US top source of international visitors for Diwali in India: Agoda

Goa, Mumbai, Chennai and Jaipur are other popular destinations, according to travel booking firm

The United States (US) will be the top source of international travellers coming to India for Diwali celebrations, according to travel platform Agoda that cited data on searches.

 

New Delhi, Goa and Mumbai are the most-searched destinations; Goa is most favoured by domestic tourists. Searches for hotel accommodation have increased 17 per cent compared to last year.

 

After the US, people in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan show the most interest in experiencing the festival in India.

 

New Delhi is the most sought-after destination by international travelers. It is followed by Goa, Mumbai, Chennai and Jaipur. These cities offer a perfect blend of traditional festivities and modern amenities, making them ideal for experiencing the essence of Diwali, according to Agoda.

 

The ranking is based on accommodation searches in India made on Agoda’s platform between August 15 and September 16, 2024 for check-in between October 29 and November 3.

 

Domestic travel on the rise

 

Domestic travel is vibrant, with Agoda reporting a 23 per cent growth in accommodation searches. Goa emerges as the top choice for Indian travellers, followed by Udaipur, Mumbai, Pondicherry, and Jaipur.

 

“Diwali is a time when the world increasingly turns its eyes to India. It comes as no surprise that New Delhi and Goa are leading the charge in attracting both international and domestic travellers, as both destinations have so much to offer in terms of culture and exploration, especially at this festive time,” said Krishna Rathi, senior country director India subcontinent and MEA at Agoda.

 

The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) has announced a Diwali Special series of domestic and international air tour packages.

 

According to IRCTC, domestic tour packages include trips to Odisha (November 5, 2024), Vibrant Saurashtra (November 2, 2024), Varanasi & Ayodhya (November 10, 2024), Assam & Meghalaya (November 3, 2024), Kerala (November 5, 2024), Gangtok & Darjeeling (November 10, 2024), and the Rann of Kutch (November 15, 2024). These packages also encompass all essential elements such as return flights, hotel stays, meals, sightseeing, travel insurance, and GST.