Destinations including South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Maldives, and China will be Indian travellers’ favourites this summer, according to the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (ASSOCHAM) Tourism Development Council (ATDC) paper.
Despite the economic slowdown and currency fluctuations, India’s outbound tourism market has increased by 29% this year as compared to last season (20%), the paper revealed.
European countries have been replaced by cheaper destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Honeymooners enquire about Morocco, Spain, Portugal and prefer Kenya for wildlife, adds the paper.
The growth in the Indian travel and tourism industry is driven by a combination of rising income levels and changing lifestyles, the development of diverse tourism offerings, and policy and regulatory support by the government authorities, said D.S. Rawat, ASSOCHAM Secretary General.
According to ASSOCHAM, India will account for 50 million outbound tourists by 2020. While business travel and holiday dominates outbound volumes, people are also opting for niche products like sports tourism, luxury travels, honeymoon packages and cruises.
