In 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continued to hold its position as the most favored destination for Indian travelers, reflecting strong ties and growing appeal. According to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025, released by the Ministry of Tourism, the UAE attracted 7.8 million Indian visitors, accounting for 25.2% of the total Indian outbound travel market. This number marks a steady increase from 7.2 million in 2023 and 6.3 million in 2019, underscoring the UAE’s enduring popularity among Indian nationals.
Following the UAE, Saudi Arabia secured the second spot with 3.4 million Indian travelers in 2024, up from 3 million in 2023. Next in line was the United States, hosting 2.1 million Indian visitors, though its share dipped slightly from 7.3% in 2023 to 6.9% in 2024. Thailand experienced a notable revival, welcoming 1.9 million Indian tourists compared to 1.4 million a year earlier. Other top destinations included Singapore, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Canada, Kuwait, and Oman. Together, these ten countries accounted for a substantial 71.1% of all departures from India last year.
Exploring the reasons behind these travel trends, the data reveals that Indian travelers primarily ventured abroad for leisure and recreation, which made up 42.5% of all departures. Visits related to friends and family within the Indian diaspora followed closely, constituting 34.6%. Business and professional trips were responsible for 14.9%, while pilgrimage (3.9%), education (2.4%), and other purposes (1.4%) made up smaller shares. This diversity highlights how travel patterns among Indians cater to a broad spectrum of needs and interests.
The compendium paints a picture of remarkable growth in outbound travel from India over the past few decades. Departures have surged from just 1.9 million in 1991 to a staggering 30.8 million in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant downturn in 2020, slashing travel by 73%. However, the sector bounced back robustly, with a 152.6% increase in 2022 and outbound trips surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 27.8 million in 2023. In 2024, departures continued to rise by 10.7%, signaling a resilient and expanding appetite for international travel among Indians.
Several factors underpin this upward trajectory. Rising disposable incomes allow more Indians to afford overseas trips, while enhanced air connectivity makes travel more accessible and convenient. Additionally, greater exposure to global destinations through media, education, and professional networks fuels curiosity and wanderlust, encouraging individuals across the country to experience the world firsthand.
The demographic profile of Indian travelers reveals that most belong to the working-age group, with the 25-34 age bracket comprising 27.4% and the 35-44 group close behind at 24.5%. This youthful demographic emphasizes the role of young professionals and families in driving travel demand. Gender-wise, males formed a majority with 65.8% of travelers, while females accounted for 34.1%, highlighting ongoing but narrowing gender gaps in international travel participation.
Delving deeper into destination-specific numbers, the UAE’s 7.8 million visits put it clearly at the top, benefiting from strong economic, cultural, and tourism ties between the two countries. Saudi Arabia’s second place reflects the growing religious, business, and leisure exchanges. The US, while commanding a large share of Indian travelers, saw a slight dip in its percentage of total departures. Thailand’s resurgence indicates renewed interest in Southeast Asia as a vibrant and affordable tourist region.
Other countries rounding out the top ten include Singapore, the UK, Qatar, Canada, Kuwait, and Oman. Each of these destinations offers unique attractions and opportunities, ranging from education and business to tourism and family reunions, contributing to their popularity among Indian nationals. They collectively account for over 70% of all outbound Indian travel, underscoring a concentrated yet diversified pattern of global exploration.
This rich mosaic of travel data showcases not only the destinations favored by Indian travelers but also offers insights into evolving lifestyles, aspirations, and connections that shape India’s outbound tourism landscape in 2024. With a growing middle class, improved air links, and increasing curiosity about the world beyond its borders, India’s journey as a global traveler continues to gain momentum.
with TOI inputs
