Indians are choosing Australia, Japan and Singapore over Europe in 2025—Here’s why

Australia Tops the Charts: Indian Travellers Choose the Land Down Under as Their No.1 Leisure Destination for 2025 (Image: Canva)

As Indian travellers increasingly seek a blend of immersive cultural experiences and modern urban comforts, Australia, Japan, and Singapore have emerged as the top three international leisure travel destinations for 2025. The findings are part of the Ipsos Market Essentials Report – June 2025, a comprehensive global study mapping leisure travel motivations and preferences across 15 countries.

According to the data, 36% of Indian respondents named Australia as their preferred international getaway, followed by Japan (23%) and Singapore (21%). Meanwhile, the global traveller’s top choices differed slightly, with Japan and the United States (15% each) leading the charts, followed by France and Italy.

Top 5 Leisure Travel Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2025

Top Leisure Travel Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2025

1. Australia – 36%

2. Japan – 23%

3. Singapore – 21%

4. United Arab Emirates – 17%

5. France – 16%

6. United States – 15%

7. Thailand – 14%

8. United Kingdom – 14%

Australia’s continued popularity among Indian travellers may be attributed to its diverse offerings—ranging from pristine beaches and natural wonders to its strong Indian diaspora and English-speaking environment. Japan’s blend of futuristic innovation and deep-rooted tradition continues to attract cultural explorers, while Singapore remains a favoured destination for short-haul luxury escapes.

Japan Tops Global Leisure Travel Wishlists for 2025—A Perfect Blend of Tradition, Innovation, and Timeless Appeal

How Global Citizens Compare

Among international respondents, Japan and the United States jointly claimed the top spot as the most preferred leisure travel destinations for 2025, each garnering 15% of the global vote. France followed closely at 14%, with Italy and Spain tied at 12%, completing the top five. The rankings reflect a strong global inclination toward destinations that offer a rich blend of cultural heritage, contemporary lifestyle, and travel accessibility. Australia and Canada were next in line with 7% each, while Germany secured a 6% share.

Indian Travellers: Who They Are

The Ipsos report also segmented leisure travellers into behavioural profiles. Indian tourists were primarily identified as:

• Opportunistic Explorers (24%) – spontaneous, deal-driven, and open to new experiences
• Connected Travellers (20%) – digitally savvy and socially influenced
• Comfort Seekers (19%) – preferring ease, safety, and familiarity
• Luxury Indulgers (15%) – driven by premium experiences and exclusivity
• Adventurous Experience Seekers (13%) – thrill-seekers and experiential travellers
• Travel Indifferent (9%) – disinterested or passive toward travel

Australia (Image: Canva)

Methodology and Scope

The Ipsos study surveyed over 15,000 individuals across 15 countries. While samples from nations like the U.S., U.K., France, and Canada were representative of the general adult population, countries such as India, Brazil, China, and South Africa reflected a more connected, affluent, and urban subset of society. The results, expressed as a Global Country Average, provide an indicative—not universal—view of global travel trends.

For Indian travellers, the year 2025 is shaping up to be one of expansive and diversified travel ambitions. Whether it’s the wild coastlines of Queensland, the temples of Kyoto, or the futuristic skyline of Singapore, Indian leisure travel continues to reflect a growing appetite for both comfort and cultural depth on the international stage.