Indian Tourists Embrace Moscow, Vietnam, and Japan as Geopolitical Changes Influence Travel Choices
Indian travelers are significantly boosting tourist numbers in various international destinations this year, with notable increases reported in Moscow, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and Georgia. This surge comes despite a decline in interest towards Azerbaijan and Turkey, attributed to their support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Moscow has emerged as a key beneficiary, experiencing a remarkable 40% increase in Indian tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025, making India its second-largest source of visitors outside the former Soviet Union.
Moscow’s Rising Popularity
Moscow has seen a substantial influx of Indian tourists, with 40,800 arrivals recorded in the first half of 2025, marking a 40% increase compared to the previous year. This surge positions India as the second-largest source of tourists for the Russian capital, following China. According to the Moscow City Tourism Committee, nearly 94% of summer bookings at three- to five-star hotels came from non-CIS travelers, a rise from 85% in the previous year. The introduction of e-visas, which can be processed in just four days without the need for hotel confirmations, has further facilitated this growth. Moscow aims to attract up to six million international tourists annually by 2030, highlighting its commitment to enhancing its tourism sector.
Vietnam’s Continued Appeal
Vietnam has also emerged as a favored destination for Indian travelers, recording 443,000 visitors in the first eight months of 2025, a remarkable increase of 42.2% from the previous year. The rising demand has prompted travel companies like MakeMyTrip to introduce new packages to popular locations such as Phu Quoc, supported by upcoming direct flights from Air India Express. Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, noted that new destinations within Thailand and Vietnam are driving this demand. Additionally, the Philippines is gaining traction among Indian tourists following the removal of visa requirements, further enhancing its appeal.
Japan and Georgia Experience Growth
Japan has witnessed a significant rise in Indian visitors, with preliminary data from the Japan National Travel Organization indicating 233,400 arrivals between January and September, reflecting a 36.6% increase from the previous year. Thomas Cook India reported that Japan, along with Vietnam and Sri Lanka, is enjoying a strong travel season. The favorable exchange rate of the Indian rupee against the Sri Lankan rupee and the Vietnamese dong has made these destinations even more attractive for Indian travelers. Meanwhile, Georgia recorded 103,968 Indian visitors in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 19% increase. Maia Omiadze, head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration, attributed this growth to enhanced connectivity and partnerships with Indian travel companies.
South Korea and Dubai Remain Popular
South Korea continues to attract Indian tourists, with 153,619 arrivals recorded between January and September, a 13% increase. The popularity of K-pop, K-drama, and K-beauty has contributed to this trend, with rising interest in cities like Busan, Gangneung, and Gyeongju. Additionally, Dubai remains a major destination for Indian travelers, welcoming 2.05 million South Asian visitors in the first nine months of 2025. This contributed to Dubai’s overall tally of 13.95 million international overnight tourists, reflecting a 5% year-on-year increase. Bader Ali Habib from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism expressed optimism about consolidating growth through the final quarter of the year, supported by strong travel interest and expanded air connectivity.
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