TravClan has released the India Outbound Travel Index 2025, analysing outbound travel trends based on real booking data from its nationwide agent network. The report covers approximately 2,47,000 international passengers, representing over ₹500 crore in bookings across 170+ destinations, and highlights five structural shifts shaping how Indians travel abroad.
Rise of non-metro outbound travellers
Non-metro cities now account for 63% of India’s outbound travellers, marking a clear shift in where international travel demand is coming from. Growth is increasingly driven by emerging cities alongside traditional metro hubs.
Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kochi, Amritsar, and Pune are among the fastest-growing outbound markets, supported by rising incomes, expanding passport access, and improved regional air connectivity.
Leadership perspective
Commenting on the findings, Arun Bagaria, Founder and CEO, TravClan, said, “The center of gravity for India’s outbound travel has shifted. Travel Businesses cannot build strategies just around Delhi and Mumbai anymore as we see consistent growth from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, driven by travellers who are digitally confident and decisive. Airlines, destinations, and travel brands need to embrace the next phase of outbound growth that will be built around these emerging markets.”
Changing destination preferences
Destination preferences are also evolving. Indian travellers are increasingly selecting markets that combine strong air access, competitive pricing, and diverse experiences. Vietnam has emerged as the fastest-growing destination, gaining 4.01 percentage points in market share, alongside strong hotel booking growth in Egypt, Japan, the Philippines, and Georgia.
Faster booking cycles
Travel planning cycles continue to compress. Over 42% of outbound trips are booked within seven days of departure, while 21.9% are planned over a month in advance, reflecting high digital confidence and predictable, price-responsive behaviour, particularly on short-haul and high-frequency routes.
Role of air connectivity and travel patterns
Affordable air connectivity remains central to outbound expansion. Low-cost carriers account for nearly 70% of bookings on key leisure routes such as the Maldives and Thailand. At the same time, travellers are extending average stays across several destinations, signalling deeper engagement and experience-led travel.
Outlook for industry stakeholders
The India Outbound Travel Index 2025 shows that the next phase of outbound growth will be shaped by localised source markets, faster booking cycles, and differentiated travel intent. For industry stakeholders, long-term relevance will depend on how effectively strategies align with these structural shifts.
