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The surge in international tourism originating from India is reshaping the Asia-Pacific tourism map. Thanks to the rise of the middle class, increased spending power, and a desire to explore new cultures, Indian tourists are becoming a "gold mine" that any country would covet. To capitalize on this trend, many destinations have proactively changed their policies, simplified visa procedures, increased air connectivity, and diversified services.
Easing visa procedures is seen as the most effective strategy to increase attractiveness to Indian tourists. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka have quickly adopted visa-free policies, and the Philippines is the latest to join this "race." According to Aditya Tyagi, founder of the travel company Luxe Escape, the significant increase in overseas travel by Indians to the Asia-Pacific region is largely due to the relaxed visa procedures.
Outbound tourism is booming in India, so Asia-Pacific destinations are striving to attract this influx of visitors with simplified visa policies, increased air connectivity, and a wider range of services.
Mr. Tyagi emphasized that countries that have recently adopted this policy have witnessed impressive growth. For example, the Philippines recorded a 25-30% increase in Indian tourists immediately after announcing visa exemption. This shows that a relaxed visa policy not only facilitates procedures but also provides a strong psychological incentive, encouraging Indian tourists to plan international trips.
Given the rapid growth of the Indian tourism market, many Asian destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka have waived visa requirements for Indian citizens to capitalize on this source of tourists.
Countries are not only offering visa-free entry but are also working to simplify online visa application processes. Australia is a prime example. According to Prateek Wadhwa, director of Dreamtrip4U, simplifying the online visa application process has given Indian tourists more confidence in planning their trips to Australia, and his company has seen a significant increase in the number of customers. Being able to complete the process quickly and transparently from home has removed psychological and administrative barriers, boosting travel decisions among Indian citizens.
Furthermore, Indian tourists are increasingly seeking rich cultural experiences, adventures, culinary delights, and even sporting events in the Asia-Pacific region.
Besides visa requirements, improved air connectivity also plays a crucial role in boosting tourism. New direct flights are opening up unprecedented opportunities. Sunil Kumar, President of the Indian Travel Agents Association, noted that improved direct flights between India and Vietnam are increasing interest from both leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism segments in Vietnam. Recently, new direct flights have been added, connecting Hyderabad and Bengaluru with Ho Chi Minh City, which are expected to significantly boost the number of tourists between the two countries.
According to the Mastercard Institute for Economic Research's 2025 Travel Trends Report, Indian tourists are exploring a wider variety of destinations.
The growth of the Indian tourism market is also accompanied by a shift in traveler preferences. The Mastercard Institute for Economic Research's 2025 Travel Trends report indicates that Indian travelers are exploring a wider variety of destinations. Thanks to the rise of the middle class and direct flights, destinations such as Hanoi, Bali, and Abu Dhabi are becoming top choices.
Indian tourists are not only looking for traditional tours but also crave rich cultural experiences, adventurous activities, unique cuisine, and even sporting events.
The growth in Indian tourists has had a positive impact and prompted tourism businesses to adapt. Vietnam is a prime example of this potential. In the first eight months of 2025, India rose to become Vietnam's seventh-largest source of international tourists, with over 443,000 visitors, achieving an impressive growth of 142.2% compared to the same period last year. This figure shows that Indian tourists are increasingly favoring Vietnam, and visa policies and the expansion of flight routes have contributed significantly to this success.
The growing demand for travel among Indians is also prompting domestic travel companies to expand their operations into international markets. Sriharan Balan, CEO of Madura Travel Service (India), stated that the company plans to open an office in Sydney, Australia, to meet demand and ensure service quality. The recruitment of drivers and guides who speak Tamil, a common language in southern India, is an example of the professionalism and adaptability of these travel businesses.
They not only sell tours but also offer bespoke experiences, ranging from adventurous tours like scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef to programs for students or less popular destinations like Tasmania, Cairns, and Canberra. This demonstrates that Indian tourists are not only concerned with price but also value quality service and unique experiences tailored to their personal preferences.
