In a comprehensive look back at the travel landscape of 2023, global travel marketplace Skyscanner revealed that Dubai and Bangkok secured the first and second positions, respectively, as the most sought-after international destinations for Indian travelers.
A Year in Review: Indian Travelers’ Preferences Unveiled
Throughout the year, Indian travelers displayed a growing inclination towards exploring alternative, budget-friendly domestic destinations that offer rich cultural experiences and delectable cuisines. Skyscanner noted that Jagdalpur in India emerged as the most economical flight destination, with an average return flight cost of just Rs 3,035 in 2023.
Additionally, the travel marketplace identified the most budget-friendly destination to book each month, the most economical three-star hotel stay, and the city with the most affordable car rentals for Indian travelers in 2023.
Nha Trang in Vietnam was identified as the most economical city for a three-star hotel stay, while Doha in Qatar claimed the top spot for the city with the most affordable car rentals, with Indian travelers paying an average of only Rs 2,198 per day.
Shaping Future Travel Preferences: Insights from Skyscanner’s Expert
Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends and Destination Expert, highlighted the evident enthusiasm among Indians for global exploration, even within constrained budgets. He emphasized the evolving travel trends outlined in Skyscanner’s recent Travel Trends 2024 report, where the value of experiences and cultural exploration emerged as crucial factors, with price no longer the sole determinant in travel decision-making for Indian travelers.
Joshi anticipates this momentum to continue growing in the coming year, as the 2024 report forecasts that 86% of Indian travelers plan to maintain or increase their international travel frequency in 2024 compared to 2023. Additionally, he predicted Nice in France to be a cost-effective destination for Indian travelers in 2024, with airfares witnessing a significant drop over the past 12 months.
Looking ahead, Joshi anticipates a surge in Indian travelers heading abroad to attend live performances by their favorite artists in 2024. According to the report, a third of fans expressed their willingness to travel to short-haul destinations for live performances, while 20% would opt for long-haul flights.
