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SINGAPORE, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The landscape of international travel for Indian passport holders is undergoing a transformation, courtesy the growing trend of relaxed visa policies across Southeast Asia. This shift is not only breaking down logistical barriers but also encouraging an increase in international travel, particularly to destinations that have recently simplified entry requirements.
Data from digital platform Agoda reveals that Indian travellers are responding enthusiastically to these changes. Comparing accommodation searches made on Agoda between July to December 2024 for check-ins between January to May 2025, against the same timeframe a year earlier, Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka — countries with eased visa requirements — have seen a clear rise in interest.
Malaysia, which introduced visa-free entry for Indian citizens in 2023, recorded a 47% year-on-year (YoY) increase in accommodation searches. Cities like Langkawi (+118%), Kuala Lumpur (+28%) and Highlands (27%) have seen an increase, indicating renewed enthusiasm for Malaysia's diverse travel offerings. Similarly, the Pacific Island nation of Palau, despite being a lesser-known gem, witnessed a 49% increase in interest, alongside its recent announcement of visa-free entry for Indian passport holders.
The Philippines, a long-time favourite for sun-soaked escapes, has also joined the club of visa-friendly destinations for Indians as of April 2025. Agoda has observed an upward trend in accommodation searches among Indian travelers for the Philippines, contributing to a YoY increase of 26%. The cities of Manila (+43%), Palawan (+30%), and Cebu (+25%) are among the top gainers.
Finally, Sri Lanka has also seen a 9% overall YoY increase following the country's decision to grant visa-free access to Indian passport holders. Destinations like Mirissa (+31%) and Nuwara Eliya (+16%) suggest Indian tourists are eager to explore beyond familiar favorites such as Colombo and Kandy.
Commenting on the trend, Mr. Gaurav Malik, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, said, "The easing of visa restrictions across Southeast Asia is a welcome move that resonates strongly with Indian travellers. As barriers to entry fall, we're seeing a direct impact on travel interest and planning. This new era of accessibility is helping travellers discover not just tourist-favourites like Malaysia, Philippines and Sri Lanka but also hidden gems like Palau. Agoda remains committed to making travel seamless and affordable, and we're excited to see where this heightened accessibility takes Indian tourists next."
With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, Agoda makes it easier than ever for Indian travelers to explore the world like never before. Adventures can begin at Agoda.com, with the best deals available on the Agoda mobile app.
SINGAPORE, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The landscape of international travel for Indian passport holders is undergoing a transformation, courtesy the growing trend of relaxed visa policies across Southeast Asia. This shift is not only breaking down logistical barriers but also encouraging an increase in international travel, particularly to destinations that have recently simplified entry requirements.
Data from digital platform Agoda reveals that Indian travellers are responding enthusiastically to these changes. Comparing accommodation searches made on Agoda between July to December 2024 for check-ins between January to May 2025, against the same timeframe a year earlier, Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka — countries with eased visa requirements — have seen a clear rise in interest.
Malaysia, which introduced visa-free entry for Indian citizens in 2023, recorded a 47% year-on-year (YoY) increase in accommodation searches. Cities like Langkawi (+118%), Kuala Lumpur (+28%) and Highlands (27%) have seen an increase, indicating renewed enthusiasm for Malaysia's diverse travel offerings. Similarly, the Pacific Island nation of Palau, despite being a lesser-known gem, witnessed a 49% increase in interest, alongside its recent announcement of visa-free entry for Indian passport holders.
The Philippines, a long-time favourite for sun-soaked escapes, has also joined the club of visa-friendly destinations for Indians as of April 2025. Agoda has observed an upward trend in accommodation searches among Indian travelers for the Philippines, contributing to a YoY increase of 26%. The cities of Manila (+43%), Palawan (+30%), and Cebu (+25%) are among the top gainers.
Finally, Sri Lanka has also seen a 9% overall YoY increase following the country's decision to grant visa-free access to Indian passport holders. Destinations like Mirissa (+31%) and Nuwara Eliya (+16%) suggest Indian tourists are eager to explore beyond familiar favorites such as Colombo and Kandy.
Commenting on the trend, Mr. Gaurav Malik, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, said, "The easing of visa restrictions across Southeast Asia is a welcome move that resonates strongly with Indian travellers. As barriers to entry fall, we're seeing a direct impact on travel interest and planning. This new era of accessibility is helping travellers discover not just tourist-favourites like Malaysia, Philippines and Sri Lanka but also hidden gems like Palau. Agoda remains committed to making travel seamless and affordable, and we're excited to see where this heightened accessibility takes Indian tourists next."
With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, Agoda makes it easier than ever for Indian travelers to explore the world like never before. Adventures can begin at Agoda.com, with the best deals available on the Agoda mobile app.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Reports Rise in Indian Travel to Southeast Asia as Visa Restrictions Ease Across Region
BEIJING, Jan. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 29, the "Forging the Path to National Strength: China's Manufacturing Achievements Under the 14th Five-Year Plan," jointly organized by the National Museum of China and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, officially opened at the National Museum of China, showcasing more than 300 top national achievements. GAC's "National Outstanding Engineer Team" successfully developed both the Magazine Battery and the Solid-State Battery, which were selected for the exhibition.
The GAC Magazine Battery is the first battery system to pass both the nail penetration no-flame and non-ignition safety tests. By utilizing ultra-high intrinsic safety cells, an all-weather "vehicle-end + cloud-based" active safety monitoring system, and a multi-dimensional safety protection system, the Magazine Battery achieves three layers of protection: core, active, and passive. Its safety performance far exceeds the electric vehicles traction battery safety requirements (GB38031-2025), which will take effect on July 1, 2026. Currently, the Magazine Battery has a cumulative deployment of 1.3 million vehicles with zero spontaneous combustion and over 50 billion kilometers of safe travel, providing users with robust safety assurance for every journey.
GAC's self-developed large-capacity solid-state battery has achieved an energy density exceeding 400 Wh/kg and easily passes rigorous safety tests such as 200°C thermal chamber and nail penetration tests, effectively addressing users' range anxiety and safety concerns. Innovations in materials and processes have placed the solid-state battery at the forefront of the industry in key indicators such as safety, energy density, and cycle life, providing a superior power solution for the future development of NEVs. Currently, a pilot production line for GAC's solid-state battery has been established, capable of mass-producing vehicle-grade solid-state batteries over 60 Ah, marking a critical step toward the goal of full vehicle integration by 2026.
Over the years, GAC has been steadily enhancing its competitiveness through innovations across intelligent connectivity, NEV powertrains technologies, and forward-looking technologies. Looking ahead, GAC will continue to deepen its efforts in the intelligent connected NEV field, leveraging more leading technological achievements to drive industry progress.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
GAC Magazine Battery and Solid-State Battery Win Top National Honor
