Overseas destinations woo Indian tourists with tempting ‘homely’ facilities

Saudi Arabia's introduction of eight visa centres in India, along with the provision for Indian passport holders with UK, US, or Schengen visas to apply for an e-visa online, has simplified the travel process for Indian visitors. Moreover, Australia has streamlined its visa application procedure, making it more accessible for Indian travellers to plan their trips conveniently.

With India's robust economy and a burgeoning demand for international travel, the country has become an enticing market for numerous countries aiming to captivate Indian tourists. A recent McKinsey study, envisioning a trajectory akin to China's outbound travel, predicts a substantial rise in the number of Indian tourists by 2040, potentially reaching an impressive 80 to 90 million trips annually.

In response to this promising projection, various nations have undertaken strategic measures to facilitate travel for Indian tourists. Notably, Thailand has made a significant move by exempting Indian travelers from the need for a visa (visa-free) between November 10 and May 10, 2024, encouraging a surge in Indian footfall.

Thailand targets over 1.6 million visitors from India this year: Ambassador Patrat Hongthong MQDC says it aims to serve upscale Indian buyers amid the “third home” trend.

We are now seeing tourists staying in Thailand for a longer period on each visit. Seeing the size of tourists coming for a longer vacation, the government of Thailand has embarked on a mission to make Thailand an area for a long stay, be it the long-term resident visa or the LTR for 10 years for those who would like to stay in Thailand longer.

Notably, Thailand is looking to attract more HNIs, digital nomads and retirees and is undertaking ‘Sustainnovation,’ which is a mix of sustainability and innovation, to boost its economy. The Thailand government had last year implemented a new visa programme ‘Long-Term Resident Visa for Thailand (LTR)’, which allows foreigners to stay up to 10 years and avail several key benefits. This move was followed up with Thailand lifting visa necessities for Indian visitors for as long as 30 days.

Similarly, Saudi Arabia's introduction of eight visa centres in India, along with the provision for Indian passport holders with UK, US, or Schengen visas to apply for an e-visa online, has simplified the travel process for Indian visitors. Moreover, Australia has streamlined its visa application procedure, making it more accessible for Indian travellers to plan their trips conveniently.

Saudi Arabia, having already welcomed one million Indian visitors up to September, aims to boost this figure to 2.4 million by 2024. Similarly, Australia has witnessed a staggering 24% surge in the overall trip expenditure by Indian tourists, amounting to an impressive Rs 12,000 crore for the year ending in June.

Malaysia has followed in the footsteps of Thailand and Sri Lanka by allowing visa-free travel to Indians. The move comes as several countries see the value in a desi tourist – who is travelling much more and willing to spend much more

Malaysia would serve well as your next holiday destination after the country’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Sunday that it would be scrapping entry visa requirements for citizens of India beginning 1 December.

The aim is to boost tourism and, in turn, push the economy upwards. And the move comes after Anwar had last month announced plans to improve visa facilities next year to encourage the entry of tourists and investors, “especially from India and China.”

The increasing interest from countries across the globe in catering to the Indian tourism market underscores the nation's growing significance as a key player in the global travel landscape. It not only reflects the economic strength of the country but also emphasizes the potential spending power and cultural curiosity of Indian travelers. As more countries vie for the attention of Indian tourists, the travel industry is witnessing an exciting transformation, fostering a dynamic environment for international travel enthusiasts.

As India continues to solidify its position as an economic powerhouse, the surge in outbound travel indicates a promising future for the tourism industry. With governments and stakeholders recognizing the immense potential of the Indian tourism market, there is a growing emphasis on enhancing travel experiences, ensuring seamless processes, and curating tailored offerings for Indian travelers, underscoring the significance of India's role in the global tourism narrative.

This surge in interest from various countries globally not only underscores the country’s economic growth but also speaks of the cultural and economic dynamism that Indian tourists bring to the international travel arena.

As India's influence in global tourism continues to rise, the nation's travellers can expect more tailored and convenient travel experiences in the years to come, fostering a thriving landscape for international travel enthusiasts from India.