Agoda reports 24% increase in travel interest for India on Diwali, Ettravelworld

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Digital travel platform, Agoda, is growing by 24 percent during the upcoming Diwali holiday week, driven by a significant uptick in travel interest to India, a mix of domestic and international travelers.

Domestic demand continues to be the largest contributor, climbing to 18 percent within India. International demand among foreign travelers is accelerating compared to the same period last year.

South Korea ranked among the top ten international markets with searches increasing more than 45 times a year. From Southeast Asia, interest from Thailand nearly doubled, while Malaysia rose 25 percent. Outside the region, travel demand from the United Arab Emirates rose 87 percent and search from the United States rose 28 percent, reflecting India’s broad appeal in both regional and long-haul markets.

The cultural significance of Diwali remains central to this demand. The festival not only offers spectacular displays of lamps and fireworks, but also gives travelers an opportunity to experience India’s heritage, sample festive cuisine and participate in community-centric celebrations. The combination of visual spectacle and cultural immersion makes it a compelling reason for repeat visits from both domestic and international audiences.

Goa was the most sought-after destination for the festive season, followed by Udaipur and Jaipur, 49 percent and 46 percent respectively, highlighting its cultural appeal. Searches for New Delhi doubled, while Mumbai reaffirmed its status as the main metropolitan hub for Diwali celebrations.

Commenting on these trends, Gaurav Malik, Country Director for Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, “Diwali is great to experience the unique cultural festivals that India has to offer. Along with consistent demand from regions like South Korea, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, how these concepts are resonating across the fringes of cultural travel and making India a vibrant, welcoming place for a diverse global audience known as the welcome place. ”

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