Indian Foreign Travel Spending Surges Amid Government Advisories
PM Modi's Advisory on Foreign Travel
Prime Minister Modi has urged Indians to limit unnecessary international travel. He suggested refraining from foreign trips and gold purchases for at least a year to help safeguard India's foreign exchange reserves. Following his remarks, discussions around Indian overseas travel have gained momentum. A recent report by ACKO India Travel Report 2025 reveals the extent to which Indians spend on international trips.
Massive Expenditure on Foreign Travel
According to the ACKO India Travel Report 2025, Indians spent a staggering ₹2.75 lakh crore on international travel in 2024. Among travelers, 48% were from the Gen Z and millennial demographics, with 36% of travelers being under 35 years old. This report is based on data from 49,000 travel insurance policies.
Rising Female Participation in Travel
In 2024, women accounted for 43% of travelers going abroad, indicating a significant increase in female participation in international travel.
Thailand Emerges as Top Destination
Data from 2024 shows that Thailand was the most favored destination for Indian travelers, with 13% visiting the country. The United Arab Emirates followed closely with 10%, while 10% traveled to the USA, and 5% each visited Vietnam and Indonesia.
Factors Influencing Travel Trends
Several factors have contributed to the popularity of destinations like Thailand, the UAE, Vietnam, the USA, and Indonesia. The report highlights that visa-friendly policies, flight connectivity, and social media trends have significantly influenced travel choices.
Record Number of Indian Travelers to Thailand
The popularity of Thailand among Indians is evident, with 2.1 million visiting in 2024, marking a 30% increase from 2023. In contrast, over 500,000 Indians traveled to Vietnam in the same year, attributed partly to the strengthening of the Indian currency there.
Increase in Indian Visitors to Indonesia
In 2024, 710,688 Indians visited Indonesia, reflecting a 17% rise compared to 2023. India ranked among the top five sources of international tourists to Indonesia.