Indian travellers are increasingly shifting their summer holiday plans away from Europe toward Asian destinations, driven by rising travel costs, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and a preference for easier visa access. Data from major travel firms shows a 10-15% decline in European bookings, while travel to Asian markets grew by up to 35% year-on-year.
Why are Indian tourists choosing Asia over Europe?
The primary drivers for this shift are economic constraints and simplified travel logistics. According to Bharatt Malik, senior vice-president, air and hotel business at Yatra Online, higher airfares to Europe and increased overall trip costs have made traditional long-haul vacations less attractive. Furthermore, the conflict in West Asia discouraged many families from booking itineraries that required transit through the region.
Travel companies report that the “eastward pull” is no longer limited to standard hubs like Bangkok or Singapore. Pallavi Saxena, chief marketing and revenue officer at Cleartrip, notes that newer markets such as Almaty are now entering the mix, broadening the range of options for Indian tourists.
Bookings to the Philippines on Cleartrip have tripled from a year earlier.
How do booking trends compare between regions?
The contrast between European and Asian interest is becoming stark in industry data. Yatra Online reported that Asia accounted for a larger share of their international bookings this year, while Europe’s share dropped from 23-27% in 2025 to 15-20% in the current cycle. Pickyourtrail CEO and co-founder Hari Ganapathy states that while travellers still seek premium experiences, they are now more conscious of visa timelines, flight routes, and overall convenience.
| Destination | Reported Growth |
|---|---|
| Japan (Pickyourtrail) | >150% |
| Thailand (Pickyourtrail) | 60-65% |
| Vietnam (Thomas Cook India) | 20-25% |
What is the outlook for long-haul travel?
Industry experts emphasize that Europe remains an aspirational destination. Rajeev Kale, president and country head-holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, describes the change as a “diversification of destination choices.” He notes that travellers are increasingly balancing long-haul holidays with shorter, experience-rich getaways in Asia.
By choosing destinations like South Korea, Mauritius, or Sri Lanka, Indian tourists are optimizing their budgets without sacrificing the quality of their vacation experiences.
When planning a summer holiday, look for “shoulder season” windows in Asian markets to further reduce costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are airfares to Europe currently higher?
Industry reports indicate that higher airfares to Europe and increased overall trip costs have influenced destination choices.
Which Asian countries are seeing the highest growth?
Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia are currently leading the growth in bookings for Indian travellers, according to data from Yatra Online, Pickyourtrail, and SOTC Travel.
Are Indian travellers abandoning Europe entirely?
No. Industry experts like Rajeev Kale of Thomas Cook (India) suggest that travellers are diversifying their portfolios, balancing long-haul holidays with shorter, experience-rich getaways.
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