Agoda reveals top emerging destinations in India with new horizon list, ET TravelWorld

<p>Picture used for representation.</p> — Picture used for representation.

Agoda, the leading digital travel platform, has kickstarted the new year by revealing the top five emerging destinations in India through its “New Horizons List.” Analyzing year-on-year search data, Agoda identified Ahmedabad, Kodaikanal, Mahabaleshwar, Ooty, and Kochi as the cities witnessing significant growth in traveller interest.

India’s New Horizons List

1. Ahmedabad: 44 per cent increase in searches
2. Kodaikanal: 35 per cent increase in searches
3. Mahabaleshwar: 22 per cent increase in searches
4. Ooty: 21 per cent increase in searches
5. Kochi: 19 per cent increase in searches

Ahmedabad Tops the Charts
Ahmedabad, the financial hub of Gujarat, claimed the top spot with a remarkable 44 per cent increase in searches year-on-year. Home to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, Ahmedabad’s rich cultural and culinary heritage has made it increasingly popular among Indian travellers. The city’s hosting of the 2023 Cricket World Cup further boosted its appeal.

The New Horizons List is dominated by picturesque nature destinations, with Kodaikanal experiencing a 35 per cent increase in searches. Hill stations Mahabaleshwar and Ooty witnessed a rise of 22 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively. Kodaikanal’s unspoiled natural beauty, Mahabaleshwar’s sweeping hill vistas, and Ooty’s captivating colonial-era ambiance and tea plantations are attracting growing attention.

Kochi, a vibrant port city in Kerala, secured the fifth spot with a 19 per cent increase in searches. Known for seamlessly converging history and modernity, Kochi remains a favorite among travelers for its Dutch and Portuguese architecture, vibrant food and spice markets, and traditional cultural experiences.

Top online booking channels hold strong in India's booming travel economy

GoMMT, the owner of Goibibo and MakeMyTrip, has secured the top spot for the sixth consecutive year, showcasing its unwavering influence in the Indian subcontinent. Booking.com and Agoda retained their second and third positions, consistently holding their ground from the previous year. TravelGuru exhibited notable growth by climbing two spots to secure the fourth position, while Expedia slightly receded to the fifth spot in the ranking.

Exciting Year Ahead for Indian Travellers
Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda, expressed, “2023 has proven to be a great year for travel in India. Agoda’s Year-on-Year search data highlighted growth across domestic, inbound, and outbound travel. The New Horizons list features quite a few hill stations and some bustling cities with a mix of food, culture, and interesting activities. As the new year begins, we are excited to see the trends that will shape the preferences of Indian travelers.”The emerging destinations on the New Horizons List present an exciting opportunity for travellers to discover new facets of India.