Indian Outbound Market Trends Toward Internet

The latest India Outbound Travel Monitor conducted by The Nielsen Company in partnership with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) argues that with over half of Indian travelers using the Internet to search for information about destinations abroad, travel operators and tourist bodies need an effective online presence if they are to capture India’s early adopters and increasingly affluent travelers.

The survey shows that, while traditional media such as newspapers and magazines remain the primary source for travel advertising and information for many, the Internet has become a popular advertising channel –drawing greater attention among Indian outbound travelers. The online platform is also gaining in popularity among travelers from India’s smaller cities.

Conducted using face-to-face interviews with a fully structured questionnaire in July and August, the Nielsen India Outbound Travel Monitor is a nationwide study surveying 2,000 male and female consumers aged 18 and over who have traveled outside India in the last 12 months and stayed at least two nights away from home.

The Monitor studies traveler behavior, attitudes and opinions about traveling and provides insight into decision making processes, information sourcing, booking choices, accommodation and more.