India’s Travel Trends in 2024: International Trips Increase by 21% Compared to 2019

The Indian tourism market is experiencing a significant surge in outbound travel, marking a crucial milestone for the country. The latest report from the MasterCard Economics Institute titled ‘Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries’ highlights the reasons behind this unprecedented increase. Factors such as changes in the lifestyle of the middle class, increased travel convenience, and a growing passion for travel are driving this trend.

Since the beginning of the year, a staggering 97 million Indian tourists have traveled through airports, a feat that would have taken at least a year to achieve a decade ago. This surge reflects India’s economic growth, rising middle-class incomes, and a strong interest in exploring new travel destinations. International travel has seen a 21% increase compared to 2019, with a notable 4% increase in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

In March 2024, passenger traffic in Chennai doubled compared to the pre-Covid period, signaling a significant milestone in the tourism sector. Bengaluru has also witnessed an improvement in domestic passenger numbers as employees return to offices and service sectors resume operations.

The report also highlights the changing attitudes of the middle class and the emergence of new tourist routes as key drivers of this transformation. Around 24 new routes are set to start or resume operations between April and June 2024, promising further growth for India’s tourism sector.

Notably, the report reveals a significant increase in the number of Indian travelers visiting foreign countries. The United States saw a 59% increase in Indian visitors, while Japan and Southeast Asian countries experienced a 53% and 248% increase, respectively. Vietnam has emerged as a popular destination for Indian tourists, showcasing the evolving preferences and travel patterns of Indian travelers.