2025 Honeymoon Trends: Indian Couples Flocking to Mauritius & Beyond

In recent months, there has been a noticeable surge in the number of Indian couples opting for enticing international honeymoon destinations, including Mauritius. Atlys, a visa services platform, has reported a striking 40% increase in visa applications over the last three months, highlighting a growing trend among newlyweds seeking destination honeymoons.

India is currently witnessing one of the highest increases in domestic airfares in both the Asia-Pacific and West Asian regions.

According to recent data, airfares in India have risen by 43% in the first half of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

This increase ranking just below Vietnam, which has seen airfares climb 63% in the same period.

The traditional Indian wedding season, which spans from November to March, is regarded as an auspicious time for marriages.

This seasonal boom is expected to result in a significant uptick in honeymoon travel, both domestically and internationally.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) predicts that around 4.8 million weddings will take place in 2024, creating a robust market for travel and tourism.

In a strategic move to capitalize on this opportunity, Atlys has launched an innovative campaign directed at newlyweds.

CEO Mohak Nahta has encouraged couples who plan to marry within the next six months to submit their wedding invitations for a chance to win two free visas.

“This wedding season, 4 million couples will embark on their honeymoon with a four-letter word, and it isn’t LOVE. It’s V-I-S-A,” the advertisement proclaimed.

So far, over 200 couples have responded to this campaign, sending their wedding invitations directly to Nahta.

Among couples planning their honeymoons for 2024, Vietnam has emerged as the most popular destination, followed closely by:

• Mauritius
• Bali
• Turkey
• Fiji
• France
• Italy
• Singapore
• Egypt

Winter Travel Preferences

In addition to honeymoons, Indian travellers are also showing a keen interest in traditional winter holiday spots.

Popular choices include the UAE, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Egypt, which are favored for short getaways during the winter season.

European cities like London, Zurich, and Vienna are particularly appealing to millennials, drawn by their festive atmosphere.

Atlys reports a 27.2% rise in visa applications for these European destinations.

Unique New Year celebrations are another incentive for travel.

Tokyo, known for its rich cultural customs, along with Edinburgh, famous for its Hogmanay festivities, are gaining attention.

Furthermore, Dubai’s grand celebrations for New Year’s have made the UAE an essential destination for short trips.

Visa Costs for Destinations

For those planning winter holidays or honeymoons, here are the current visa costs in Indian Rupees listed by Atlys:

• UAE: INR 5,950
• Vietnam: INR 2,150
• Singapore: INR 1,800
• Indonesia: INR 3,000
• Malaysia: Visa-free (MDAC service fee INR 995)
• Egypt: INR 2,100
• Mauritius: Visa-free
• Bali: INR 3,000
• Turkey: e-visa INR 4,300
• Fiji: Visa-free
• France: Appointment fees INR 2,000; visa fees €90 (approximately R8,000)
• Italy: Appointment fees INR 500; visa fees €90 (approximately R8,000)

Source: Business Standards