More Europeans want to travel to India in 2026 till now than 2025: Report

India has emerged as the fastest-growing destination, recording a 14 per cent year-on-year increase in searches compared to the same period last year among European travellers, according to a new travel report.

The ranking is a part of digital travel platform Agoda’s new ranking of European travel interest to Asia, based on accommodation search data from April to June in 2026 for travel during July and August.  

The United Kingdom was the largest European market driving travel interest to India, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Italy, based on accommodation search volumes.

While these markets saw the highest overall travel interest, several emerging European markets recorded notable year-on-year growth in accommodation searches compared to 2025. Slovakia led with a 148 per cent increase, followed by Croatia at 128 per cent and Ireland at 88 per cent.

For Europeans, July and August mark the height of summer and a peak travel period, when schools break and holiday plans come to life. In 2026, Thailand retains its crown as the most-searched Asian destination among European travelers for the second consecutive year, Indonesia shifts to second place, and Japan takes third. 
 
Across the top 20 destinations, India saw the most notable year-on-year growth in European searches at 14 per cent, followed by South Korea at 13 per cent and Vietnam at 12 per cent. These three markets stand out as the region’s fastest rising European summer travel interest, pointing to a growing appetite for diverse itineraries beyond Asia’s traditional hotspots.

Among destinations within India, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa emerged as the most-searched cities among European travellers for summer 2026. As India’s primary international gateways, New Delhi and Mumbai serve as key metropolitan hubs that connect travelers to destinations across the country while also offering rich cultural, culinary, and urban experiences. Complementing these gateway cities, Goa continues to attract European visitors with its beaches, vibrant hospitality scene, and laid-back coastal charm.

New Delhi attracts travelers with its rich history, iconic monuments, and vibrant cultural heritage, while Mumbai continues to draw visitors with its cosmopolitan energy, culinary scene, and entertainment offerings. Goa remains a perennial favourite for its beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and unique mix of Portuguese heritage, nightlife, and coastal experiences, making it one of India’s most sought-after leisure destinations.

Gaurav Malik, country director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, with the digital platform said, “India’s growing popularity among European travelers reflects a broader shift in how international visitors are discovering the country. Beyond iconic landmarks, travelers are increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences, wellness retreats, culinary journeys, and nature-led escapes. The strong year-on-year search growth from both established and emerging European markets highlights India’s expanding appeal as a diverse and value-driven destination. At Agoda, we connect travelers to India with great accommodation, flight and activity deals, helping them explore both renowned destinations and lesser-known gems.”

In Europe, the top five origin markets of France, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Spain remain consistent from 2025 to 2026, a sign that Europe’s most enthusiastic Asia travelers are as keen as ever. However, other European markets have also seen growing interest: Turkiye leads with a 39 per cent increase in Asian destination searches, followed by Hungary (22 per cent) and Czech Republic (16 per cent). 

This signals that interest in Asian travel is spreading further across the European continent, with Central and Eastern European travelers increasingly joining the Asia-bound wave.