Indian travellers are approaching tourism in 2023 with a renewed sense of optimism. The COVID-19 pandemic has finally started to recede, and people are eager to travel again. 

Over the past months, we have witnessed a distinct shift in how Indian people approach travel and explore their own country. There has been a significant increase in domestic tourism in India. People are travelling more often and for longer periods. They are also more willing to spend money on travel experiences.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, India saw a total of 350M domestic tourist visits in the period of Jan 2023 - June 2023, which is 13.2% higher than 2022’s figures. This increase in domestic tourism can be attributed to several factors, including the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the rise of staycations, and the growing popularity of adventure tourism.

Here are some of the key trends that have been observed in Indian tourism in the first six months of 2023:

Increase in the number of women travellers: The number of women travellers to India has been steadily increasing in recent years. This is due in part to the growing safety and security of the country, as well as the increasing number of women-friendly travel products and services.

Rise of digital tourism: Digital tourism is growing rapidly in India, as more and more tourists are using online platforms to plan and book their trips. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

Increase in long-haul travel: People are now more willing to travel long distances for their vacations. This is being driven by several factors, including the increasing affordability of air travel, the growing popularity of workcations, and the desire to explore new cultures.

Growth of adventure tourism: Adventure tourism is becoming increasingly popular in India, as tourists seek out new and exciting experiences. This is driven by the country's diverse landscape, which offers a variety of opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Rise of sustainable tourism: Sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important to Indian travellers. They are looking for ways to travel that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. This is reflected in the growing popularity of eco-tourism and community-based tourism.

The Indian tourism industry is showing signs of recovery in 2023. The travel trends that have been observed in the first six months of the year are positive, and they suggest that the industry is well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come.