As the year draws to a close, digital travel platform Agoda unveiled the top destinations for Indian travellers in 2023. Domestically, like in 2022, New Delhi and NCR was the most booked destination on Agoda. For Indians traveling abroad Thailand’s capital Bangkok leapfrogged Dubai to claim the top spot.
The rankings with the most booked destinations on Agoda underscore a distinct inclination among Indians for tried-and-tested destinations, showcasing a preference for all-time favourites that have lots to offer to any type of traveller and no matter how frequently they are visited.
| Top domestic destinations (Agoda bookings between 01 Jan – 11 Nov) | ||
| Rank | 2022 | 2023 |
| 1 | New Delhi and NCR | New Delhi and NCR |
| 2 | Goa | Goa |
| 3 | Mumbai | Mumbai |
| 4 | Bengaluru | Bengaluru |
| 5 | Chennai | Chennai |
When it comes to international travel choices, Indians consistently favour short haul destinations across the region. Chart topper Bangkok and fifth most popular destination Pattaya are poised to further strengthen their appeal, with the recent announcement of visa-free travel for Indians to Thailand. The other most popular destinations for Indian travellers are Dubai in second, Bali in third, and Singapore in fourth.
| Top outbound destinations (Agoda bookings between 01 Jan – 11 Nov) | ||
| Rank | 2022 | 2023 |
| 1 | Dubai | Bangkok |
| 2 | Bangkok | Dubai |
| 3 | Bali | Bali |
| 4 | Singapore | Singapore |
| 5 | Pattaya | Pattaya |
Commenting on the travel trends in 2023, Krishna Rathi, Agoda Country Director, India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives said, “2023 has been an incredible year for travel in India. Agoda search numbers reveal growth on all levels: Domestic, inbound, and outbound. Destinations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia recently announced allowing visa free travel for Indians and for Thailand alone this caused a 26 per cent search increase from Indians in the ten days immediately following the announcement. I am excited to see how this trend will shape the travel industry in 2024.”
To date, over two hundred hoteliers have taken part in the GSTC/Agoda program during previous editions in Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. More than forty participants attended the Hotel Sustainability Training in Goa. Among the attendees for the inaugural edition in Goa were general managers and senior executives from hotels including Accor, Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Park Regis Goa, and Radisson Goa Candolim.
