Editor-DN
Travel is booming again. International travel for all purposes according to the United Nations Tourism Organization reached 97% Its pre-pandemic level in the first quarter of 2024. In some regions, such as Africa and Europe, arrivals are already surpassing these levels.
Indian travelers, in particular, are adding to this growing trend – not just any country. Outbound tourism market growing rapidly. In response to this rapidly expanding travel boom, Indian airlines placed orders. Record numbers of new aircraft in 2024
The Indian travel market is huge, now represented by the middle class. 31% of the country’s population. This number is expected to rise to 60% by 2047, meaning there will be more than 1 billion middle-class Indians by the middle of the century.
For emerging Indian tourists, the future of travel looks exciting. But for many destinations that are already under siege. Overtourismthis new market can be seen through more. Skeptical lens.
After all, Indian tourists spent. 33.3 billion US dollars in 2023 (£25.3 billion), and many destinations are recognizing their potential. For example, in April, Japan introduced a new e-visa system for Indian tourists Expect to see an increase in arrivals.
Two months ago, Dubai introduced a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa for Indian visitors. of South Africa Easy Visa Scheme will also start in 2025, while including other countries Malaysia, Kenya, Thailand And Iran Visa requirements for Indian tourists have been completely abolished.
India’s outbound tourism market is growing rapidly. (Representative image)
Evidence suggests these schemes work. Tour operator Thomas Cook reported in May that there was Indian demand for holidays in Georgia. increased A staggering 600% year-on-year since the country launched its e-Visa system for Indian tourists in 2015.
Other European markets have been slow to adjust. Europe’s border is the free Schengen zone. introduced A new “cascade” system, which will allow Indian visitors who have used a short-stay visa twice in the past three years, can now apply for a two-year, multiple-entry tourist visa.
But, while this is a positive step towards easier travel for some Indian tourists, it will have no impact on new travellers. The Schengen visa process can also take months, requires significant paperwork, and appointments. Notoriously difficult to find out.
Similar is the story of British visas. Many people in India, as well Other applicantsRealize that the process is very rigorous and can be Humiliating. An endless amount of paperwork is required, including bank statements and invitation letters, and rejections are often unexplained.
In a study of travel trends in India, online travel platforms booking.com It was also found that Indian tourists usually book their travel at the last minute. On average, they spend just 30 days planning a holiday, compared to 63 days for Americans and 90 days for Brits. Many people just can’t be bothered with the requirements of a temporary visa, and are choosing easier and more welcoming destinations instead.
So, where are they going?
Budget airlines flying to relatively close destinations have contributed to India’s tourism rush, with Southeast Asia increasingly popular. According to Google TrendsVietnam was the most researched destination by Indians in 2023.
This year, Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Reported Visitors from India have increased by 231% compared to 2019. Other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are looking the same way. Big jump in arrivals.
Indian travelers are heavily influenced by television and movies, often choosing to visit places they’ve seen in Bollywood. Number of Indian tourists despite visa restrictions A visit to Spain It increased by 40 percent in 2011 after the La Tomatina festival — in which participants throw tomatoes at each other — was featured in the popular Hindi film Zindagi Na Milegi Re.
It has been a similar story for Switzerland. Indian tourism has taken off as a result of several Bollywood movies filmed there over the past 50 years. A love affair with the country. The Swiss Tourist Board even offers Bollywood tours On various sites featured in Indian cinema.
While only 9% of Indian travelers focus on long-haul destinations in Western Europe, Switzerland Top 20 destination for Indian tourists for more than a decade.
Hundreds of Indian films and music videos have been shot in Switzerland.
Other places have started using Bollywood actors in their advertising campaigns. Dubai, for example, is promoted by Indian actors and film producers. Shah Rukh Khan. And the Dil Ki Dhadkan actor Siddharth Malhotra Since 2015 has been the brand ambassador of New Zealand.
International tourist departures from India may increase by 2040. 90 millionNot far from 104 million Chinese tourists. Traveled in 2019.. however, Research This suggests that Chinese holidaymakers are increasingly deciding to travel home, meaning Indian tourists may soon overtake them.
As more and more people flock to airport departure lounges in India, tourist destinations around the world are jostling to position themselves in the race to participate.
(Author: Ross Bennett CookVisiting Lecturer, School of Architecture + Cities, University of Westminster)
(Disclosure: Ross Bennett-Cook does not work for, consult with, participate in, or receive funding from any company or organization that benefits from this article, and he (has not disclosed any relevant affiliation other than his academic appointment)
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