Agoda: Indian travel soars in Southeast Asia after visa relaxation

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The recent visa waiver programs implemented by Malaysia and Thailand for Indian travelers are proving to be successful. Agoda’s search data indicates a significant surge in demand for travel to these Southeast Asian countries, driven by the introduction of the 30-day and 90-day tourist visas.

Thailand, a popular holiday destination, has experienced a 44% increase in searches from India following the recent visa relaxation. Meanwhile, Malaysia has seen an even more substantial rise, with a 49% increase in searches in January compared to October of the previous year, as reported by Agoda.

In a noteworthy development, Agoda revealed that Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has now become the top outbound city destination for Indian travelers, surpassing Dubai in popularity since the visa relaxations took effect. Additionally, Pattaya, a beach destination in Thailand, climbed from fifth to third place. The current top five city destinations for Indian travelers are Bangkok, Dubai, Pattaya, Singapore, and Bali.

Indian travelers are benefiting significantly from the recent wave of visa relaxations in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Several markets in Asia have either implemented changes in policies or are contemplating similar measures for Indian and Chinese travelers. According to the Henley Passport Index, Indian travelers now enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries.

Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda, stated, “The relaxation of visa norms seems to be an accelerator for India’s outbound travel landscape. More and more destinations are recognizing India’s potential as a key source market. With Malaysia and Thailand leading the way in terms of visa waivers, it’s clear that Southeast Asia’s allure is growing stronger. The fact that many of these destinations can now be visited without having to worry about the paperwork will likely encourage even more Indian travelers to go abroad and explore.”

Agoda, with its extensive offering of over 3.9 million holiday properties, flights, and activities available for booking, plays a crucial role in making travel convenient and accessible. For Indian tourists seeking to explore these popular destinations, Agoda’s platform serves as an ideal gateway for a hassle-free and memorable travel experience.