Bintan Island records strong growth in Indian arrivals in early 2026, supported by rising demand for short-haul trips and multi-destination itineraries linked with Singapore.
Bintan Island has recorded a strong increase in arrivals from India in early 2026, reflecting growing demand for short-haul and experience-led international travel among Indian outbound travellers.
According to recent data, the destination recorded an approximate 94% increase in arrivals in February 2026 compared with February 2025. The figures also show an approximate 40% increase in arrivals in February 2026 compared with January 2026, highlighting accelerating travel demand during the first quarter of the year.
Bintan Island is increasingly being promoted by travel agents as an extension to Singaporeitineraries, allowing travellers to visit two destinations in a single trip. This approach aligns with broader trends in Indian outbound travel, where shorter multi-destination holidays are gaining popularity.
The destination is represented in India by VFS Global, which has been actively promoting Bintan across key Indian cities to strengthen destination awareness, improve product familiarity, and facilitate connections with tourism partners in the destination.
Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer of Bintan Resorts, said: “Travel intent among Indian outbound travellers is becoming increasingly occasion-led and experience-driven, with trips now planned around specific interests such as fitness, wellness and outdoor activities rather than standalone leisure. This is also reflected in a rise in short-duration, repeat international travel, with multiple industry reports indicating that Indian travellers are now taking 2–3 international trips annually, often aligned with long weekends and seasonal experiences.”
Bintan’s expanding calendar of signature events is supporting this shift toward experience-based travel. Events such as the Bintan Marathon and the Bintan Regatta are designed to attract niche travel segments while encouraging longer stays and repeat visitation.
The growth in arrivals from India highlights the increasing importance of short-haul regional destinations within the broader outbound travel patterns of Indian travellers.