Cox & Kings Expands Franchise Network in India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities to Engage First-Time International Travellers

Emerging Trends in India’s Outbound Travel

The landscape of international travel from India is witnessing a fresh surge, primarily emanating from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Vividly capturing this dynamic, Cox & Kings is strengthening its presence beyond metropolitan hubs, focusing on these smaller urban centers as the rising heart of India’s travel wave.

What Makes Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities the New Frontier?

Traditionally, metropolitan cities have driven the outbound travel demand. However, a growing middle class, rising disposable incomes, and enhanced connectivity are empowering travelers from smaller cities to explore international destinations for the first time. Social media’s role in inspiring wanderlust combined with improved visa facilities and increasing air connectivity are key drivers of this transformation.

Cox & Kings’ Franchise Expansion Strategy

Recognizing the untapped potential, Cox & Kings, with its centuries-old legacy enhanced by backing from Wilson & Hughes, is actively opening franchise outlets in key smaller cities such as Faridabad, Gurgaon, Dharamshala, Agra, and Ahmedabad. The company’s ambitious goal to scale up to 200 outlets illustrates a determined shift towards a franchise-first, phygital (physical plus digital) model.

This strategy not only brings their trusted travel services closer to customers in these regions but also offers a curated and seamless travel experience that aligns with modern expectations. For travellers, especially first-timers, having a local franchise outlet means easier access to reliable travel planning and expert assistance.

Franchise Expansion: Benefits at a Glance

• Local Presence: Proximity to customers in smaller cities for personalized support
• Trust and Reliability: Leveraging Cox & Kings’ established brand for confidence in bookings
• Hybrid Model: Combining in-person services with digital convenience
• Scalability: Plans to significantly increase reach across India

Popular Destinations Among New Indian Travelers

The pattern of travel preferences among first-time outbound travellers from these smaller cities reveals clear favorites:

Why These Destinations?

Beyond the allure of the exotic, these choices are backed by practicality—proximity, cultural affinity, ease of visa procurement, and appealing activities. The festive and holiday seasons further accelerate bookings from these regions.

The Broader Picture: Passport and Visa Trends

Data indicates a robust surge in passport issuance and visa applications, particularly from smaller cities. For example, as of mid-2025, India has been issuing passports at an increasing pace, with over 1.24 million passports issued in July alone and forecasts projecting over 14.5 million passports by year’s end. Visa requests for international travel have grown by 32% in the past year, and notably, 56% come from Tier-2 and Tier-3 urban areas. This statistic underscores the rapid evolution of travel aspiration and capability beyond the metros.

Travel Market Dynamics Summary

• First-time international travellers: A dominant segment emerging from smaller cities
• Passport growth: Reflects growing travel readiness
• Visa application growth: Signals increased demand for international travel
• Social media and marketing: Play pivotal roles in shaping travel choices

タクシーと送迎サービスへの影響

This growing outbound travel wave from non-metro cities naturally impacts local transfer services. Passengers traveling from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities increasingly seek reliable transportation to airports, tourist spots, and event venues. Services like taxis, private cars, and limousine transfers will see heightened demand, particularly those that can offer transparent pricing, punctual service, and vehicle options tailored to group sizes or special travel needs.

Platforms such as LocalsRide.com empower travellers to choose from a variety of vehicles beforehand—be it sedans, luxury limousines, or larger seater cars—providing transparency on make, model, and driver ratings. This ensures a hassle-free, personalized transfer experience aligned with the discerning expectations of these new travellers.

How LocalsRide Enhances Travel Convenience

• Choice of exact vehicle type and seating capacity based on group or family needs
• Clear, upfront fares ensuring no last-minute surprises
• Verified drivers and providers ensuring safety and reliability
• Global availability accommodating travel across different destinations

Summary: New Travel Waves Boost Tailored Transfer Services

The surge of international travellers from India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities heralds a significant shift in travel demographics. With growing incomes, improved travel infrastructure, and evolving travel aspirations, these cities are reshaping the outbound travel landscape. Travel companies like Cox & Kings are responding with localized franchises that combine traditional trust with modern technology, making global travel accessible and credible for first-timers.

This evolution also signals increased demand for reliable taxi and transfer services—from airport rides to city tours and celebration travel—where convenience, transparency, and vehicle choice count most. Platforms such as LocalsRide.com are well positioned to support this trend by providing global, user-friendly bookings that highlight exact cars, drivers, and prices for a seamless experience wherever the journey begins or ends.

The Value of Personal Experience and Smart Booking

Despite the abundance of reviews and feedback, nothing truly compares to firsthand travel experience. LocalsRide offers access to verified car hire with drivers from trusted providers at competitive prices, empowering travellers to choose smartly without overpaying or settling for less.

The platform’s transparency, extensive vehicle range, and additional services ensure convenience and affordability, perfectly complementing the needs of those from emerging travel markets. Get the best offers LocalsRide.com.

Looking Ahead: Impact on Global Travel and Transfers

While the global tourism map continuously evolves, the rapid growth of outbound travel from India’s smaller cities may have localized rather than global-scale impacts immediately. However, this trend remains highly relevant, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable in transport and transfer services worldwide. LocalsRide commits to keeping pace with these developments, offering passengers seamless booking options and trusted rides, wherever they might travel next.

Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.