, he acknowledged India as the fastest-growing outbound market on Agoda at that time. These remarks underscore the platform’s recognition of India’s evolving role in shaping international travel trends.
Local Insights from Agoda’s Country Director
Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda, shared insights into the impact of visa relaxation on India’s outbound travel landscape. He noted that the appeal of Southeast Asia, evident in Bangkok’s lead over Dubai, signifies a growing allure. With the added advantage of simplified paperwork, Rathi anticipates a surge in Indian travelers venturing abroad to explore new horizons.
As Bangkok claims its position as the preferred destination for Indian travelers, the travel landscape undergoes a transformative shift post-visa relaxation. Agoda’s data highlights not only the changing preferences of Indian tourists but also the pivotal role played by platforms like Agoda in facilitating seamless travel experiences. With a broader regional trend embracing Indian travelers, the future promises exciting opportunities for exploration and discovery in international destinations.
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