OVERSEAS TRAVEL OF INDIANS ON RISE

The number of Indians travelling abroad went up by 21 per cent in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, with Dubai emerging as the most preferred destination, a survey said. While Dubai has emerged as the number one destination, the USA is the favourite country among Indian travellers, according to the report, 'Outbound Travel Trends', released here by global travel website Trip Advisor. The findings are based on website traffic during the period between January 1 and June 30, 2014. Trip Advisor, however, did not given actual number of visitors visited abroad. When it comes to emerging destinations, data reveals that Belize, in the northeastern coast of Central America, has topped the list, while China is number one in the emerging country list, it said. "From destination preferences, to cuisine choices, to what Indian travellers like to do while on holiday, outbound travel lookback for the first half of 2014, reveals a lot about the way Indian travel. "With interest in destinations such as Belize, Brazil, Tokyo and Bhutan growing at a rapid pace and alternate forms of accommodation such as vacation rentals or bed-and-breakfast being used while on a foreign vacation, Indian travellers definitely seem to be coming of age," TripAdvisor India Country Manager Nikhil Ganju said. It seems Indians are moving away from being traditional holiday goers with respect to lodging preferences, the report said. Global statistics show that almost 30 per cent go for options like bed-and-breakfast, vacation rentals compared to hotels (70 per cent), it said, adding that almost 50 per cent outbound Indians opt for rooms up to Rs 5,000 per night. When it comes to recreational activities, global numbers indicate that majority of Indian travellers prefer outdoor activities.