This was the most-searched international travel destination by Indians in the first half of 2025. Find out which

The travel and tourism industry, in India and worldwide, has experienced remarkable growth since the end of the pandemic. According to The Times of India, Indians spent a total of $31.7 billion on trips abroad in the 2024 fiscal year, representing a 25% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, search data from travel platform Booking.com indicates that from January to June 2025, Indians have shown even greater interest in visiting this global hotspot. Scroll down to find out which.

This was the most-searched international travel destination by Indians in the first half of 2025. Find out which

According to Booking.com, Dubai ranked as the most-searched international travel destination by Indians between January and June 2025. Notably, Dubai attracted nearly 10 million visitors in the first half of 2025, with more than ten per cent of them coming from India.

Several factors contribute to the popularity of Dubai among Indian tourists. Flight tickets are affordable, the visa process is simple, and there are countless recreational options available. Visitors can enjoy shopping at luxury malls, marvel at breathtaking views from the top of the Burj Khalifa—the world’s tallest building, embark on a desert safari, experience the excitement of world-class theme parks, or simply relax by the beach.

The UAE’s no-income tax policy attracts many Indians seeking better work opportunities. According to data from the Indian Embassy in the UAE, as of 2024, around 4.3 million Indians reside in the UAE. Approximately 15% of them live in Abu Dhabi, while the rest are spread across the northern Emirates, including Dubai.

Additionally, the data revealed that Japan emerged as the most searched destination within Asia. Booking.com’s statistics from January to June 2025 indicated that Japan ranked among the top searches in 70 per cent of Asian markets, with Tokyo being the most searched city. Interestingly, Japanese travelers primarily searched within their own country, with Seoul as the only foreign city to make it into their top 10 list.