Indians register record global travel in 2024

India registered the country’s highest number of outbound travelers in 2024, according to Travel Trends 2025, the annual Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report. The report states that Indian tourists are exploring a ‘broad mix’ of tourist places. Of them, the top three are Abu Dhabi, Hanoi and Bali, due to the direct flight connectivity and a rapidly growing middle class, showing eagerness to travel.

The report states that Asia-Pacific is home to eight of the world’s top 15 trending summer travel destinations. It also states that passions and purpose-driven motivations are the strong drivers shaping the travel industry. Geopolitical dynamics and exchange rates can also influence behavior of the tourists.

Tokyo and Osaka are world’s top two trending destinations for summer travel (between June-September 2025), which registered a heavy influx of tourists so far compared to the previous levels.

In 2024, Tokyo climbed from the number two spot it held in 2023 to the top position displaying the demand it has among tourist during the peak summer season. Nha Trang in Vietnam made a surprise entry inbto the list, due to its beautiful beaches, enviable coastline and vibrant nightlife.

The report said that a weaker yen throughout much of 2024 played a significant role in boosting Japan’s tourism, making the country a compelling destination for visitors.

Travellers were found to give priority to dining, nature, and wellness as key motivators for travel, seeking meaningful moments over simple sightseeing. Gianyar in Bali, Indonesia, known for its iconic Babi Guling spit-roasted pork, and Queenstown in New Zealand, stand out as globalized culinary hotspots, the report said.

Sports tourism also continues to show an upward tick. Australian Open tennis tournament and Baseball World series in Los Angeles drew significant number of tourists. Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut also saw Japanese tourists increase by 91%.