Niyo Travel Report: The year 2024 witnessed a surge in spontaneity among Indian international travellers, with nearly half of Indian travellers making last-minute plans
As per Niyo’s 2024 Travel Report, India’s leading travel-banking fintech platform, 48% of flight bookings this year were made just 0-7 days before travel. This trend was supported by easier travel access, with 58 countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival options to Indian passport holders.
Niyo’s data also showed a mix of impulsive and planned trips. While many travellers booked flights at short notice, 30% of visa applications were submitted 16-30 days before travel, suggesting some level of preparation. On average, Niyo processed over 1,000 visa bookings per month, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for international travel.
Short holidays were the most popular in 2024, with 66% of trips lasting less than seven days. However, 17% of travellers opted for extended breaks of 15 days or more, balancing quick getaways with long, indulgent holidays.
With this increase in travel, more people also focused on safety. Niyo recorded 7,395 travel insurance policies sold in 2024, worth a total of ₹43.2 crores. Younger travellers especially prioritised protection, often choosing insurance plans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000.
Dubai was the top international destination for Indian travellers, attracting 45% of holidaymakers with its luxurious shopping and entertainment. Vietnam, known for its culture and natural beauty, drew 15%, while smaller numbers chose Oman and Japan, accounting for 1% each.
Pop culture also played a role in travel choices. The TV shows like Emily in Paris inspired many Indian women to visit France, with 30% choosing France as their destination, followed by the UK (29%) and Singapore (26%). Male travellers leaned towards Thailand, with 80% preferring its beaches and vibrant nightlife, followed by the UAE (77%) and the USA (76%).
Indian travellers are paying more attention to comfort. Niyo’s data showed that 13% of travellers opted for extra services, such as pre-booked meals, seat selection, and additional baggage, highlighting a growing demand for personalised travel experiences.
Vinay Bagri, Co-founder and CEO of Niyo, said, “The rise in spontaneous travel among Indians is driven by several factors. Our country’s strengthened diplomatic ties have made access to more countries easier, while the aspirations of India’s growing middle class are focused on experiencing the world. Additionally, platforms like ours have used technology to simplify banking and travel bookings, making last-minute plans possible. At Niyo, we are committed to making international travel hassle-free for Indians, empowering them to explore the world with confidence.”
Niyo’s 2024 Travel Report highlights the evolving mindset of Indian travellers, who are embracing flexibility, prioritising experiences, and benefiting from streamlined travel processes. With a customer base of 1.5 million, Niyo began offering zero-forex markup credit and debit cards in partnership with banks in 2019. Since then, it has expanded to provide insurance, flight and visa bookings, travel services, and outward remittance solutions.
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