VOI World/ Desk
Vietnam has emerged as the top international destination for Indian tourists, with visitor numbers quadrupling in 2024 compared with the pre-pandemic period. According to Tourism Ministry data, 3,98,673 Indians travelled to Vietnam last year, drawn by easier connectivity and pocket-friendly travel options.
Other emerging destinations such as Georgia and Azerbaijan also recorded sharp growth. India’s footfalls to Georgia rose to 53,774 and to Azerbaijan to 1,56,882 in 2024 compared to 2019, though travel to Azerbaijan has slowed recently due to public sentiment following Operation Sindoor.
Hospitality and travel operators say Vietnam and Georgia are among the strongest performers this year. Wyndham Hotels’ Eurasia head noted that bookings across key international destinations have doubled, with Vietnam and Georgia standing out. Thomas Cook India and SOTC added that Vietnam, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are witnessing rising demand driven by improved flight links.
Premium markets like Japan and South Korea are also seeing steady momentum among Indian travellers. Tourism Ministry figures show 30.89 million Indians travelled abroad in 2025, marking a 10.79 per cent increase over the previous year. Four other destinations—Kazakhstan, Ireland, Uzbekistan and Portugal – recorded over 100 per cent growth in Indian arrivals in 2024.
Education has become an additional driver of travel to Central Asia, with 12-18 per cent of Indian arrivals in Georgia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan being students.
In absolute numbers, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the US, Thailand and Singapore continue to rank among the top destinations for Indians, with the UAE alone accounting for 25 per cent of all outbound Indian travellers.
