A new survey by global travel platform Agoda reveals that 67 per cent of Indian travellers are returning to their favorite destinations, underscoring a deep-rooted love for places like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These countries have emerged as the ultimate hotspots for repeat visitors from India, according to Agoda’s latest Return Visitor Ranking. Following closely behind are Singapore and France, which also remain popular among Indian travellers.
The survey, conducted on the Agoda platform earlier this month, targeted travellers who had just booked a new trip to their favorite destination. The findings indicate that a significant portion of these travellers—42 per cent—are driven by a thirst for adventure. Other key reasons for their repeat visits include the allure of local cuisine (22 per cent), a deep appreciation for arts and culture (20 per cent), and the desire to reunite with family and friends (20 per cent).
Among repeat travellers, 58 per cent have visited their favorite destination between one and three times over the past decade. Remarkably, 4 per cent of respondents have returned to the same destination ten times or more, highlighting the enduring appeal of these travel spots.
“While some make it a habit to globetrot, others find pleasure in revisiting their favorite destinations,” said Krisha Rathi, Senior Country Director, India Subcontinent and Maldives, Agoda. “Our Return Visitor Ranking shows that for Indian travellers, Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali are more than just destinations—they are experiences that travellers crave to relive. Agoda is proud to facilitate these journeys, offering a diverse range of accommodations, flights, and activities to make every trip enjoyable, whether it’s your first or your tenth.”
This shift towards destination weddings is particularly strong among younger couples, with nearly half (49 per cent) of Gen Z respondents expressing a desire to tie the knot in a dream location, compared to 33 per cent of Millennials. High-profile weddings, such as the Ambani wedding, have inspired many Indians to opt for lavish pre-wedding festivities, with 66 per cent planning grand celebrations to mark their wedding milestones.
When asked about the factors that make these destinations irresistible, Indian travellers frequently cited ‘Local Cuisine,’ ‘Ease of Travel,’ and ‘Affordability.’ Additionally, 30 per cent of respondents noted that ‘Friendly Locals’ played a significant role in their decision to return.From an Asia-wide perspective, the survey highlights Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam as the top destinations that travellers across the continent can’t get enough of. ‘Ease of Travel’ emerged as the leading motivator for these repeat visits, with 44 per cent of Asian travellers listing it as their primary reason for returning to their favorite spots.
The Return Visitor Ranking survey was conducted via the Agoda platform between August 1 and 19, 2024, and included over 4,000 participants from 10 markets, including Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
