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SINGAPORE, Oct. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda's latest travel insights revealed a steady rise in interest for India as a destination during the upcoming Diwali week, with searches growing 24% among international travelers and domestic travelers combined.
Domestic travel interest continues to play a central role during this holiday period, with searches within India increasing by 18%. Notably, international travel interest is expanding at an even faster pace, with inbound searches by overseas travelers growing by 67% year-on-year during the holiday period.
Among the top ten international markets expressing travel interest to India during this period, South Korea stood out with searches rising more than 45 times compared to last year. Travel interest from Southeast Asia was also strong, with searches from Thailand growing nearly twofold, and interest from Malaysia rising 25%. Beyond the APAC region, travel interest from the United Arab Emirates recorded an 87% increase, while searches from the United States rose by 28%, underlining the diverse spread of interest across both regional and long-haul markets.
Beyond its vibrant displays of lamps and fireworks, for many travelers, Diwali is an opportunity to engage with India's rich heritage, taste festive cuisine, and participate in family-centered festivities that create a sense of warmth and togetherness. The festival's combination of visual spectacle, cultural immersion, and shared celebration makes it a compelling reason for both domestic and international travelers to visit India each year.
During Diwali, travelers are seeking destinations that blend cultural heritage with festive vibrancy. Goa topped the rank as the most searched destination for the festive period. Among the top five destinations, Udaipur and Jaipur recorded a 49% and 46% rise in searches, respectively, reflecting their reputation as centers of cultural richness. Meanwhile, searches for New Delhi doubled and Mumbai searches rose by 18%, reaffirming their positions as key metropolitan hubs for both domestic and international visitors looking to experience Diwali celebrations.
Commenting on these trends, Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda said, "It's wonderful to see so many international visitors eager to experience the unique cultural festivals that India has to offer. Diwali, with its traditions of light, community, and celebration, provides an unmatched opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in India's rich cultural fabric. What's particularly exciting is the emergence of newer source markets such as South Korea, alongside consistent demand from regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These insights reflect how cultural travel resonates across borders, and how India is increasingly being recognized as a vibrant, welcoming destination for diverse global audiences."
Agoda offers travelers a wide range of accommodations, flights, and packages at competitive prices. With exclusive deals and flexible booking options, Agoda makes it easier for travelers to plan and enjoy their festive journeys, ensuring that every trip, no matter where, becomes possible.
SINGAPORE, Oct. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda's latest travel insights revealed a steady rise in interest for India as a destination during the upcoming Diwali week, with searches growing 24% among international travelers and domestic travelers combined.
Domestic travel interest continues to play a central role during this holiday period, with searches within India increasing by 18%. Notably, international travel interest is expanding at an even faster pace, with inbound searches by overseas travelers growing by 67% year-on-year during the holiday period.
Among the top ten international markets expressing travel interest to India during this period, South Korea stood out with searches rising more than 45 times compared to last year. Travel interest from Southeast Asia was also strong, with searches from Thailand growing nearly twofold, and interest from Malaysia rising 25%. Beyond the APAC region, travel interest from the United Arab Emirates recorded an 87% increase, while searches from the United States rose by 28%, underlining the diverse spread of interest across both regional and long-haul markets.
Beyond its vibrant displays of lamps and fireworks, for many travelers, Diwali is an opportunity to engage with India's rich heritage, taste festive cuisine, and participate in family-centered festivities that create a sense of warmth and togetherness. The festival's combination of visual spectacle, cultural immersion, and shared celebration makes it a compelling reason for both domestic and international travelers to visit India each year.
During Diwali, travelers are seeking destinations that blend cultural heritage with festive vibrancy. Goa topped the rank as the most searched destination for the festive period. Among the top five destinations, Udaipur and Jaipur recorded a 49% and 46% rise in searches, respectively, reflecting their reputation as centers of cultural richness. Meanwhile, searches for New Delhi doubled and Mumbai searches rose by 18%, reaffirming their positions as key metropolitan hubs for both domestic and international visitors looking to experience Diwali celebrations.
Commenting on these trends, Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda said, "It's wonderful to see so many international visitors eager to experience the unique cultural festivals that India has to offer. Diwali, with its traditions of light, community, and celebration, provides an unmatched opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in India's rich cultural fabric. What's particularly exciting is the emergence of newer source markets such as South Korea, alongside consistent demand from regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These insights reflect how cultural travel resonates across borders, and how India is increasingly being recognized as a vibrant, welcoming destination for diverse global audiences."
Agoda offers travelers a wide range of accommodations, flights, and packages at competitive prices. With exclusive deals and flexible booking options, Agoda makes it easier for travelers to plan and enjoy their festive journeys, ensuring that every trip, no matter where, becomes possible.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Data Shows 67% Rise in International Travel Interest to India During Diwali 2025
Using AI-Driven System to Speed Up Merchant Onboarding
HONG KONG, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Payment Asia, a leading payment service provider, gladly announced that the company has become the official Payment Facilitator of Octopus Cards Limited for both online and offline transactions in Hong Kong. The partnership integrates Octopus—used by more than 98% of the city's population—into Payment Asia's AI-enabled platform, extending access to small, medium-sized, and large enterprises that seeking unified payment solutions.
Merchants using Payment Asia's platform can now accept Octopus payments across physical and digital channels. Leveraging the company's AI-powered onboarding system, streamlined KYC procedures that enabling simultaneous activation of online and offline transaction capabilities. The system supports a wide range of acquiring channels, offering consolidated management through a single interface.
The collaboration arrives as Octopus accelerates its cross-border payment strategy. Following the introduction of the outbound version of "Easy Ride" service across Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam in May, Octopus has also entered the Japanese market recently in October 2025. Additional features under development include Chinese mainland ride-hailing payments and peer-to-peer transfers.
"Octopus is embedded deeply in the daily commerce of Hong Kong and beyond," said Paul Tang, Chief Operating Officer at Payment Asia. "Integrating Octopus into cloud platforms—such as unified ordering and settlement systems for restaurants—advances fintech innovation and smart city development."
Edwin Lai, General Manager of Retail Business and Partnerships at Octopus added: "Payment Asia's AI-powered onboarding platform in Hong Kong will serve as a core solution for enhancing customer experience. This partnership is more than a payment channel expansion, it represents a significant milestone in Hong Kong's fintech export story."
Effective immediately, merchants in Hong Kong can apply for integrated Octopus payment services through Payment Asia's website or mobile app. The service offers tiered solutions suitable for businesses ranging from food stalls and e-commerce operators to cross-border traders.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Payment Asia Becomes Octopus's Omnichannel Payment Facilitator
