Travel
India Outbound
PACIFIC ISLANDS: India's new playground
With improved connectivity and easier visas, Indian travellers have turned to exploring the Pacific region visiting countries like Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and the Philippines like never before, with a craving for authentic, experience-rich travel beyond traditional hotspots.
5 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
SRI LANKA SHOWCASES MICE STRENGTH as India takes centre-stage at MICE Expo
Sri Lanka hosted the fifth edition of its flagship B2B event targetting the business travel segment, the Sri Lanka MICE Expo, from September 22 to 26 in Colombo, bringing together over 100 international buyers and more than 110 local vendors. India was again at the centre of attention at the event aimed to position Sri Lanka as South Asia's leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
6 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
Trenitalia targets to be first choice for Indian travellers
Italian train operator Trenitalia is focussing on the Indian market in order to make its services, domestic as well as international, the top choice for Indian travellers visiting Europe, Francesco Cacciapuoti, Chief Sales Officer, Trenitalia, tells India Outbound. Cacciapuoti adds that though most of the demand from India is by bookings through the travel trade, there is a noticeable rise in direct bookings by Indian travellers also.
3 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
ITE HCMC 2025 opens new doors in Vietnam for Indian travel trade
Over the past two years, Vietnam has emerged as one of the hottest destinations for Indian travellers. To sustain the growth further and to enhance the footfall of Indian visitors, Vietnam's leading travel trade show ITE HCMC 2025 featured several Indian travel trade professionals as hosted buyers. The Indian professionals say that participating in the meet helped them broaden their network with Vietnamese companies and brought forth new ideas to integrate in their itineraries.
6 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
Demand for Saudi Arabia picking up pace in India
Saudi Tourism has upped its activities in India over the past few years and its efforts to promote different aspects of the country to attract Indian visitors are bearing fruit, Meshaal Qureshi, Senior Director - Trade (India & Subcontinent Market), Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), tells India Outbound. Qureshi, who was recently in India for a 3-city roadshow, adds that Saudi Arabia is already seeing increasing demand for destinations like Medina and King Khaled Economic City.
5 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
Indian tourist arrivals in Vietnam have risen 3-fold in three years
Tourism to Vietnam has risen sharply in post-pandemic era and India is one of the key drivers of this growth as Indian visitor numbers have risen three-fold in three years, Hồ An Phong, Deputy Minister of Tourism of Vietnam tells India Outbound. Phong adds that Vietnam wants airlines of both countries to start new flights not just from metros but also the secondary cities in order to boost tourism further.
3 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
From sightseeing to soulful experiences, Indians redfine outbound travel goals
India's experiential tourism is reshaping travel with immersive cultural, adventure and wellness experiences. Young travellers lead this shift, prioritising authenticity, personalised journeys and memorable activities over conventional sightseeing.
5 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
AFRICA roars back on global tourism market in 2025
In many ways, the year 2025 has turned out to be Africa's Year, at least on the international tourism market as the continent outpaced every other region of the world in growth in international tourist arrivals for the first half of the year. The growth seems to have continued in the second half, too, and looks certain to continue into the next year as African nations proactively seek to diversify their source markets, with focus on India and China.
4 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
NORWEGIAN AQUA: SAIL, SLIDE, SIP AND SAVOUR
I was glad to fly into Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, to set sail to the Netherlands and then to Southampton in the United Kingdom on board Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua. After all, it was the perfect city to embark on the cruise, as Lisbon is one of the sunniest capitals in Europe.
6 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
PHUKET A cultural sojourn by Andaman Sea
Idyllic Thai island destination Phuket reveals itself as more than a tropical escape, with Sino-Portuguese homes, Taoist shrines, towering Buddhas and vibrant night markets shaping its charm. Between heartfelt encounters, fortune cards and timeless sunsets by the Andaman, the island weaves together culture, spirituality and warmth in every experience.
7 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
Indian tourism to Mauritius has risen by 45 pc
Mauritius Tourism is working on a comprehensive plan to revive its fortunes in the Indian market and the new plan has begun to pay dividends, Richard Duval, Minister of Tourism, tells India Outbound in an interview. Duval adds that ever since he took charge of the ministry less than a year ago, he has initiated several measures to promote tourist arrivals, notably Indian visitors, in Mauritius and also develop new segments.
2 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
GEN Z travellers transform global tourism
Gen Z is quickly becoming one of the most influential forces in global travel, not just as consumers, but also as culture shapers. With a focus on meaningful experiences, digital convenience, and socially conscious choices, this generation is redefining what it means to explore the world.
5 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
AI CYCLONE SWEEPS UP Indian travel industry
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes omnipresent across India, one of the industries where its adoption has been wholehearted in the current year is the travel and tourism industry, as companies and consumers turn with equal enthusiasm towards the technology. The hunger of AI is far from satiated as companies race to install ever-improving systems and even those left out of the game begin to turn towards its adoption.
10+ min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
With eye on India, CINNAMON LIFE transforms Sri Lanka's MICE appeal
In an interview with India Outbound, Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams shares how Sri Lanka's largest integrated resort is transforming Colombo's tourism landscape. He discusses India's role as a key source market, the rise of MICE tourism and future growth expectations.
3 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
SHOOTING FOR THE STARS IN NEW YORK
Of its many allures for tourists, there is none that can come close to the one that has dominated New York for over 100 years, its skyscrapers, which have not only attracted visitors but also Hollywood that never seems to have had enough of the giants of the Big Apple. Exploring New York is perhaps best done as Spiderman had, by jumping from one rooftop to another.
7 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
AIRLINES, TRAVEL TRADE ANTICIPATE BOOM IN TOURISM TO China
The first direct flights between India and China have resumed, after a break of close to six years, mainly due to deterioration in bilateral political ties. With the resumption on the anvil, outbound travel trade in India is enthusiastically preparing for resumption of Indian tourism to China.
6 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
A TOURIST'S DAY OUT IN CHICAGO
Every year there is a new travel trend that emerges, a trend that defines how a tourist should travel. And the most recent trend that has emerged is how to explore a city, but not in a “touristy way!” But since when has that become bad? Why can we not explore a city like a tourist or do the most touristy things? Therefore, on my recent trip to Chicago, the host city for the 2025 IPW Convention, I decided to do the most touristy things through the most touristic mode of transport of them all, the Big Bus.
7 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
A World of Adventure in WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Western Australia, the largest state in Australia, packs a world of adventure in its vast landmass of 2.5 million sqkm. The 12,500 km-long coastline of the state is home to several World Heritage sites, stunning beaches and unique towns. Besides the water-based or coastal adventure activities, Western Australia also has a treasure trove for adventures on the land and up in the air.
8 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
Ultra-personalised service is ideal for Indian celebratory stays at THE SET
The Set, a portfolio of independent, ultra-luxury hotels around the world, is focussed on quality not quantity and will grow its collection carefully, Robin Stangroom, Chief Executive Officer, tells India Outbound in an interview. Stangroom adds that India is one of the key source markets for its hotels and that his priority is to enhance awareness in the Indian market through various channels.
6 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
MÉLANGE 2025 RECORDS 120 PC RISE IN GLOBAL EXHIBITORS
Mélange 2025, the second edition of a travel trade show held in Mumbai in September, registered a 120 pc growth in exhibitors from around the world, keen to tap Indian outbound travel market. The event also saw a rise in number of buyers, including hosted buyers. The third edition of the show would be held on September 26-27, 2026, say organisers.
6 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
Saint Petersburg: City of Cathedrals, Culture & Canals
Saint Petersburg in Russia is an amazing destination any time of the year, but the northern capital of the country comes into its own in summer when it displays its regal splendour in all its glory. With its numerous palaces, museums, cathedrals and canals, Saint Petersburg offers an unparalleled wealth of discoveries to visitors.
7 min |
November - December 2025
India Outbound
Indian travellers can enjoy home away from home experiences globally now
Outbound travel in India is booming, driven by rising incomes, easier visas and tech, with World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) helping destinations adapt to Indian preferences, Julia Simpson, CEO and President, WTTC, tells India Outbound.
3 min |
July - August 2025
India Outbound
Boosted by TTOS success, INDIAN TRAVEL TRADE ENTHUSED BY MEETINGS AT INDABA
With the visas to South Africa finally becoming easier under the TTOS scheme of South African Government, Indian travel trade participated enthusiastically in Africa’s Travel Indaba at Durban, looking to boost tourism flow not only to South Africa, but also other African nations.
7 min |
July - August 2025
India Outbound
Strong appetite for India is a massive opportunity for Aviareps
Over past 31 years, Aviareps has evolved as a major marketing representation firm with presence in 65 countries, representing over 100 destinations. Thomas Drechsler, COO Tourism, Aviareps, tells India Outbound that the company is now focussed on digital transformation and continued global expansion
5 min |
July - August 2025
India Outbound
ROVOS RAIL LUXURY AT WILL, ON WHEELS
There is no better way than a luxury train to explore the many marvels of Africa and there is no luxury train like Rovos Rail, to take you on a memorable excursion through the continent that remains still unexplored by the outside world, unfolding its numerous hidden gems, one at a time.
7 min |
July - August 2025
India Outbound
Historic line-up of events awaits Indian visitors in NYC
New York City is rolling out the red carpet for Indian tourists as it gears up for its 400th anniversary and America's 250th celebrations. With special events, new attractions and a focus on Indian visitors, New York City Tourism + Conventions, the tourism promotion organisation of the city, expects increased travel from India. It also promises memorable experiences, exclusive activities and continued hospitality for every Indian traveller, Julie Coker, President and Chief Executive Officer, tells India Outbound.
6 min |
July - August 2025
India Outbound
THAILAND: Where urban dreams meet island whispers
Thailand offers a vibrant blend of urban excitement, natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. From bustling Bangkok to tranquil islands and lively night markets, the country invites travellers to explore diverse landscapes, savour unique cuisine and create lasting memories at every turn.
6 min |
July - August 2025
India Outbound
Indian tourist arrivals in Egypt far below potential
As Egypt celebrates a record-breaking 2024 in tourism, new initiatives are underway to boost Indian arrivals, from tackling air connectivity challenges to launching heritage-driven campaigns and fostering stronger private sector collaborations. Ahmed Youssef, CEO, Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA), tells India Outbound on how the country plans to translate ancient civilisational links into meaningful tourism exchanges with India.
3 min |
July - August 2025
India Outbound
India a key growth market for VisitBritain
As British pop culture icons, screen locations and regional gems take centre stage, the United Kingdom (UK) is sharpening its strategy to attract more Indian travellers. Patricia Yates, CEO, VisitBritain, tells India Outbound that the country is banking on cinematic nostalgia, new direct flights and deeper engagement beyond metros to drive a 12 pc rise in visitor spending this year.
5 min |
July - August 2025
India Outbound
India a wonderful story for Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific views India as a key growth market, with demand surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The airline is investing in new aircraft, expanding globally and targetting increased use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Patrick Healy, Chairman, Cathay Pacific, tells India Outbound.
3 min |