As India faced an intense heatwave during the fiscal year, more Indians than ever chose to travel abroad to escape the extreme temperatures. Outbound travel spending reached nearly $17 billion (INR 1,41,800 crore), a 24.4% increase compared to the previous year.
The surge in travel spending was largely driven by a desire to find relief from the sweltering heat, with many Indian travelers opting for cooler destinations. The India Meteorological Department had issued red alerts for extreme heat in several regions, which encouraged many to seek vacations in countries with milder climates.
Despite rising airfares, the demand for international travel has remained strong, as Indians continue to prioritize comfort and cooler environments during the peak of the heatwave.
