TBM Staff - Mumbai The newly implemented visa waiver programs in Malaysia and Thailand for Indian travelers are proving successful. Agoda’s search data indicates that the 30-day and 90-day tourist visas, respectively, have significantly boosted the demand for travel to these two Southeast Asian markets.
Thailand, a favored holiday destination, has experienced a surge in popularity since the recent visa relaxation, witnessing a 44% increase in searches from India. Additionally, Agoda’s insights reveal a substantial increase in searches from India to Malaysia, with a 49% rise in January compared to October last year.
Agoda has revealed that, following the visa relaxations, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has surpassed Dubai to become the most favored outbound city destination for Indians. Additionally, Pattaya, Thailand’s beach destination, has climbed from fifth to third place. The current top five city destinations for Indians are Bangkok, Dubai, Pattaya, Singapore, and Bali, respectively.
Recent visa relaxations in the APAC region benefited Indian travelers. Several markets in Asia have announced policy changes specifically for Indian and Chinese travelers, with potential similar measures under consideration. The Henley Passport Index indicates that Indian travelers currently have visa-free access to 62 countries.
Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda, stated, “With Malaysia and Thailand taking the lead in visa waivers, the allure of Southeast Asia is evidently gaining momentum. The newfound convenience of visiting many of these destinations without the burden of extensive paperwork is likely to further inspire Indian travelers to explore international destinations.”
At the forefront of simplifying travel with over 3.9 million holiday properties, flights, and activities available for booking. For Indian tourists seeking to explore these premier destinations, Agoda’s platform serves as an ideal gateway for a hassle-free and memorable travel experience.
