Indian visitors to Thailand are flocking to the Southeast Asian destination in droves according to data released by short-term holiday rental company Airbnb.
The company found that bookings by Indian nationals on their website increased by more than 60 per cent year-on-year between 2022 and 2023. The surge was particularly pronounced during the Holi and Easter long weekends, with searches for stays during this period increasing by more than 200 per cent.
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, India is the fifth largest inbound market for Thailand. This growth in interest amongst Indian travellers is credited to the government’s visa-free policy, which was recently extended till November 11, 2024, and the availability of various non-stop daily flights.
The growth in travel interest was also driven by India’s changing demographics and a new, more travel-inclined younger generation. It was found that Gen Z and Millennial Indian guests accounted for 80 percent of bookings in 2023.
According to Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s general manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, “Travellers from India on Airbnb continue to show their love for Thailand with a growing interest in exploring destinations across the country. In addition to some of Thailand’s top destinations, we see Indian guests also exploring lesser known areas and supporting a more inclusive tourism in Thailand that spreads economic opportunities to more people in more places, not just big cities.”
The top five most popular destinations for bookings by Indian nationals on Airbnb were Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Samui. Beach and city getaways were ranked as the foremost choice for travellers. The most booked Airbnb categories in Thailand were properties with pools, a tropical setting, whether they were near a beach or national park, and iconic cities.
The Airbnb data also revealed that duo and solo travellers types where the largest tourist cohort while small groups (3-5 people) and medium sized groups (more than five people) were the fastest growing cohort, increasing by approximately 67 per cent and 68 per cent year-on-year respectively in 2023.
Bajaj also noted that, “The Thai government’s extension of the visa waiver for citizens of both countries will further support and drive inbound tourism. There is [a] strong appetite for Thailand amongst Indian travellers and we will continue to support Thailand’s tourism initiatives and help to make Thailand top of mind amongst Indian travellers.”