India’s international travel landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities emerging as the dominant force driving outbound tourism, according to the India Outbound Travel Index 2025 released by TravClan.

The comprehensive study, which examined booking data from approximately 2,47,000 international passengers’ worth over ₹500 crore across 170+ plus destinations and identifies five structural shifts shaping how Indians travel abroad. This marks a significant realignment in the source markets for international travel demand.

Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kochi, Amritsar, and Pune have emerged as the fastest-growing outbound hubs, propelled by rising disposable incomes and enhanced regional air connectivity. The trend indicates that future growth in international travel will increasingly anchor itself in emerging urban centres rather than traditional metropolitan strongholds.

Arun Bagaria, Founder and CEO of TravClan, observed: “The centre of gravity for India’s outbound travel has shifted. Travel businesses cannot build strategies just around Delhi and Mumbai anymore we see consistent growth from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, driven by travellers who are digitally confident and decisive. Airlines, destinations, and travel brands need to embrace the next phase of outbound growth that will be built around these emerging markets.”

The index also highlights evolving destination preferences, with travellers gravitating toward markets offering strong air connectivity, competitive pricing, and diverse experiences. Vietnam recorded the highest growth in market share, gaining 4.01 percentage points, while Egypt, Japan, the Philippines, and Georgia saw significant increases in hotel bookings.

Booking patterns reveal increasingly shorter planning cycles, with over 42 percent of outbound trips finalized within a week of departure. Meanwhile, 21.9 % of travellers plan more than a month in advance, demonstrating digital confidence and price-responsive behavior, particularly on short-haul routes.

Low-cost carriers dominate leisure travel, accounting for nearly 70 percent of bookings to destinations like the Maldives and Thailand. Travellers are also extending their average stays across multiple destinations, indicating a shift toward deeper, experience-led travel rather than quick getaways.