Indian travel agents revealed on Wednesday that an increasing number of Indian travelers are favoring the Middle East as their preferred destination. This observation comes in the wake of India’s largest airline, IndiGo, introducing additional flights to the region. IndiGo, holding a significant share of around 58 percent in India’s domestic aviation market, inaugurated two fresh non-stop flights connecting Ahmedabad to Jeddah and Abu Dhabi last Friday.
The carrier said it aims to “expand travel connections and fortify ties between India and the Middle East.”

“As part of our commitment to enhancing accessibility and bridging India with international markets, we are thrilled to announce the commencement of flights between Ahmedabad and two prominent Middle Eastern cities, Abu Dhabi as well as Jeddah,” IndiGo head of global sales, Vinay Malhotra, said in a statement.

“These new routes will not only offer travelers increased choices for vacations and business, but also facilitate trade, particularly from Ahmedabad, known for its robust textile industry,” he said.

“IndiGo is extremely pleased to enhance flight connectivity between India and the UAE as well as the KSA.”

The Middle East has increasingly become the choice destination for many Indian travelers, travel agents said.

“Since 2020 there has been a jump in the number of people going toward the Middle East countries, and the main reason is business and tourism,” Rajeev Chhajer, of Ahmedabad-based RC Events India, told Arab News.

Some Indians in Gujarat state, where Ahmedabad is located, also prefer to go to cities such as Dubai due to its relative proximity and because “the destination offers a good experience,” said tour operator Ajay Modi.

Manish Sharma, director of Ahmedabad-based Akshar Travels, echoed a similar sentiment.

“Middle East countries now know that tourism is one way of keeping the economy moving. That’s why these countries are opening themselves and allowing Indians to explore the region. Indians are going not only for tourism but also business,” Sharma told Arab News.

Real estate is prospering, and Indians are going to explore the area for businesses and jobs, he added. “Plus, the region is closer to us and very friendly.”

Middle East countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have also been heavily promoting their tourist attractions, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, prompting airlines to add more flights serving these routes.

“Considering Jeddah and Abu Dhabi as bustling tourism destinations, people are yearning to explore more than ever before. In light of this sentiment, and in an endeavor to enhance international connectivity and to meet the surging demand for air travel, this kind of expansion was the need of the hour,” Jyoti Mayal, president of the Travel Agents Association of India, told Arab News.

“Both KSA and UAE have rolled out a string of new projects and campaigns giving greater visibility that is wooing the Indian traveler. Patrons can now experience the benchmark hospitality and unparalleled service in these places.”

Major players in India’s tourism industry have previously said Saudi Arabia will become a big new destination for Indian travelers, with visitor numbers from the South Asian country expected to double this year.

In February, the Saudi Tourism Authority organized a sequence of promotional initiatives in India, which has heightened the curiosity of Indian tourists, as per Abhishek Sharma, situated in Agra, where the iconic Taj Mahal is located.

Sharma mentioned, “Saudi Arabia recently conducted tourism promotion activities in India, and this has attracted the interest of the populace.”

He pointed out that the surge in tourism activity within the Kingdom can be attributed to its progressive visa policy and the country’s newfound spirit of openness.