India’s outbound travel story is entering a phase of steadier, more value-conscious growth, with destination choice increasingly shaped by connectivity, pricing, and overall experience quality rather than volume alone.
Addressing delegates at India Tourism PowerHouse 2026, Prof Haiyan Song, Chair, School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said India’s outbound travel market would remain stable and resilient, with Thailand, the US, and Singapore continuing to lead Indian traveller demand.
Song noted that Thailand is expected to reclaim its position as the top outbound destination for Indian travellers by 2028. He also pointed to Sri Lanka as an emerging high-growth market, having climbed two ranks driven by geographic proximity, competitive pricing, and focused outreach to the Indian market.
He added that Indian outbound demand is becoming increasingly value-driven, with ease of travel, air connectivity, and the quality of on-ground experiences playing a decisive role in shaping destination preferences.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
