Rise of the Indian tourist
As India's market expands and China faces challenges in reviving outbound tourism, India is capturing a portion of the market that was previously dominated by Chinese travelers
Rising incomes, a growing middle class, and expanding flight connections are driving increased travel in India, mirroring trends seen in China over the past decades, analysts suggest.
Key takeaways
- In India, reaching the middle class and gaining paid leave often trigger an interest in travel;
- By 2027, India is expected to surpass Australia, Canada, and France to become the world’s fifth-largest outbound tourism market, with Indian tourists predicted to contribute $89 billion, more than double the $38 billion in 2019;
- The Middle East is the top destination for Indian travelers, followed by Southeast Asia, North America, and Western Europe;
- India has become the largest source of tourists in Dubai, overtaking Saudi Arabia and Oman, and is the third-largest for Thailand.
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