Dubai and Tokyo Among Top Destinations for Indian Travellers in H1 2025, ETTravelWorld

Image credit – iStock-1153172622 Booking.com has released insights into Indian travellers’ preferences during the first half of 2025, revealing strong demand for both domestic escapes and short-haul international travel. The findings reflect a blend of lifestyle-driven choices, cultural curiosity, and wellness-oriented experiences.

According to Booking.com’s data, 66 per cent of Indian travellers view holidays as a source of joy and renewal, while 58 per cent opted for short domestic breaks, followed by 36 per cent choosing international trips closer to home. The growing optimism is evident, with 84 per cent of travellers expressing confidence in their plans for 2025.

Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com, said, “The evolving mindset of Indian travellers highlights a fascinating mix of global curiosity and local pride. Whether it’s a short-haul international break closer to home or a quick domestic escape, we’re seeing Indians choose destinations that align with their lifestyle aspirations, wellness goals and cultural curiosity. This shift underlines the opportunity ahead, with 84 per cent of Indian travellers feeling optimistic about travel in 2025, we at Booking.com remain committed to supporting this momentum by making it easier for travellers to book every element of their journey, from stays and flights to attractions and transport, all in one seamless experience.”Within India, Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi were the most searched destinations between January and June 2025, reflecting a mix of business travel, family visits and weekend getaways. Meanwhile, Ooty, Rishikesh, Lonavala, Jaipur and Puducherry recorded growing popularity, with Rishikesh and Puducherry showing a 25 per cent year-on-year increase in accommodation searches, driven by demand for wellness and cultural experiences.

Internationally, Dubai emerged as the leading choice, recording a 62 per cent rise in searches, while Tokyo entered the top five with a 90 per cent surge, underscoring its seasonal and cultural appeal. Other frequently searched short-haul destinations included Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket and Bali, alongside long-haul favourites London and Paris.

The broader Asia-Pacific trend highlights continued enthusiasm for intra-regional travel. Japan, South Korea and Thailand remain top destinations for travellers across APAC, while proximity and cultural familiarity continue to influence decisions. For Indian travellers, the balance between exploring domestic favourites and accessible international getaways marks a defining trend of 2025.

• Published On Aug 29, 2025 at 05:22 PM IST

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