Despite India's domestic travel and tourism sector taking a hit, outbound travel has grown.

Third largest outbound travel market in Asia Pacific

World Travel and Tourism Council figures show the number of Indian outbound travelers reached 10.8 million between April 2008 and March 31 2009, representing growth of 10%.

Competition to attract Indian travelers

Further growth is expected, Hong Kong experienced 25% growth in Indian visitors as recently as October last year. And a race is on to attract India's tourists, Himmat Anand, Chairman of the FICCI tourism committee, believes that 25 cities and countries have set up offices in India.

Scandinavian nations, Cyprus, France and Jordan are all targeting India's tourists.

Growth drivers

While India's economic growth rate has slowed, larger more developed nations have experienced long periods of recession. Consequently, the cost of accommodation, hospitality services and airfares has been slashed.

India's tourists have taken advantage of this and major tourist destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe and Malaysia have become increasingly affordable.

India Insights study

Our study has identified how the global slowdown has affected foreign travel, which destinations are currently popular, attitudes to the UK as a destination and how holidays are booked.

Interviews were carried out with a number of Indian travelers; here is a sample of their feedback.