India’s outbound travel sector has recorded a 24% year-on-year surge in Diwali holiday bookings, led by short-haul destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, according to leading industry trackers. With rising disposable incomes, visa relaxations, and growing flight connectivity, Indian travellers are increasingly looking eastward for festive getaways.
Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia have emerged as the strongest gainers this season, collectively accounting for nearly 60% of total outbound departures. Experts attribute this rise to convenient e-visa processes, family-friendly itineraries, and strong air capacity from metros and tier-II cities alike.
Tour operators report that travellers are spending more on premium experiences such as island stays, cruise holidays, and theme-based travel—an indication that India’s outbound segment is maturing beyond price sensitivity. “The Diwali season has shown strong momentum across luxury and mid-market categories, especially for destinations that offer cultural familiarity with a modern twist,” said a Delhi-based outbound operator.
Interestingly, long-haul markets such as Dubai, Maldives, and Europe continue to attract high-value travellers, though volume growth remains strongest in the sub-five-hour flight radius.
Digital platforms and OTAs have also seen record traffic, with last-minute bookings up by nearly 18% compared to 2024. Travel analysts suggest that a combination of long weekends, competitive airfares, and a growing preference for experiential itineraries has redefined festive travel trends this year.
As the industry heads into the winter holiday quarter, stakeholders expect sustained demand through Christmas and New Year, setting the stage for India’s outbound tourism to cross pre-pandemic benchmarks by early 2026.
