In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of foreign trips among Indians. From school and college students to working professionals and even families, everyone seems to be bitten by the travel bug. The craze for foreign destinations is not limited to just honeymoon trips to popular locations like Kashmir, Shimla, and Goa, but it has extended to more exotic destinations like the beaches of Thailand, Bali, and the Maldives. But what has led to this increase in the demand for foreign trips for Indian Traveler’s?
The Increasing Passport Culture in India :
One of the key factors contributing to the rise in foreign trips is the availability of passports. The Indian government’s policies have made the passport issuance process faster and hassle-free. With the implementation of the Digital India initiative, the online passport application process has become more efficient, and services like digilocker and e-governance have made it easier for applicants to access their passport-related documents. The Ministry of External Affairs has also introduced new passport policies to streamline the process, making it more convenient for applicants.
As a result of these measures, the number of passport issuing offices across the country has increased significantly. Currently, there are 521 passport issuing offices in India, with plans to establish more in rural areas and Northeast India. This has made it easier for people living in far-flung locations to obtain passports and fulfil their dream of traveling abroad.
Visa Regulations And International Travel For Indian Traveler’s :
The availability of visas plays a crucial role in determining the popularity of foreign destinations for Indian traveler’s. Several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, provide visa-free entry or visa on arrival facilities to Indian passport holders. This has made these destinations attractive for Indian tourists looking for affordable beach trips.
Malaysia, in particular, has made efforts to attract Indian traveler’s by eliminating visa requirements for both leisure and business purposes. The Malaysian Tourism Ministry has recognised the potential of Indian tourists and their contribution to the tourism sector, which accounts for 30% to 40% of their total tourism.
Additionally, countries like Iran and Kenya have also eased visa restrictions for Indian traveler’s, further expanding the options for foreign trips. However, it is important to note that visa policies can change, so it is always advisable to check the latest updates before planning a trip.
Indian Traveler’s Economic Impact :
The growing number of Indian traveler’s going abroad has had a positive impact on the economy. According to projections, Indian traveler’s are expected to spend a total of $410 billion by 2030. This makes India the fourth-largest global spender in the world tourism market. The increased outbound tourism has also led to a growth in the aviation sector. With airlines like Air India and Indigo playing a pivotal role in facilitating travel for Indian passengers.
It’s important to note that the rise in outbound tourism has also resulted in a significant outflow of foreign exchange. To mitigate this, the Reserve Bank of India has implemented the liberalised remittance scheme. That allowing individuals to remit up a sum of amount in a financial year for permissible purposes, including foreign travel.
The Psychological Impact of Foreign Trips :
The trend of foreign trips among Indians is not just driven by economic factors but also by psychological factors. The desire to explore new places, experience different cultures, and take a break from the mundane routine of daily life has led many Indians to embark on these trips. In fact, a survey conducted by an online lending platform revealed that a significant number of loan applicants were seeking funds specifically for travel purposes.
Different Booking platforms are also reported a surge in bookings from Indian traveler’s, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The confidence among Indian traveler’s to explore new destinations has been fuelled by Air. The availability of low-cost carriers like Air India and Indigo. They made foreign travel more accessible and affordable.
As Indians embrace the culture of foreign trips, the tourism sector is experiencing significant growth. The availability of passports, ease of visa policies, and the economic impact of Indian travelers are all contributing factors to this trend. However, it is important to approach foreign travel responsibly and consider factors. Like health advisories and security concerns before planning a trip. With the right policies and initiatives in place, India has the potential to become a global tourism hub and a true global citizen.