Indian outbound travel patterns are showing a notable shift this winter, with destinations beyond traditional favourites recording sharp growth, according to fresh data from visa processing platform Atlys. Sri Lanka has emerged as the fastest-growing destination for Indian travellers this season, witnessing a fivefold increase in demand compared to the winter of 2024.The Atlys analysis, based on internal winter travel data, indicates that Indian travellers are increasingly gravitating towards destinations that combine short-haul accessibility, cultural depth and value-led experiences. South Africa and Oman followed Sri Lanka in growth momentum, recording increases of 2.9 times and 2.6 times respectively, as travellers seek nature-driven itineraries and warmer climates during the winter months.Georgia continued its steady rise as an emerging favourite, growing 2.1 times year-on-year, while Hong Kong registered a 1.88 times increase, reflecting renewed interest in East Asian city destinations. Central Asia and North Africa are also gaining traction, with Uzbekistan and Morocco seeing growth of 1.97 times and 1.87 times respectively. Japan, driven by winter landscapes and seasonal cultural festivals, recorded a 1.79 times increase over last winter.Industry observers note that the surge is being driven by a mix of affordability, visa accessibility and growing familiarity with non-traditional destinations. Sri Lanka’s proximity to India, combined with competitive pricing and a diversified tourism offering spanning beaches, heritage sites and wellness tourism, appears to have struck a chord with Indian travellers looking for short international breaks.South Africa’s growth reflects a rising appetite for long-haul, experience-led travel, particularly among affluent Indian travellers seeking wildlife, scenic landscapes and adventure tourism. Oman’s performance underscores growing interest in Middle Eastern destinations beyond the UAE, offering a blend of desert experiences, coastal escapes and cultural heritage within a short flight radius.“These destinations represent the fastest-growing markets this winter compared to last year on our platform,” said Santosh Hegde, head of marketing at Atlys. “Travellers are exploring destinations that offer depth, diversity and convenience. The growth is not about replacing traditional favourites but expanding the travel map for Indian tourists.”Despite the rise of new favourites, established outbound markets such as the UAE, the UK, the Schengen region and the US continue to attract strong interest, highlighting the widening spectrum of global travel choices being considered by Indian travellers. The data suggests that rather than shifting away from legacy destinations, Indian travellers are increasingly adding newer geographies to their consideration set.
Winter 2025 sees surge in adventure and cruise holidays among Indian travellers
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s latest winter trends show a surge in travel demand, with searches for winter experiences up 20 and for cruises up 25. Improved connectivity, new air routes, and visa-friendly destinations are driving growth across Europe, Southeast Asia, and India
The trend also reflects a broader evolution in Indian outbound travel behaviour in 2025, marked by greater confidence, earlier planning and a willingness to explore culturally rich and less-crowded destinations. Improved air connectivity, smoother visa processes and rising disposable incomes are further supporting this diversification.Travel industry stakeholders expect the winter season to remain one of the most dynamic periods for international travel from India, as travellers balance familiarity with experimentation. As global mobility continues to normalise and destination awareness deepens, destinations offering differentiated experiences and ease of access are likely to see sustained interest from Indian outbound travellers in the coming years.
