Rise in No Visa Destinations Bookings by Indian Tourists

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Key Takeaways:

Young Indian tourists favor no visa destinations like Thailand due to simplified travel and spontaneous trip possibilities.
Cordelia Cruises and ixigo report increased interest and bookings for destinations with no visa requirements like Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Visa-free policies and short booking windows enhance last-minute travel opportunities, particularly for South East Asian countries.

Why Are No Visa Destinations Popular Among Young Indian Tourists This Summer?

There’s been a noticeable rise in bookings for no visa destinations among Indian tourists this summer. Various factors are contributing to this trend, making countries with simplified travel policies more appealing to travelers from India.

Rise in No Visa Destinations Bookings by Indian Tourists

Which Destinations Are Trending Among Young Indian Tourists?

Young Indians, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are fueling a substantial increase in travel to destinations like Thailand. Data from Airbnb indicates that this demographic accounts for 80% of Airbnb bookings by Indian guests in Thailand. During long weekends like Easter and Holi, searches by Indian visitors for stays in Thailand surged by over 200%.

Thailand has further encouraged this trend by extending its visa-free policy for Indian tourists until November 11th this year. This policy extension aims to make travel easier and more attractive, particularly for younger travelers who prefer spontaneous trips.

What Impact Has Cordelia Cruises Noticed?

Cordelia Cruises is another beneficiary of the rise in no visa destinations. The company anticipates hosting around 15,000 passengers on its Chennai to Sri Lanka sailings this month, with expectations of reaching 25,000 passengers by August. Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Cordelia Cruises, said, “We had considered this sailing two years ago but postponed it due to the situation in Sri Lanka. The no visa policy has certainly helped drive numbers.”

These cruises currently include destinations like Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Jaffna in Sri Lanka. Plans are underway to add more itineraries from Chennai to Sri Lanka next year, reflecting the growing interest in visa-free travel.

Are Flight Searches Reflecting Similar Trends?

Flight searches have also experienced a significant boost. Aloke Bajpai, Chairman, MD, and Group CEO of ixigo, revealed that searches for popular visa-free destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, and Mauritius have increased by 50-80% this month compared to February. Travel to neighboring countries such as Bhutan and Nepal saw an even more impressive uptick of over 100%.

A spokesperson from MakeMyTrip highlighted that countries with a visa-free entry policy are witnessing a 27% year-on-year growth in searches. Similarly, Yatra’s Senior VP for Air and Hotel Business, Bharatt Malik, anticipates a 15-20% growth in bookings for destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, and Nepal.

Why Are More Tourists Choosing Short-Haul, No Visa Destinations?

Rajeev Kale from Thomas Cook (India) observed that short-haul markets with no visa or easy visa regimes are helping extend the traditional travel season into a year-round opportunity. He mentioned that South East Asia has seen a strong demand increase of 25-55%, thanks to the no visa strategies of countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

Ajay Prakash, a board member of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), noted that many travelers are opting for these easier destinations after abandoning plans to visit Schengen countries due to their more complicated visa processes.

How Are Visa Policies Affecting Travelers’ Decisions?

Daniel D’Souza, President and Country Head for Holidays at SOTC Travel, commented on the critical role visas play in outbound travel. “With the shortening of booking windows, no visa entry policies and e-visas have been game changers for many travelers,” he explained. These policies make it easier for people to plan last-minute trips, which is particularly appealing in the current fast-paced travel landscape.

For more information on visa policies for various countries, visit the Government of India’s Bureau of Immigration.

As more countries adopt travel-friendly visa policies, it’s clear why no visa destinations are becoming increasingly popular among Indian tourists. This trend not only makes travel more accessible but also expands the list of destinations Indian travelers are eager to explore.

Learn Today:

Glossary

Visa-Free Policy
- A travel regulation that allows individuals to enter a country without the need for a visa, typically for tourism or short-term visits. Example: Thailand’s extension of its visa-free policy for Indian tourists.
Gen Z
- The generation of individuals born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s, known for their tech-savviness and preference for spontaneous experiences. Example: Gen Z accounts for a substantial portion of Airbnb bookings in Thailand.
Short-Haul Destinations
- Travel destinations that are relatively close and require shorter flight durations, making quick getaways feasible. Example: Short-haul destinations like Bhutan and Sri Lanka are seeing an uptick in Indian tourists.
E-Visa
- An electronic visa that can be applied for and obtained online, streamlining the traditional visa application process. Example: Countries with e-visa programs make it easier for last-minute travel planning.
Outbound Travel
- Travel from one’s home country to international destinations. Example: Visa policies significantly impact outbound travel decisions for Indian tourists exploring new countries.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Young Indian tourists are flocking to no-visa destinations this summer, driven by ease of travel, cost savings, and spontaneous trip opportunities. Thailand, Malaysia, and Nepal top the list, attracting Gen Z and millennials with their relaxed entry policies and vibrant cultural experiences, boosting tourism in these regions.
— By VisaVerge.com

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