While traditional holiday spots like Dubai (90%), Bangkok (60%), and Singapore (30%) remain popular choices, there’s a growing interest in locations that offer a unique blend of leisure, exploration and cultural immersion. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates (110%), Thailand (60%) and the United Kingdom (35%) emerge as the top three most searched countries for Indian travellers during this holiday season.
In a new report, Booking.com, the digital travel company has revealed how Indian travellers are looking to wrap up 2024.
It shows that there has been an increase of 40-100% in domestic searches from the same time last year. Besides metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Indians travellers are keen on exploring diverse destinations that offer one-of-a-kind experiences. From the cultural hubs of Udaipur and Jaipur to the picturesque hill stations of Manali, Munnar, Ooty and Mahabaleshwar and the coastal cities of Goa and Puducherry, Indians are exploring an abundance of activities the country has to offer. Reflecting the continued desire for spiritual journeys, Varanasi is experiencing a 100% increase in searches from the same time last year.
The top 10 most searched domestic leisure destinations by Indian travellers planning trips between December 21, 2024, and January 5, 2025, showcase a diverse mix of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and relaxation hotspots. These destinations include Puducherry, Udaipur, Jaipur, Manali, Ooty, Varanasi, Goa, Munnar, Mahabaleshwar, and Lonavala.
Between the same period, Indian travellers showcased a strong interest in international leisure destinations as well, with Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore leading the list. Other popular choices included London, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Abu Dhabi, Makkah, Paris, and Hong Kong.
While traditional holiday spots like Dubai (90%), Bangkok (60%), and Singapore (30%) remain popular choices, there’s a growing interest in locations that offer a unique blend of leisure, exploration and cultural immersion. This trend is evident in the surge in searches for culturally enriching Baku (120%), Lapland (125%), Danang (80%) and Tbilisi (60%).
Additionally, the United Arab Emirates (110%), Thailand (60%) and the United Kingdom (35%) emerge as the top three most searched countries for Indian travellers during this holiday season.
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said, “This year-end holiday season highlights the evolving travel aspirations of Indian travellers. We’re witnessing a surge in travel demand, with a fascinating blend of domestic and international exploration. While traditional hotspots like Puducherry and Dubai continue to attract travellers, there’s also a growing desire for enriching experiences. The rise in searches for culturally rich destinations like Baku, Tbilisi and Lapland underscore this trend. Booking.com remains committed to empowering Indian travellers with a seamless platform to curate their dream getaways, offering a diverse range of accommodation options, flights attractions and rental cars – all in one place, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable journey.”
