Atlys 2026: Accessibility Rankings for Indian Travellers
Alexandra
Sri Lanka, Thailand and the UAE lead the Travel Access Report 2026 primarily because of stronger flight connectivity and streamlined visa processes for Indian travellers, according to the Atlys dataset that scores destinations on practical accessibility for visitors from India.
Scoring logistics: how destinations were evaluated
The rankings combine operational and demand-side measures across four weighted pillars: Visa Ease (25%), Connectivity (25%), Affordability (15%) and Popularity (35%). The methodology pulls together Atlys visa-processing signals, airline schedules, independent cost research and search-and-booking trends to quantify real-world friction that affects planning and conversion.
| Pillar | Weight | What it captures |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Ease | 25% | Processing timelines, documentation, visa-on-arrival/ETA access |
| Connectivity | 25% | Direct flights, frequency, onward links and transport options |
| Affordability | 15% | On-ground costs, fares and value-for-money for travellers |
| Popularity | 35% | Search demand, bookings and seasonal interest |
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Top 10 destinations by practical accessibility
Asian neighbours and Gulf hubs dominate the upper ranks where ease and cost meet demand. The Indian outbound market has been expanding — there were 29.14 million departures recorded through 8 December 2024 — and passport access still matters: India's passport ranks 80th and grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival/ETA access to 55 destinations.
| Rank | Destination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Lanka |
| 2 | Thailand |
| 3 | UAE |
| 4 | Nepal |
| 5 | Indonesia |
| 6 | Malaysia |
| 7 | Vietnam |
| 8 | Maldives |
| 9 | Oman |
| 10 | Mauritius |
Category leaders
- Budget-Friendly: Nepal, Laos, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam
- Impulse Getaways: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, Vietnam
- Luxury: Maldives, Switzerland, Fiji, France, Italy
- Most Travelled by Women: Thailand, UAE, Japan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka
- Solo Travel: Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Laos, Japan
Why some Western destinations lag despite demand
Traditional favourites like the USA, UK and France score lower on practical accessibility due to longer visa processing timelines, stricter documentation and higher on-ground and flight costs, even though demand remains strong. In short: aspiration doesn’t always equal accessibility. The report underscores a persistent gap between where people want to go and where they can go easily.
Implications for sailing and boat rentals
Coastal and island destinations that score high on accessibility bring immediate opportunities for the yachting and charter market. For GetBoat.com readers, the ripple effects are tangible: higher accessibility means increased demand for yacht charter, day-boat rent options, marina services and local cruising itineraries. When a destination is easy to reach, travellers are more likely to tack on a boat day, fishing trip or private cruise — and operators notice.
Practical pointers for operators and travellers
- Capitalize on impulse demand: promote short-duration charters and half-day trips around accessible ports like those in Sri Lanka, Thailand and the UAE.
- Streamline paperwork: help guests with entry requirements and local permits to reduce friction on arrival.
- Bundle offerings: combine transfers, hotel and captain-led charters as a single bookable package to increase conversions.
- Monitor seasonality: connectivity and fares change with airline schedules — keep an eye on peak windows and low-cost flight promotions.
Operational checklist for marina and charter managers
| Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pre-clear customs and immigration guidance | Speeds up guest onboarding and reduces no-shows |
| Flexible booking & cancellation terms | Encourages short-notice bookings tied to flight schedules |
| Local partnerships (hotels, transfers) | Create seamless packages and higher per-booking revenue |
Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys, observed that the ranking highlights the practical gap between aspirational Destinations and those that are truly accessible — a useful framework for both planners and operators who want to convert interest into bookings.
To wrap up, the Travel Access Report 2026 puts a premium on visa ease and connectivity, which is why Sri Lanka, Thailand and the UAE top the list. Western hotspots still attract interest but face headwinds from costs and processing times. For the boating community, accessible coastal and island markets mean greater opportunities for yacht and boat charters, marinas and related activities. In short: accessibility drives demand for beach and lake getaways, sailing and charter offerings, captain-led trips, superyacht and day-boat rentals — from clearwater coves to busy gulf marinas — so operators and travellers should align offers with the practical realities on the ground.
