A new analysis by Justdial, one of India’s leading local search engines, shows a growing trend of Indian travellers seeking international experiences for their leisure and exploration needs.

According to a press statement by Justdial, there has been a notable uptick in searches related to international travel at par with a growing desire for diverse experiences.

The analysis, covering the period from January 2023 to August 2023 and extending to January 2024 to August 2024, revealed a substantial 17 pc increase in travel-related searches nationwide. 

Notably, this trend is particularly pronounced in non-metro cities, which recorded impressive search growth of 129 pc in 2023 and 126 pc in 2024, outpacing major urban centres.

According to the report, several international destinations have emerged as favourites among Indian travellers. Searches for Israel surged by an 266 pc, while the Gulf region experienced a 105 pc increase. 

It adds that other notable countries showing significant interest include Europe with 49 pc, Australia with 47 pc, Japan at 26 pc, Schengen countries at 25 pc, and Turkey with 23 pc, reflecting a growing desire among Indian travellers to explore a broader range of global destinations.

As interest in international travel expands, the demand for professional travel guidance has similarly increased. Popular categories among search queries included travel agents, international travel agents, tour packages, and visa assistance, indicating that travellers are actively seeking expert advice to navigate the complexities of international journeys.

The report says that regional preferences for specific destinations have also been identified in 2024, with searches for visa assistance and tour packages concentrated in certain areas. 

For instance, Israel gained significant attention in cities like Lucknow, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai, while interest in the Gulf region was predominantly high in Mumbai. This localised demand underscores how travel interests differ across India.

The report says that the growing enthusiasm for travel to countries like Israel signifies a shift in consumer sentiment as Indian travellers express a desire for unique and enriching experiences. 

This emerging trend, coupled with the increasing number of Indian tourists exploring diverse international locations, suggests a promising outlook for the future of international tourism in India.