Attitudes to overseas and domestic luxury travel maturing in India

March 4, 2025

The Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the most visited tourist locations in India

India's travel market is experiencing strong growth, whilst witnessing an unprecedented surge in luxury travel.

According to industry reports, the number of Indian high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and ultra-HNIs is growing at a double-digit pace annually. This affluence, combined with evolving aspirations and exposure to global travel experiences, is transforming the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

In 2023, the market generated a revenue of approximately $64.5 billion and is projected to reach $123.8 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8 percent from 2024 to 2030.

This surge is reshaping the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, with luxury travel evolving beyond traditional five-star accommodations to encompass personalized and immersive experiences.

The ripple effect of this demand is driving innovation across luxury hotels, travel agencies, bespoke tour providers and rental platforms.

Here are 10 changing trends in Indian luxury travel globally and at home:

Experiential over extravagance
There is a discernible shift among affluent Indian travellers from ostentatious displays of wealth to seeking deeply immersive experiences.

The contemporary luxury traveler desires authenticity, cultural richness and personalization over material excess.

The luxury travel market's growth is driven by segments such as safari and adventure tours, which were the largest revenue-generating tours in 2023

Personalized, purpose-driven travel
The emerging elite now value meaningful travel.

Sustainable tourism and wellness retreats are no longer niche – they are becoming essential pillars of luxury travel for India’s discerning travellers.

Multi-generational travel
Families, including multiple generations, are now embarking on bespoke holidays together, often to celebrate milestones.

This trend underscores the importance of family ties in Indian culture, reflected in travel preferences that combine heritage, luxury and shared experiences.

Abhay Gupta

Curated private journeys and luxury rentals
Privacy has become a new currency.

The demand for private islands, luxury villas and high-end home rentals is surging. What is driving this trend?

Indian travelers increasingly seek exclusive spaces for celebrations, wellness or just unwinding in style – away from the crowd but with all the comforts of a five-star experience.

Luxury rentals also offer flexibility and intimacy, which appeal to Indian sensibilities.

The luxury hotel market in India is expected to grow from $2.99 billion in 2025 to $4.83 billion by 2030, indicating a rising demand for private villas, luxury rentals and exclusive accommodations.

Rise of domestic luxury destinations
India’s luxury landscape has expanded to include palace hotels, heritage properties and boutique resorts in both classic and offbeat destinations.

Domestic travel is no longer seen as second-best – it is being actively chosen by those seeking culturally immersive, world-class luxury.

Tech-savvy luxury travel
High-net-worth individuals (HNIs) demand seamless digital integration, from virtual concierge services to AI-based itinerary customization.

Luxury brands catering to Indian travelers are investing heavily in digital-first, hyper-personalized travel solutions.

Luxury wellness and slow travel
Indians are embracing mindful travel, wellness getaways and slower itineraries that foster rejuvenation.

Resorts offering Ayurveda, yoga and mindful living in serene locales are increasingly favored by the mature luxury traveler.

Indian diaspora influence
The well-traveled global Indian has set new benchmarks by expecting world-class experiences both abroad and at home.

Diaspora travellers are influential in shaping new travel trends and demanding more diverse, elevated offerings from luxury brands.

What sets Indian travelers apart globally
Indian travelers stand out for their preference for group travel – whether with family or friends – and for valuing cultural heritage and authenticity.

Unlike other nationalities, Indian luxury travelers also favor experiential shopping, culinary diversity and celebrations of milestones while traveling. Their ability to blend opulence with a sense of occasion and purpose-driven exploration makes them unique in the global luxury landscape.

Engaging Indian consumers: The luxury rental opportunity
To connect with Indian luxury travelers, rental brands must offer more than just premium amenities – they must deliver tailored experiences.

Flexibility, privacy and personalization are key.

Brands should focus on curating culturally relevant services, from in-house chefs offering regional delicacies to concierge services that understand the nuances of Indian family travel.

Additionally, storytelling plays a pivotal role – brands that build authentic narratives around heritage, celebration and wellness will resonate deeply with the Indian traveler.

Finally, leveraging digital channels for hyper-personalized engagement – be it virtual tours or AI-driven recommendations – can foster long-term loyalty.

Abhay Gupta is founder/CEO of Luxury Connect and Luxury Connect Business School, Gurgaon, Haryana, India. He is also author of “The Incredible Indian Luxury Bazaar.” Reach him at abhay@luxuryconnect.in.

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