Growing disposable incomes, increasing numbers of Indians are travelling abroad for leisure and/or business. Asian countries are their most popular destinations according to the Nielsen India Outbound Travel Monitor 2008, conducted in partnership with the Pacific Asia Travel  Association (PATA).

"A consumption-driven economy coupled with a population keen to explore the world, India is well positioned for a booming travel and tourism industry," said Vatsala Pant, Associate Director, The Nielsen Company. "As our survey reveals, most of India’s outbound travellers hail from urban centres, they are well educated and well informed about the world and are eager to learn more through international travel."

Sightseeing tops the list for nearly two thirds (64%) as the main reason for Indians travelling abroad, followed by exploring a new country for close to one half (47%). About a quarter travels overseas for a change from daily routine or to de-stress, for having a good time, and for visiting family and friends.

According to Oliver Martin, Associate Director - Strategic Intelligence Centre, PATA, "As one of the world’s most populated nations and with a rapidly expanding middle class, India offers huge potential as an outbound market supplying millions of potential travellers, PATA is projecting a relatively strong growth rate for India’s outbound travel in the coming two years."

Accounting for 72% of the most recent leisure trips and 63% of business trips, Asia is the most popular destination for Indians when heading overseas. Other regions such as Europe attract a greater percentage (18%) of Indian travellers for business rather than pleasure (14%). 

Nature and the environment (62%), culture and art (53%), safety (50%) and hygiene (48%) are the most important considerations for travellers when selecting their next travel destination.

According to the Nielsen Outbound Travel Monitor, Singapore is the most common travel destination for Indians (24%) in the next 12 months, followed by Dubai, Australia, and Malaysia, each at 17%.

On an average, Indians spend nearly US$ 1,789 per person per leisure trip. Other than travel and accommodation, Indians spend mostly on global branded goods. Accessories, electronics, local souvenirs, fine gifts, fragrances and fashion also rank high on Indian travellers’ shopping list.

With its growing popularity and penetration in India, the Internet has fast become one of the most popular sources of information on destinations for close to half (48%) of those surveyed, behind travel agents and tour operators (56%). Other popular sources are newspapers/magazines (38%) and recommendation from others (23%).

However, conventional channels remain popular when it comes to making actual holiday bookings. While 12% of Indians make their bookings through online travel agents, a majority go through regular travel agents or tour operators. One fifth of travellers would also book directly through friends/relatives at the destination country.

While booking over the Internet is becoming more popular, visiting a travel agent for direct and personal interaction is still important and preferred by many Indian consumers.