India’s outbound market booming

India’s tourism industry is experiencing growth, fuelled by rising disposable incomes, a widening middle class and improved international connectivity. Reflecting the country’s growing influence in international travel and hospitality, India’s inbound and outbound offerings will be in focus during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to be held in Dubai.

TT Bureau

India’s outbound tourism market is projected to reach US$ 55 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 11.4 per cent over the next decade. This growth is driven by increasing demand for global travel, particularly among millennials seeking diverse experiences abroad, according to Future Market Insights. Also, research from STR suggests India has increasingly become one of the most targeted source markets internationally, with many destinations intensifying their efforts to attract Indian travellers.

Last year, Dubai welcomed as many as 3.14 million overnight visitors from Southasia, with India factoring predominantly, significantly contributing to the overall 18.72 million international visitors who made a trip to the city, representing 9 per cent year-on-year increase.

STR’s findings reveal hotel supply in India has increased by a CAGR of 3 per cent in the past decade, with 114,000 new keys added since 2014. Developer interest remains high, with occupancy rates rising in eight of the last 10 years, reflecting sustained demand.

This will be underscored by India’s participation at the ATM this year, likely to grow at 41 per cent year-on-year, driven by a presence from exhibitors such as the Indian Union Ministry of Tourism, airline carriers Air India and Air India Express, and an expanding representation from the regional tourism boards of Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

“India’s larger showcase at ATM highlights its rich and diverse travel offerings, from luxury experiences and wellness retreats to cultural destinations and adventure tourism,  but serves as a platform for global travel exchange, enabling the global travel industry to tap into this lucrative market,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director Middle East, Arabian Travel Market.

India will be under the spotlight during ATM conference programme, which will feature 68 sessions across three content stages—the Global Stage, Future Stage and the new Business Events Stage. On 30 April, a panel of marketing leaders will discuss Multimedia: Connecting Global Audiences & Unlocking Hyper-Localised Campaigns, diving into the behaviours of markets such as India and China.

The Big Ticket Events: Global Impact and Learnings session will explore two thriving sectors—sports tourism and events tourism—and will address how recent developments such as the KSA securing the rights to host IPL matches, will promote tourism between India and the Middle East.

On the final day of ATM, Euromonitor will offer global market insights into the Asia-Pacific region, unpacking the leading trends influencing the region and providing a comprehensive overview of the trends that are leading the transformation of traveller profiles in APAC.

Shivani Gupta, Managing Partner, SPAG-A FINN Partners Company, will provide insights into India’s Next Gen Traveller, examining the key trends and strategies for capitalising on the world’s fastest-growing tourism market.

For its 32^nd annual event, ATM will focus on the theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, across all show verticals. The theme underscores the importance of interlinking borders, industries, and communities to redefine the tourism landscape and drive sustainable practices that are a must for future of travel. ATM 2025 will welcome 2,600 companies with a expected attendance of 47,000. Organised jointly with the DWTC, the event’s partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Destination Partner, Emirates, Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.