India is a key source market for the neighboring countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. In February, India was the biggest source market for Nepal, accounting for more than 25% of foreign tourist arrivals in the country. For Bhutan, Indians accounted for 60% of the total international tourists in the first three months of 2024. The country is expecting 150,000 Indian tourists this year, more than double that of 2023. In Sri Lanka, the number of tourists from India in the island nation increased by over 100% in January. To keep this growth going, boutique hotel brands from these three countries are reaching out to Indian travelers with diverse offerings.
According to Amrit Rajaratnam, founder of Galle Fort Hotel Sri Lanka, Indian travelers are seeking authentic, experiential, and unique experiences. They prefer bespoke luxury experiences and are inclined to invest in shorter, luxe getaways over longer trips. Khin Omar Win, owner of Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan, shared that discerning Indian travelers are more mindful, curious, and adventurous, seeking cultural immersion and nature-focused travel. Nilanka Martinus, managing director of Mosvold Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka, stated that Indian travelers are looking for unique boutique luxury experiences, personalized attention, excellent service standards, and vegetarian food options.
Prabina KC Chhetri of Dwarika’s Group of Hotels and Resorts in Nepal mentioned that Indian travelers are inclined towards experiential tours, holistic well-being, spiritual and cultural experiences, and sustainable travel. Hashan Cooray, managing director of Jetwing Hotels in Sri Lanka, noted the increased interest in properties offering agricultural and tea estate experiences, luxury wellness retreats, and wildlife tours. These unique offerings cater to the evolving preferences of Indian travelers, particularly the middle and upper-middle class, who are increasingly inclined to splurge on luxurious travel experiences and boutique hotels, moving away from package tours.
Thailand has extended the visa-free arrival arrangement for Indian travelers till November 11, allowing them to stay without a visa for up to 30 days. Thailand is expecting the number of visitor arrivals from India to reach 1.7 million this year, as India is one of the most crucial source markets for Thailand and is also the fastest-growing. Sri Lanka has also renewed its visa-free entry for visitors from India and other countries. IHG Hotels and Resorts has opened India’s first voco hotel in Jim Corbett, with plans to introduce four more in Mumbai, Amritsar, Gurugram, and Goa. The company also aims to double its operating portfolio in India by 2029.
Nearly 80% of Indian travelers prefer domestic destinations to international ones, with 59% opting for short weekend trips. Travel advisory firm VIDEC’s CEO Virendra Jain highlighted the need to understand the trends and behaviors among Indian travelers, as India emerges as a crucial source market for global tourism. India’s rising digital proficiency and infrastructural enhancements are shaping it into a dynamic source market for global tourism, requiring targeted engagement strategies to capitalize on this growth. The characteristics and behaviors of Indian travelers indicate a need for diverse and unique offerings to cater to their preferences and keep the growth of tourism from India to neighboring countries thriving.
