Explore the burgeoning Indian outbound market at ATM 2024 in Dubai, highlighting India’s travel sector growth, economic impact, and tourism opportunities.

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India’s Outbound Market Boom

By the end of this decade, the Indian outbound market is projected to reach an impressive $143.5 billion annually.

This significant growth places the Indian tourism sector in the limelight during the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024.

Scheduled to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 6-9, this event promises to showcase the burgeoning potential of India’s travel and tourism industry.

India’s Preferred Destinations

A joint report by booking.com and McKinsey reveals that 70% of Indians travelling abroad prefer destinations within proximity, with a considerable one-third opting for the Middle East.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the preferred regional destination, followed by Saudi Arabia.

The Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) highlights that India remains Dubai’s top source market, with a staggering 1.9 million visitors in just the first ten months of 2023 alone.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia sets its sights on attracting 7.5 million visitors by 2030.

Tracking India’s Travel Evolution

The trajectory of India’s outbound travel is nothing short of remarkable.

Before the pandemic in 2019, Indian travellers embarked on 26.9 million overseas trips.

Fast forward to 2030, this number is expected to soar to 50 million departures, underscoring India’s outbound market’s massive growth and potential.

Middle-Class Surge Fuels Travel Boom

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at Arabian Travel Market, points to India’s expanding middle class as a key driver of the outbound travel boom.

In 2020, 37 million households in India boasted annual incomes between $10,000 and $35,000.

This figure is anticipated to leap to 177 million households by 2030 thanks to rapid economic growth.

Additionally, the segment of households earning over $35,000 annually is expected to increase sixfold to 13 million by 2030.

With India’s median age at 28, it is clear why the country is poised to be one of the top three fastest-growing outbound markets globally, with travel expenditure projected to hit $410 billion by 2030.

Preferences of Indian Travelers

The enthusiasm for travel among Indian tourists is not just about quantity but also quality.

A survey by Acko Insurance reveals that most Indian travellers are willing to spend up to $7,000 on international trips, with Dubai emerging as a favourite city destination thanks to its proximity and just a three-hour flight from Mumbai.

Moreover, increased connectivity and affordable flights from India’s tier-two cities are boosting demand, alongside the significant role of over 8.5 million Indian expatriates working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in driving both business travel and leisure.

ATM 2024

ATM 2024 is set to welcome a record number of travel professionals, offering unprecedented opportunities for networking, business contacts, and deep dives into the Indian travel sector.

Highlighting the event is a dedicated India Summit to unlock the potential of inbound Indian travellers.

This summit will explore the dynamics, current trends, and future opportunities within this vibrant market.

Empowering Innovation in Travel

Aligning with the theme “Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,” ATM 2024 will connect stakeholders from the Middle East and beyond, fostering innovation and transformation in the travel industry.

The event boasts strategic partnerships with key entities such as Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Al Rais Travel, and Rotana Hotels & Resorts, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging platform for all participants.

As ATM 2024 approaches, anticipation builds for an event that showcases India’s growing influence in the global tourism sector and sets the stage for future growth and innovation in travel and hospitality.