Tourexpi
Digital travel platform Agoda identifies Thailand and
Malaysia as the most sought-after visa-free international destinations among
Indian travellers. Indonesia remains the leading choice among visa-on-arrival
(VOA) markets. The findings are based on accommodation search patterns and
point to rising interest in Asian destinations offering simplified entry
requirements.
Visa accessibility shapes destination demand
Agoda analysed accommodation searches generated in
India between 1 and 18 January 2026 for check-in periods spanning February and
March 2026. The data indicates that travellers increasingly favour destinations
combining uncomplicated entry policies with leisure and cultural appeal.
Among all visa-free and VOA destinations, Thailand
ranked first, followed by Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Thailand and Indonesia maintain strong positions, supported by their mix of
beaches, cultural attractions and outdoor activities. Malaysia continues to
attract interest with its combination of urban experiences and nature-based
tourism.
Sri Lanka records strong growth
Sri Lanka emerged as one of the fastest-growing
destinations, registering a 61 percent increase in accommodation searches
compared with the previous year. Agoda attributes this growth to geographic
proximity and a broad spectrum of travel experiences.
The Maldives remains a consistent draw for Indian
travellers, particularly among those seeking premium island holidays and
short-haul luxury stays.
Emerging destinations gain visibility
Beyond the top five, several destinations recorded
notable search growth. The Philippines ranked sixth, showing a 73 percent
year-on-year increase, driven largely by demand for beach and adventure travel.
Kazakhstan and Bhutan also featured among the most
searched destinations, reflecting growing curiosity for culturally distinctive
and nature-focused experiences. Laos ranked tenth overall and recorded the
strongest growth rate, with accommodation searches rising by 97 percent
compared with last year.
Changing travel preferences
“Indian travellers are becoming increasingly
intentional about their travel choices, with ease of visa accessibility playing
a decisive role,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent
& Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda.
He noted that Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report
showed that visa restrictions significantly influence travel frequency.
According to the study, a large majority of Indian respondents indicated they
would travel more often and explore new destinations if visa barriers were
reduced.
Shift toward hassle-free international travel
The data underscores a broader shift in outbound
travel behaviour. Indian travellers are demonstrating stronger interest in
destinations that balance value, accessibility and experiential diversity.
Visa-free and VOA markets across Asia continue to benefit from this trend.
Agoda currently offers access to more than six million
accommodation listings worldwide, alongside extensive flight and activity
options.
Image
Credit: © AA
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