Though it has been proven that tourism is the first sector to get affected by any economic slowdown, Indian outbound tourism has proved to be an exception, judging by the rising number of outbound travel despite an uncertainty in the Indian economy and revised lower GDP growth. Reports from a number of research houses indicate that India is the fastest growing outbound market in the world in percentage terms, and second fastest growing in terms of numbers after China.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, about 14.21 million outbound travellers departed from Indian airports in 2011. United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) estimates that by 2020, nearly 50 million Indians would travel abroad. The growing number of Indians who aspire to experience international destinations as well as their propensity to spend more when holidaying, have made India a favourite with tourism boards and international hotels. Outbound tourist spending has crossed Rs 15 bn in 2011.
According to a recently released report, Thailand is the leader as it accounts for nearly seven per cent of Indian outbound tourists in 2011. Singapore welcomed six per cent of the Indian tourists, while Malaysia, United States and China were at the third, fourth and fifth place respectively. Other countries like Hong Kong, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada are contributing significantly and are looking forward to gain a handsome share of the Indian outbound tourism pie. Players of the industry opine that countries such as Japan, Sri Lanka and Nepal are amongst the top emerging markets for outbound tourism.
National Tourist Offices (NTO) of various countries are devising new mechanisms to woo the Indian market. The reason is very simple: Indian tourists have emerged as one of highest spenders globally. The report says that US controls over 30 per cent of the Indian outbound tourists spend, followed by Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and United Kingdom. Countries such as Ireland, Spain, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Indonesia and Macau have reoriented their strategy to tap the growing potential of the Indian market.
As revealed by the Indian Hotels Company’s latest annual report, recent competitiveness in international airfares and strengthening financial health of Indian people has resulted in destinations such as Europe, South East Asia and Australia becoming more affordable, and hence attractive, to the average Indian traveller.
