Indian travellers prioritised comfort, with 13 pc opting for extra services like pre-booked meals, seat selection and additional baggage
In a significant shift, 2024 has seen a rise in spontaneous travel among Indian international tourists, with nearly half making last-minute plans. According to 2024 Travel Report by Niyo, 48 pc of flight bookings were made just less than a week before departure, reflecting a growing trend of flexibility and spontaneity. This surge is attributed to easier visa access and increased global connectivity.
In a press statement, Niyo says that last minute flight bookings were driven by easier access with 58 countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival options to Indian passport holders.
It adds that while many booked flights last minute, 30 pc of visa applications were submitted 16-30 days in advance, indicating some preparation.
It adds that Niyo processed over 1,000 visa bookings per month, highlighting increasing interest in international travel.
Niyo says that 66 pc of trips in 2024 were short holidays under seven days, while 17 pc of travellers chose extended breaks of 15 days or more.
It adds that with increased travel, Niyo sold 7,395 travel insurance policies in 2024, totalling INR 432 million. Younger travellers particularly favoured plans ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000.
It adds that Dubai was the top destination for Indian travellers, attracting 45 pc, followed by Vietnam at 15 pc, and Oman and Japan at 1 pc each.
The statement adds that pop culture influenced travel, with 30 pc of Indian women choosing France, followed by the UK and Singapore.
Niyo says that pop culture also played a role in travel choices and popular television shows like Emily in Paris inspired many Indian women to visit France, with 30 pc choosing France as their destination, followed by the UK, by 29 pc, and Singapore by 26 pc. It adds that male travellers leaned towards Thailand, with 80 pc preferring its beaches and vibrant nightlife, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 77 pc and the United States of America at 76 pc.
It adds that Indian travellers prioritised comfort, with 13 pc opting for extra services like pre-booked meals, seat selection and additional baggage, reflecting a demand for personalised travel experiences.
Vinay Bagri
The statement adds that the report highlights Indian travellers embracing flexibility and prioritising experiences. With 1.5 million customers, Niyo expanded from offering zero-forex markup cards to insurance, flight bookings, and other travel services.
“The rise in spontaneous travel among Indians is driven by several factors. Our country’s strengthened diplomatic ties have made access to more countries easier, while the aspirations of India’s growing middle class are focused on experiencing the world. Additionally, platforms like ours have used technology to simplify banking and travel bookings, making last-minute plans possible. At Niyo, we are committed to making international travel hassle-free for Indians, empowering them to explore the world with confidence,” says Vinay Bagri, Co-founder and CEO, Niyo.