Thailand Overtakes Maldives as the Top Honeymoon Destination for Couples

Thailand has emerged as the top international honeymoon destination for Indian couples, recording the highest share of honeymoon package bookings for the period of 2023-24. The trend marks a shift in travel preferences, with Thailand surpassing the Maldives, which led the rankings in the previous year. According to MakeMyTrip’s latest report, "How India Travels for Honeymoon," Thailand saw a remarkable 5.2% increase in honeymoon bookings compared to last year. The Maldives, on the other hand, experienced a 16.2% decline in bookings year-on-year (YoY). Other popular international destinations such as Indonesia, Mauritius, and Vietnam also saw growth in bookings.

Domestic Honeymoon Trends: Andamans and Kashmir Gain Popularity

On the domestic front, the Andaman Islands replaced Kerala as the most booked honeymoon destination for Indian couples. The Andamans saw a 6.9% YoY increase in bookings, while Kashmir moved up to third place with a 3.6% increase. Goa's booking figures remained steady, while Himachal Pradesh experienced a slight decline of 4%. Other regions like the North-East, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra also attracted honeymooners, with many couples opting for diverse domestic experiences.

Indian Honeymooners Explore New and Diverse Destinations

Indian honeymooners are increasingly seeking new, exotic destinations for their post-wedding travels. While short-haul destinations such as Bhutan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles saw a significant rise in bookings, long-haul destinations also gained traction. Japan, an easy visa destination, witnessed the highest YoY growth of 388% in honeymoon bookings. Other long-haul destinations such as Scandinavia, the United States, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand also recorded substantial growth in bookings, reflecting a broader global appeal among Indian couples.

Luxury and Multi-City Honeymoons on the Rise

There has been a marked shift toward luxury and multi-city honeymoons. Couples are spending more on premium packages, with the average expenditure per couple rising by 13% YoY. The demand for 4-star and 5-star accommodations is growing, with 68% of newlyweds choosing upscale properties. Furthermore, 1 in 5 honeymoon bookings for 2023-24 were made for 5-star properties, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.

Multi-Destination Honeymoons Gaining Popularity

A growing trend among Indian honeymooners is the preference for multi-city itineraries. On the domestic front, the percentage of couples visiting four or more cities rose from 35% in 2022-23 to 39% in 2023-24. On international trips, the share of honeymooners choosing multi-city packages increased from 32% to 47%. This trend highlights a growing desire for diverse experiences within a single trip.

Longer Honeymoon Duration for International Travelers

For domestic honeymooners, the majority (78%) opted for packages lasting up to 5 days, similar to the previous year. However, international travelers are increasingly choosing longer honeymoons. The percentage of couples booking international packages lasting more than 5 days grew from 34% in 2022-23 to 42% in 2023-24. This trend reflects a shift toward longer, more leisurely honeymoons that allow for extended exploration, often spanning multiple destinations.

Premium Packages and Cities Driving Honeymoon Bookings

Indian metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore continue to drive the demand for premium honeymoon packages, accounting for over two-thirds of all bookings. However, cities like Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Pune are also witnessing a notable shift from budget to premium travel. This shift indicates that couples across various cities are now more inclined to invest in premium, luxurious honeymoon experiences.

Personalized Honeymoon Experiences in High Demand

Personalized and romantic experiences have become essential for Indian couples seeking unique honeymoon memories. More than 95% of honeymoon packages booked in 2023-24 included curated experiences such as couples' photoshoots, romantic dining, sunset cruises, couples' spa sessions, and floating breakfasts. The demand for premium romantic activities grew by 56%, reflecting the evolving preferences of today’s honeymooners who value exclusive, tailored experiences.

Last-Minute Bookings: A Common Trend Among Couples

Indian honeymooners have increasingly embraced last-minute bookings, with 56% of domestic honeymoon packages and 38% of international packages being booked within 30 days of departure. This behavior aligns with the overall travel trends in India, where last-minute bookings are common. Interestingly, 31% of international honeymooners booked their packages more than two months in advance, compared to just 18% for domestic trips. This suggests that while domestic travel is often planned closer to the date, couples embarking on international honeymoons tend to book their trips with more lead time.

MakeMyTrip Insights: Catering to Evolving Honeymoon Preferences

MakeMyTrip’s analysis of honeymoon booking data highlights the evolving trends in the honeymoon market. The company surveyed over 200 couples who booked their honeymoon packages through the platform in the past three months. The findings reveal that 70% of couples embark on their honeymoon within 10 days of their wedding, while 20% delay their trip for over a month. The rise of personalized, luxurious experiences, coupled with an interest in diverse and unexplored destinations, has shaped the modern honeymoon market. MakeMyTrip aims to provide deeper insights into these trends to help create memorable and meaningful travel experiences for honeymooners.

Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Honeymoon Travel

The latest trends in honeymoon travel suggest that Indian couples are increasingly opting for unique, luxurious, and personalized experiences. From Thailand surpassing the Maldives to the rise of long-haul destinations and multi-city trips, the honeymoon market is undergoing a transformation. As couples continue to seek out new adventures and tailor their experiences, the demand for premium, curated packages will continue to rise. With a growing emphasis on personalization and luxury, honeymoon travel in India is set to become even more special and memorable in the years to come.