The MMGY Travel Intelligence study finds that India’s international travelers prioritize safety, sustainability, and social media influence in their travel preferences and decisions, with an expected increase in spending in the coming year.
As India’s influence on the global stage continues to grow, so too does the spending power of its international travelers, according to recent research by MMGY Travel Intelligence. The study reveals that Indian adults with passports plan to increase their leisure trip expenditure by 14% in the following 12 months, averaging $4,755 per individual. This spending surge is but one facet of the evolving trends and preferences of this rising global force.
The “Portrait of Indian International Travellers” study offers valuable insights into the behaviors and motivations of Indian travelers exploring abroad. The report is based on a survey conducted between December 2024 and January 2025 involving over 3,000 Indian passport-holding adults.
Notably, Millennials lead in travel frequency, having taken an average of 3.5 international trips in the past three years. Gen Z has shown the highest growth in planned spending, with a predicted 14.2% increase in travel budgets.
Safety and convenience remain paramount for Indian travelers, with 93% of respondents citing the perceived safety of a destination as a critical factor in their travel decisions. Moreover, 83% prefer destinations offering vegetarian or halal food options, underlining the importance of dietary considerations in travel planning.
Influence from social media is another significant factor, with 90% of travelers reporting that platforms such as Instagram and YouTube shape their choice of international destinations.
Sustainability also plays a crucial role in travel decisions. The study found that 74% of Indian travelers are aware of sustainable travel practices in the global marketplace, and 62% are willing to pay more for eco-friendly experiences such as carbon-offset programs or green-certified accommodations.
Regarding preferred destinations, the United States and Europe top the list, with 83% of Indian travelers expressing a strong interest in visiting these regions in the next 12 months. Asia follows closely behind, with 80% interest.
Additional insights from the study include information on the travel planning process, the role of travel agents and group tours, and evolving preferences regarding airlines and accommodations.
Simon Moriarty, MMGY Travel Intelligence VP of Syndicated Research, emphasizes the importance of these findings, stating, “Our research shows that Indian international travelers are increasingly seeking seamless, personalized travel experiences that combine comfort, convenience and authenticity. 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 full report is now available for purchase or can be accessed via subscription to EurekA!, MMGY’s new searchable research platform.
