MakeMyTrip’s latest “How India Travels Abroad” report reveals significant shifts in Indian outbound travel patterns from June 2023 to May 2024. The report highlights a 32% increase in Indians taking two or more international trips annually, with nearly half of all international bookings made less than 14 days before departure.
Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, attributes this trend to rising disposable incomes and increased global exposure, which are transforming the travel industry. Popular destinations such as the UAE, Thailand, and the USA dominate travel preferences, while emerging markets like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Bhutan are gaining traction.
In Kolkata , there’s a notable preference for Thailand, with 44% of international travelers from West Bengal choosing this leisure destination. The report also shows that travelers from West Bengal, like many across India, exhibit impulsive booking behavior, often making last-minute travel arrangements.The report also indicates a growing interest in luxury travel, with a 10% rise in business class flight searches. As Indian travelers increasingly seek diverse experiences, the travel industry must innovate to cater to these evolving preferences.