India Outbound - March-April-2025

I denne utgaven

Call of the Mountains!

The latest issue of India Outbound Magazine is out and in this issue we invite our readers to immerse themselves in an exploratory journey of Taiwan, where we flit in and out of various epochs of time, moving from tens of thousands of years in the past to the 21st century. The true way to discover any country is by taking an immersive dip in its culture and Taiwanese culture is indeed very open and inviting for anyone to take a dip in. We also show you glimpses of the famous Taiwan Lantern Festival.

For the market analysis in this issue we turn to the mountains, with the rise in number of Indian travellers taking to skiing and other mountain sports on their vacation overseas. Though a small and niche segment for decades, skiing and winter travel to the mountains is becoming more popular with Indian travellers, notably the Gen Z and the Millennials as they are now to be found on many of the most well-known as well as off-beat pistes skiing down likes experts.

While Africa is emerging in the Indian market, the United States has already taken a stronghold and is achieving new records as India has raced ahead to become its third largest source market. To sustain the momentum the number of tourism stakeholders from the US eyeing India is rising sharply each year as was evident from the 11th Brand USA Sales and Media Mission to India held recently indicated.

Other 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒆

Discover: High Home Experience in Saudi Arabia

Trends: Growth in Northern Lights Tourism

Off-beat: Cobh, Last port of call of Titanic

The Green Corner: Indians take to cycling tours of Europe

Read the March-April 2025 issue for features on several other destination reports, experiences and interviews with travel industry leaders.

INDIAN SKIERS BEGIN TO PACK PISTES ACROSS WORLD

For decades, Indians have been headed to exotic locations for skiing. However, for long, they constituted a very small, invisible fraction of total visitors as skiing was and remains an expensive sport. But last few years have seen a visible boom in number of Indian travellers heading specifically for a ski vacation and destinations as well as ski resort operators have begun to take note and are specifically targetting the Indian market with customised packages.

10+ mins

BETTER CONNECTIVITY TO PROPEL INDIAN VISITOR ARRIVALS IN SPAIN IN 2026

In 2024, Spain received a record 94 million international tourists and international tourist expenditure also reached a new high of EUR 126 billion, driving economic prosperity, Miguel Sanz, Director General of Turespana, the Spanish tourism promotion organisation, tells India Outbound. Sanz adds that the Indian market is set to grow with better connectivity and strengthened bilateral ties.

4 mins

WE WANT INDIAN VISITORS TO DISCOVER MORE OF SOUTH USA

Like most international visitors to the United States, Indian travellers do not spend enough time in southern USA which is packed with various hidden gems and our mission is to get them to spend at least one more day in South USA, Liz Bittner, President and CEO, Travel South USA tells India Outbound. Bittner, who has been leading Travel South USA for over two decades, adds that as Indian visitors are already the fourth-biggest spenders in the region, Travel South USA will enhance its engagement with the Indian market.

6 mins

FIJI IS TARGETTING DOUBLE DIGIT GROWTH IN INDIAN ARRIVALS

Fiji's tourism industry is booming, with 2024 marking a year of record-breaking success. In an interview with India Outbound, Brent Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Fiji talks about its impressive growth and the emerging focus on the Indian market.

6 mins

TIME TRAVEL THROUGH TAIWAN

Though it is a relatively small country, Taiwan in East Asia, offers a multitude of options and experiences to visitors, from varied landscapes and cultures to attractions and activities.

7 mins

EYEING MICE, TAIWAN TARGETS 50,000 INDIAN TOURISTS IN 2025

To attract Indian visitors, particularly in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment, with a target of 50,000 annual visitors by 2025, Taiwan has undertaken a series of measures. These include training programmes to introduce Indian travel agents and tour operators to Taiwan’s scenic offerings and unique incentive policies for MICE travel, with additional subsidies for Indian groups, Paul Shih, Director, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Singapore office, tells India Outbound.

3 mins

11th Brand USA Sales & Media Mission targets record growth in 2025

With outbound travel from India reaching record levels in United States in 2024, it was no surprise that the 11th Brand USA Sales and Media Mission to India also saw a record participation, setting tone for sustained, if not accelerated growth, in the number of Indian visitors to the US this year.

7 mins

IGLTA Foundation hosts 3rd LGBTQ+ Travel Symposium in New Delhi

The third edition of LGBTQ+ Travel Symposium organised by IGLTA Foundation in New Delhi on February 27 saw participation by many Indian travel and tourism industry leaders, indicating their support for the cause of promoting LGBTQ+ travel in India and rising hope for inclusivity, diversity and sensitivity.

4 mins

INDIAN TOURISTS REDISCOVER DESTINATION AFRICA

After a sluggish start in the post-pandemic era, the Indian outbound travel market is finally rediscovering its way to Africa as Indian travel trade and travellers alike rekindle their affair with Africa. An unprecedented number of African tourism stakeholders, notably destinations, hotels and travel firms, are also aggressively wooing the Indian market.

9 mins

WTM AFRICA 2025 TO BE OUR MOST DYNAMIC EDITION YET

Africa is experiencing a resurgence in tourism from many overseas markets and improved connectivity with India is also leading to a growth in tourism from India to Africa, Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director, RX Africa tells India Outbound. De Jager adds that India is a priority market for WTM Africa and that destinations such as Kenya and Rwanda are leading the tourism boom.

3 mins

AFTER A RECORD YEAR TUNISIA EXPLORES INDIAN MARKET

Having received over 10.25 million visitors in 2024, Tunisia has begun to explore new markets like India, while maintaining a focus on its key European markets, Sofiane Tekaya, Tunisia's Minister of Tourism tells India Outbound. As a beginning, Tunisia recently participated in an artisan fair as part of its plans to create higher awareness in India, Tekaya adds.

2 mins

GROWING CURIOSITY ABOUT MOROCCO DRIVING TOURISM FROM INDIA

In 2024, Morocco saw a surge in Indian tourists, with 41,000 Indian visitors marking a 43 pc growth from the previous year. In an interview with India Outbound Jamal Younes Kilito, Country Manager, India, Morocco National Tourism Office highlights the offerings of Morocco and its strategic plans to increase tourist arrivals from the Indian market.

3 mins

Saudi High Home Experience A guided tour inside a Saudi home

As part of its efforts to promote tourism to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Tourism Authority has launched ‘High Home Experience’ where tourists are welcomed in a Saudi house by a local host to discover authentic Saudi culture and cuisine. India Outbound was fortunate to be received by Abir Abusulayman, Saudi Arabia’s first female tour guide, who made a career switch at a time when the country had hardly begun looking at foreign tourists.

7 mins

INDIAN PARTICIPATION AT ATM 2025 SET TO GROW BY 41 PC

ATM 2025 is all set to attract over 47,000 attendees, with a focus on innovation and regional growth. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director of ATM in an interview with India Outbound highlights the rapid expansion of Asian participation, the launch of new segments like IBTM@ATM for business events, and the continued rise of luxury hospitality in the GCC.

5 mins

WITH DIGITAL & TRADE PROMOTION, SABAH EYES 14,000 INDIAN TOURISTS

Sabah, a Malaysian province, is steadily gaining traction among Indian travellers, with a strong focus on adventure, wildlife, and nature-based tourism. With visitor numbers growing from 10,000 to a projected 14,000 in 2025, the region is actively enhancing its outreach in India. Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO, Sabah Tourism, tells India Outbound that Sabah is strengthening digital marketing, influencer collaborations and trade partnerships to boost Indian arrivals.

3 mins

CRUISING INTO PARADISE AT MILFORD SOUND

Milford Sound, a fjord in southwestern New Zealand, is known for its towering green mountains and a majestic waterfall. It is a popular cruising destination, but Milford Sound is not only about the destination, but also the journey that take visitors through lush green forests towards a floating dream.

6 mins

NCL TO EXPAND PRESENCE IN INDIA WITH NEW PARTNERSHIPS

With a focus on partnerships, education and unique experiences, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is optimistic about expanding its footprint in India and other emerging markets in Asia. Damian Borg, Senior Director of Sales Strategy and Operations for Asia Pacific, Norwegian Cruise Line, tells India Outbound about the Indian market and the plans for 2025.

3 mins

PERU EYES 20,000 INDIAN VISITORS IN 2025 WITH NEW TOURISM PUSH

Latin American nation Peru, known for the iconic Machu Picchu, is seeking to expand its appeal to Indian travellers by promoting its Amazon rainforest, Colca Canyon and Ica Desert. Ricardo Baraybar, Deputy Director, Peru Tourism, tells India Outbound that with a 16 pc rise in Indian visitors, Peru aims for 20,000 arrivals through digital campaigns, influencer collaborations and luxury experiences.

3 mins

INDIANS DISCOVER SLOW TRAVEL WITH CYCLING TOURS OF EUROPE

Of the many modes of transport that one can use while visiting Europe, from aircraft and trains to cars and buses, cycling is the least used but most immersive. But as the trend of slow travel picks up, an increasing number of tourists are turning to using bicycles, at least for some parts of their visits, notably in and around major urban agglomerations. Cycle tours are becoming popular with some Indian tourists as they discover the charm of cycling around Europe.

6 mins

MALDIVES NEEDS A CONSTANT PRESENCE IN INDIAN MARKET

After having received 2 million tourists in 2024, Maldives is seeking to enhance the footfall of Indian travellers in 2025, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director, and Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz, Chairperson, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Company (MMPRC), tell India Outbound. They add MMPRC will hold several roadshows in India this year as part of its plans.

6 mins

THAILAND EYES 2.5 MILLION INDIAN TOURISTS IN 2025

In 2024, Thailand received 2 million Indian visitors, underscoring India's expanding influence in its tourism sector. To attract 2.5 million Indian travellers in 2025, the country is shifting its focus to Tier II cities, premium experiences and longer stays. Kittipong Prapattong, Deputy Governor for Digitalisation, Tourism Authority of Thailand, tells India Outbound that strategic efforts, including luxury tourism and extended travel options, will be key to reaching this goal.

2 mins

Cobh: Titanic's last port of call

Nestled on Ireland’s southern coast, Cobh is a town of history and resilience. From being the final stop on Titanic’s fateful sailing to being the port of embarkation for emigration and wartime bravery, it has witnessed tragedy and triumph in equal measure. Yet, beyond its past, Cobh thrives with culture, colour and an enduring spirit, inviting visitors on a journey through time, loss and hope.

5 mins

NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURISM Unmatched solar activity in 2025 boosts traffic

Once an elusive phenomenon limited to hardcore adventurers and scientists, the Northern Lights also known as Aurora Borealis, have become a major driver of global tourism. As more travellers seek out this celestial spectacle, the demand for unique experiences in remote, offthe-beaten-path destinations is soaring, reshaping the global travel industry in unexpected ways. More so this year as 2025 is said to be a rare year with unprecedentedly high levels in the Polar regions.

7 mins

Salzburg:A Symphony of Time and Tune

Founded by Saint Rupert in 696 on the remnants of Juvavum, Salzburg in Austria is a city where history and architecture seamlessly intertwine. From Mozart’s enduring legacy to nostalgia over ‘The Sound of Music’ and its grand Baroque palaces, Salzburg stands as a timeless testament to the harmony between past and present, where every corner tells a story, and every melody still lingers in the air.

6 mins

CORSICA CHASING RAINBOWS AND LEGENDS

Last year was a year of self-discovery, adventure, and unforgettable moments. It was like stepping into a Bollywood film, filled with new experiences and meaningful connections. One of the most memorable chapters of my journey took me to Corsica, a small yet enchanting island in the Mediterranean off the coast of France. From misty landscapes to hidden political tales, this tiny island offered more than just picturesque views.

6 mins

WHITE ASPARAGUS European appetiser with a difference

Europe is home to diverse and regional dishes. One of the simplest yet perhaps the most elusive European delicacies is white asparagus. It is a special vegetable harvested in spring season. From creamy soup to Indian dessert, this vegetable is incorporated in many delicious dishes.

3 mins

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India Outbound Magazine Description:

India Outbound is a magazine promoting Foreign Destinations in India. India is one of the fastest growing tourism markets not only in France but all over Europe. In 2010, over 12 million Indians travelled overseas as against 5.5 million visitors to India...