India Outbound - January - February 2026

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Indian Outbound Travel Looks East

The latest issue of India Outbound magazine is out and in this issue we focus on the significant shuffle in priority destinations for Indian travellers, with Asia staging a strong comeback and some of the hottest destinations like the United States, South Africa and even France taking a slightly back seat. While the US may have suffered a slight setback in 2025, the country still holds a major appeal for Indians and in 2026, US hosts a unique trifecta of historic events, the 250th year of US Independence, centennial celebrations of the historic Route 66 and of course the 2026 FIFA Football World Cup, which is set to drive tourism to the country.

Luxury remains a key draw for high-end Indian travellers and we bring you the story of two icons of luxury, Hotel Café Royal, a palatial property in the heart of London whose guest list rivals that of the Buckingham Palace. We also profile South African entrepreneur Rohan Vos, the man and the spirit behind Rovos Rail, a luxury train operator in southern Africa.

While destination weddings of Indians have long been known for their opulence, a new trend is rapidly catching on in India, at least some Indian Muslim families, of organising simple, almost spiritual weddings in Islam’s holiest cities Mecca and Madinah, in Saudi Arabia.



Other Highlights of this issue:

Interview: Patricia de Lille, Tourism Minister, South Africa

Event Report: Travel South USA International Showcase Indian travel trade discovers new beats in Southern USA

Hotel Review: Hotel Café Royal, London’s Other Royal Address

Experience: Rottnest Island, Western Australia’s Happiest Getaway

Trend: From banquet halls to Madinah: A wedding shift

Eye on Africa: Nigeria, cultural potpourri of Africa



Read the January-February 2026 issue for features on several other destination reports, travel experiences and interviews with global travel industry leaders.