LONDON—As India rapidly matures in global and economic influence, so does the buying power of its vast and adventurous traveling population. According to new research by MMGY Travel Intelligence, passport-carrying adults in India intend to spend an average of $4,755 on leisure trips in the next 12 months, pinpointing a 14 percent increase in spending over the past year. This and other findings are at the core of Portrait of Indian International Travellers—which unveils key new insights into the travel behaviors, motivations and preferences of Indian travelers exploring abroad.
“India is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most influential outbound travel markets,” said Caroline Moultrie, MMGY Global President, EMEA. “This study reveals a confident, experience-driven audience prioritizing safety, sustainability and multi-destination itineraries. Understanding this shift is key to unlocking the next wave of global travel growth.”
Based on a survey conducted between December 2024 and January 2025 of more than 3,000 adults with passports residing in India, the report’s key findings include:
- Appeal to Younger Generations: Over the past three years, Millennials in India have taken an average of 3.5 international trips, making them the most frequent international travelers among the surveyed generations. Gen Zers, on the other hand, showed the highest growth in planned expenditures, predicting a 14.2 percent increase in their budgets.
- Safety and Convenience: The perceived safety of a destination remains a top concern, with 93 percent of respondents citing it as the most critical factor in travel decisions. Additionally, 83% prioritize destinations that offer vegetarian or halal food options, though many still express an eagerness to “dine local” through food trucks and other in-destination offerings.
- Social Media’s Influence: A staggering 90 percent of travelers report being influenced by social media when selecting international destinations, with Instagram and YouTube being the most influential platforms.
- Sustainability Matters: Among those surveyed, 74 percent of Indian travelers are aware of sustainable travel practices in the global marketplace, and 62 percent are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly experiences such as carbon-offset programs or green-certified lodging.
- Top Destinations: The United States and Europe are the most popular destinations overall, with 83 percent of Indian travelers expressing strong interest in visiting these regions in the next 12 months. Asia is a close third, at 80 percent.
Additional findings in Portrait of Indian International Travelers include insights into the travel planning process, such as the role of travel agents and group tours, as well as evolving preferences regarding airlines, lodging and more.
‘Tangible Insights at a Critical Time’
Simon Moriarty, MMGY Travel Intelligence VP of Syndicated Research, said that the report equips travel marketers with tangible insights at a critical time for the industry.
“Our research shows that Indian international travelers are increasingly seeking seamless, personalized travel experiences that combine comfort, convenience and authenticity,” Moriarty said. “This is a hugely important travel market and one that will continue to grow in value and influence. The spending power and desire for exploration of the Indian traveler cannot be underestimated.”
The study is now available for purchase or as part of an all-access subscription to EurekA!—MMGY’s new searchable research platform. To learn more, visit mmgyintel.com.
