TravTalk India Online Magazine
India remains a vital market for the UK in terms of visitor numbers. Vishal Bhatia, Country Manager – India, VisitBritain, shares emerging trends and key initiatives the tourism board is taking to further boost the inbound numbers from India. Indian visitors are spending more nights in regions outside London, he observes.
Nisha Verma
VisitBritain, the tourism board of the United Kingdom, is bullish on the India market. Vishal Bhatia, Country Manager – India, VisitBritain highlighted key initiatives the tourism board is taking to promote the destination in India. “India is an important market for us. We closed 2024 with approximately 711,000 visitors from India, a clear growth trajectory from the previous year. By 2026, India will be a billion-pound market,” Bhatia said, while speaking at the Destination Britain Middle East and Asia (DBMEA) event in Bengaluru recently.
Trends & forecasts
He noted that there has been a shift in travel patterns across India. “Indian visitors are spending more nights in regions outside London, immersing themselves in local cultures and experiences,” he observed. This trend aligns with VisitBritain’s efforts to showcase the UK’s diverse offerings, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with regional destinations.
Reimagining itineraries
The traditional itinerary of starting in London before exploring the regions is evolving. “We are seeing visitors heading straight to regional hubs like Manchester or Glasgow, often concluding their trip in London,” Bhatia explained, adding that, “London remains a key draw, especially for its iconic attractions and shopping districts like Oxford Street and Bicester Village, but visitors are now equally enchanted by experiences across the UK’s nations and regions.”
Connectivity boost
During the last year, there has been a significant improvement in connectivity between India and the UK, with flight routes surpassing pre-COVID levels. “Connectivity has grown significantly in the last 12 months, which is a great positive sign for us,” highlighted Bhatia.
He also emphasised on strengthened ties with travel agents and tour operators. “Engaging with the travel trade is extremely important to us. Events like DBMEA help facilitate product development and contracting, enabling Indian travel professionals to craft bespoke itineraries that resonate with evolving traveller preferences,” claimed Bhatia.
New markets & demography
VisitBritain’s strategy for India extends beyond metropolitan cities. “We are targeting premium travellers who seek unique and experiential journeys,” he said. Identifying the potential of tier II & III cities, VisitBritain is engaging with emerging markets to drive the next wave of growth. “It is about creating awareness of new products and attractions so that even repeat visitors find fresh and exciting reasons to return,” explained Bhatia.
Way forward
With a billion-pound market in sight and a clear focus on regional exploration and trade partnerships, VisitBritain’s roadmap for India is both ambitious and achievable. “As connectivity and awareness grow, we are confident that the UK will continue to attract more Indian travellers, strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations,” he concluded.
