Global Interest in India Grows: Diwali Brings Record Tourism Surge

Published on October 11, 2025

As per the latest research, the attention that India is receiving for international travel in the days around Diwali 2025 is astounding, with the number of overseas users doing travel research rising by 67% compared to the year before. Data collected by Agoda shows that India attracts a good number of Indian and foreign travellers throughout the holiday. These travellers come from Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East, and they are keen on visiting India.

In India, Diwali is known as the festival of lights, and it is one of the holidays that the whole country celebrates with great enthusiasm. It boosts our internal tourism, and it also attracts a lot of foreign tourists who want to see India in all of her splendour. It is also during the year that we celebrate the festival, and we are ready to show off our country’s rich and diverse culture and heritage. Indian searches are on the rise, which resonates with data from Agoda and reflects India’s reputation as a travel destination. Visitors want to see and experience the culturally and spiritually rich attractions that India offers.

Domestic travel aún se mantiene cercano durante el Diwali, mientras que el interés a nivel internacional se ve acompañado por un crecimiento considerable. Agoda’s data el recuento de busquedas de vuelos internacionales durante los días de Diwali excede a las busquedas domésticas. Lo que indica un creciente interés extranjero en el potencial turístico de la India.

Demand Variables Fuelling India’s Inbound Travel Supply

With regard to the other countries with increasing interest in travel to India, there has been more than a 45-fold increase in interest in travel to India by South Korea. This appears to indicate an increased interest from East Asian nations in India, more so during culturally centric holidays, such as Diwali. Interest from Southeast Asian countries, for instance, Thailand (which increased by almost twofold) and Malaysia (which increased by 25 per cent), also suggests a growing interest in and demand to experience the many cultural and religious celebrations in India.

Beyond the Asia-Pacific region, there is marked interest from other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, where interest in India has increased, with  searches from the UAE increasing by 87%. There is a cultural and historical relationship with India, and the Diwali festival for them is a chance to either celebrate with family or to visit India to enjoy the culture. India’s increasing popularity among the Middle Eastern nations is reflected by the increasing number of visitors from the UAE.

In its latest report, the US has documented a 28% increase in interest in travel to India, confirming that India remains a pivotal travel destination during the festive season. During these periods, US citizens travel in large numbers to India to enjoy its spirituality, heritage-related tourism, and festivals. The heightened number of queries routed to US tourism websites is a pointer that India is still an enticing value destination for Western tourists in search of cultural experiences during their trips.

Diwali and Its Impact on Indian Tourism:

Diwali is a significant event in the Indian tourism calendar, as it draws in millions of travelers both from within India and abroad. The domestic segment usually spends fun-filled days with family, shopping, and temple visits, making it a challenging period for India’s hospitality operators. For foreigners, Diwali is a celebration that allows for a thorough engagement with Indian culture, enabling travellers to see customs and rituals in their native forms, alongside relishing Indian delicacies travellers

Aside from cultural tourism, Diwali fuels the growth of wellness, heritage, and luxury tourism. Many tourists travel to Varanasi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh to experience the elaborate Diwali celebrations, which include fireworks, devotional music, and other rituals. India’s spiritual tourism market is expanding and diversifying the country’s tourism offering, which attracts peace-seeking travellers in addition to traditional tourism.

Enhancing Regional Tourism: The Impact of India’s Expanding Global Links.

India’s expanding global links have played a role in the automatic rise of international tourists. Air India and other international airlines have opened some new flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, which has increased the availability of flights to these cities. International travellers have ease of access to India now more than ever.

The tourism ministry is implementing construction plans to improve the condition of major airports and tourist areas in light of the increasing number of visitors. The government is trying to keep the momentum of tourist arrivals by extending visa facilities, implementing targeted tourism campaigns, and taking other measures.

In addition, local governments and tourism bodies have partnered with the Indian hotel sector to provide discounts, unique deals, and Diwali-themed activities, which further entice international visitors hoping to partake in the Indian festival atmosphere.

The Future of Tourism: India at the Centre

Given the current increase in travel demand, India’s tourism industry has a bright future due to the interest in cultural tourism, specifically India’s major festivals, such as Diwali. The way international travel during Diwali has increased demonstrates the year-round tourism possibility of the country. There is also a growing demand for regional tourism and long-haul travel.

To support growing investments in infrastructure for tourism, ‘smart cities’ and cultural initiatives are expected to have a positive effect on the Indian tourism industry. With the rising international tourist flow, India will surely increase the prominence of its activities in the world tourism market.

Conclusion: Diwali Driving Tourism Growth in India

The heightening global eagerness for travelling to India during Diwali 2025 illustrates the country’s improvement as a primary destination for culture and celebration tourism. The expansion of airline services, the additional multi-faceted tourism products, and the cultural appeal of the nation enable India to capture a greater share of global travellers. Whether witnessing the splendour of Diwali, visiting ancient sites, or indulging in luxury wellness spas, India provides a plethora of experiences for every type of traveller and will remain a primary country for tourism in 2025 and the years to come.