Slow Travel Trend on the Rise

Digital Desk

A new wave of “slow travel” is reshaping the way Indians explore the world. According to the India Tourism Data Compendium Report by the Union Ministry of Tourism, more Indians are now choosing to stay longer at a single destination—immersing themselves in local culture, food, and everyday life—rather than rushing through multiple cities in short “flash trips.”

Over 3 Crore Indians Travelled Abroad in 2024

In 2024, a record 3.09 crore (30.9 million) Indians travelled overseas, marking a rise of 30 lakh compared to 2023. The report notes that the average duration of stay for Indian travellers has also gone up—from 47 days in 2023 to 50 days in 2024. A decade ago, in 2015, Indians spent an average of just 41 days abroad, underscoring how travel habits have evolved toward longer, more meaningful experiences.

Middle East and Southeast Asia See Surge in Indian Visitors

The data shows that Indian travel to the Middle East grew from 33% to 36% in just one year, while Southeast Asia saw a 25% increase in Indian tourists.

Among global destinations, Abu Dhabi (UAE), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Bali (Indonesia) have emerged as top favorites for Indian travellers. Abu Dhabi’s desert safaris, Hanoi’s heritage charm, and Bali’s beach culture are among the biggest draws.

Interestingly, while the top 10 destination countries accounted for 71.2% of all Indian outbound travel in 2024 (down from 74.2% in 2023), more Indians are now exploring new and lesser-known destinations such as New Zealand, Portugal, Poland, and Uzbekistan—a sign of increasing travel curiosity and diversification.

Vietnam Sees 67% Jump in Indian Arrivals

Vietnam recorded a remarkable 67% surge in Indian tourists within a single year. Other countries showing strong growth include Saudi Arabia (up 30%) and Thailand (up 26%).

Thailand remains the most popular leisure destination, with 92.9% of Indian visitors going there for holidays. Similarly, 91.6% of Indian travellers to Vietnam** visited for leisure**, reinforcing the growing preference for relaxation and cultural exploration abroad.

Holiday Travel Leads the Way

Leisure travel continues to dominate India’s outbound tourism. In 2024, 42.5% of all international trips by Indians were for holidays or vacations, while 15% were for business or professional purposes. Only 2.45% of travellers went abroad for education.

The Rise of ‘Slow Travel’

The Ministry’s report highlights that the “slow travel” movement is gaining traction among Indians, particularly millennials and remote-working professionals. The idea is to travel less frequently but stay longer, experience local traditions, and build authentic connections with people and places.

As one senior tourism official put it, “Indians are no longer just sightseeing—they’re living the destination.”