ATM 2024: UAE is top destination for Indian travellers
Indians are willing to spend up to $7,000 on international trips
Dubai: Driving by the growing middle class, India has become one of the top three fastest-growing outbound tourism markets in the world.
With the Indian outbound market forecast to be worth $143.5 billion annually by the end of this decade, the Indian tourism sector will come under the spotlight during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 31st edition from 6-9 May.
Nearby destinations
According to a report by booking.com and McKinsey, 70% of Indians traveling overseas choose nearby destinations, with one-third choosing destinations in the Middle East. The UAE is the top regional destination, followed by Saudi Arabia.
Dubai: India’s top destination
According to the DET, India is Dubai’s top source market, with 1.9 million visitors in the first 10 months of 2023. Saudi Arabia is aiming for 7.5 million visitors by 2030.
To illustrate the sheer size and potential growth of India’s overall outbound market, before the pandemic in 2019, Indians made 26.9 million overseas trips; the report predicts that by 2030, that number could increase to 50 million departures.
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Growing middle class
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The boom in outbound travel from India is being driven primarily by the growing middle class. In 2020, only 37 million households had annual incomes between $10,000 and $35,000, but due to India’s rapid economic growth, by 2030 that number will rise significantly to 177 million households.
“More specifically, households earning over $35,000 per annum will also increase from two million in 2020 to 13 million by 2030, a sixfold increase!
“And with India’s median age being just 28 years, it’s little wonder that the UNWTO recognizes India as one of the top three fastest-growing outbound markets in the world. By 2030, India’s total travel expenditure will be valued at $410 billion.
“Putting that into perspective, before Covid, in 2019, it was worth just $150 billion, an increase of 173%.”
Big spendings
Furthermore, it is not just the volume of Indian travelers that is getting Middle East destinations excited. According to a survey by Acko Insurance, the majority of Indian travelers who responded were willing to spend up to $7,000 on international trips.
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Why Gulf countries
Another reason already alluded to is the proximity of the Gulf states, Dubai is the most popular city destination for Indian travelers, just three hours flight time from Mumbai. In addition, increased connectivity and affordable air travel from tier-two cities are also driving demand, particularly direct flights with low-cost carriers.
“And with over 8.5 million Indian expatriates currently working in the GCC, business travel and leisure, will undoubtedly underpin this growth,” added Curtis.
ATM 2024 is expecting a record number of travel professionals representing outbound as well as inbound travel to India. Delegates, exhibitors, and attendees will be given ample opportunity to network and make new and business contacts as well as the opportunity to explore the Indian travel sector through various show features, including a dedicated India Summit, which will look deeper into this vibrant market.
Dedicated India summit
ATM 2024 will feature a dedicated India summit entitled, ‘Unlocking the True Potential of Inbound Indian Travellers, ’ which will take place at ATM’s Global Stage on Day 1 of the show, Monday 6th May, from 14:45 to 15:25 in conjunction with VIDEC Consultants Private Limited. The Summit will explore the dynamics of India as a key source market for tourism growth, as well as current and future opportunities.
Partners
Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner and Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Registration Sponsor.