Lure of the ‘foreign’ trip

It is an inevitable event – the growth of the Indian outbound. From time immemorial, we have been known to value international holidays more than the ones taken in India, or even in our neighbouring countries. It holds brag value. But why is that? It could possibly be the level of development in these countries, their robust currency, the wonderful things we can buy from there and therefore the high export duties India puts on them. It’s a combination if many things.

But the tables have somewhat turned now and destinations are now equally keen to attract this segment. This is because the UNWTO predicts that this India outbound tourism market is likely to generate around US$ 62 billion by 2026. This is up for grabs for whoever can package themselves well and get on top of the mind of travellers looking for a break. The timing could not have been right. Indians are keener than ever to pack their bags, and the world is an oyster for them now.