Indian travellers are driving a sharp jump in tourist arrivals across several overseas destinations this year. Moscow, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea and Georgia are all seeing strong double digit growth. At the same time, interest in Azerbaijan and Turkey has dipped because of their support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Moscow is one of the biggest winners. In the first half of 2025, the city welcomed about forty thousand eight hundred visitors from India, which is a rise of about forty percent compared to last year. This makes India the second largest source of travellers to the Russian capital outside the former Soviet region, with China in first place. Data from the Moscow City Tourism Committee shows that almost ninety four percent of summer hotel bookings at three to five star properties on the platform Ostrovok came from visitors outside the former Soviet countries. Indians were a strong presence in the premium category. The new e visa system, processed in around four days without the need for invitations or hotel confirmations, has also helped. Moscow expects to attract as many as six million international travellers each year by 2030.
Vietnam is continuing its strong run. Between January and August 2025, the country received about four hundred forty three thousand visitors from India, which is forty two percent higher than last year. MakeMyTrip has introduced new packages to Phu Quoc, supported by upcoming direct flights from Air India Express. According to Rajesh Magow, cofounder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, new spots in Thailand and Vietnam are lifting demand, while bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey have dropped because of geopolitical issues. The Philippines is also seeing renewed interest after removing visa requirements for Indian tourists.
Japan is witnessing a strong rise as well. Data from the Japan National Travel Organization shows that the country received about two hundred thirty three thousand Indian visitors between January and September, which is a jump of more than thirty six percent. Thomas Cook India noted that Japan, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are having a strong season. Rajeev Kale, who heads holidays, MICE and visa at the company, said that the appreciating Indian rupee against the Sri Lankan rupee and the Vietnamese dong has made these destinations even more attractive. Travellers heading to Japan are also choosing longer itineraries and adding places like Sapporo along with Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Georgia recorded more than one hundred three thousand Indian visitors in the first nine months of the year, which is an increase of nineteen percent. Maia Omiadze of the Georgian National Tourism Administration said that the upward trend reflects the country’s growing appeal, improved air links and deeper partnerships with Indian travel companies. India continues to be one of Georgia’s fastest growing markets.
South Korea is riding the continued popularity of K pop, K drama and K beauty. The country received about one hundred fifty three thousand visitors from India between January and September, up thirteen percent. Myong Kil Yun of the Korea Tourism Organization said that interest is rising in cities like Busan, Gangneung and Gyeongju.
Dubai remains a major favourite for Indian travellers. The emirate welcomed about two point zero five million visitors from India in the first nine months of 2025, contributing to a total of nearly fourteen million international overnight arrivals. According to Bader Ali Habib of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the city aims to build on this momentum through the final quarter with strong travel interest, expanded air connectivity and a busy events calendar.
Travel companies say that the Philippines is also gaining ground because of visa free entry for Indians. S D Nandakumar of SOTC Travel said that the country offers strong value for money and a wide range of experiences.
