Wego travel app, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), revealed the most popular New Year destinations among Indian travellers this year.
Wego has observed a 15.10% increase in average search numbers for flight dates from 27 December to 31 December 2024 compared to last year. The increase indicates how busy both foreign and domestic entries are expected to be for the holiday season.
According to Wego data, Dubai emerges as the top destination for Indian travelers this New Year, renowned for its spectacular celebrations and home to an extensive Indian expat community. Following Dubai, other GCC destinations like Kuwait, Riyadh, Doha, and Muscat all rank as the next preferred destinations.
Riyadh’s Rise
Notably, Riyadh has witnessed a remarkable 20.61% year-over-year growth in searches, likely due to the popular Riyadh Season festival which features expansive family-friendly festivities this year and will run until March 2025.
Tropical Escapes
Alongside the Middle Eastern favorites, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Singapore also feature on the list of popular New Year destinations from India, indicating travellers’ preferences for tropical getaways. Thus, these cities continue to offer an inextricable blend of leisure as well as adventure, proving to be quite advantageous for people who want to escape the cold for a warm, festival-like escapade.
Domestic Hotspots
On the domestic front, Goa, New Delhi, and Mumbai top Wego’s list of hotspots for New Year celebrations, with their dynamic mix of nightlife and special year-end celebrations. “Indian travelers have always shown a keen interest in exploring new destinations, and the surge in demand for travel this year is a reflection of that,” said Bernard Corraya, General Manager of Wego India. “From the grand celebrations in Dubai to the vibrant cultural offerings of Riyadh, and the tropical escapes of Bali and Singapore, travelers are looking to make unforgettable memories.