India's economic rise has lifted millions out of poverty and enhanced the country's geopolitical influence. Less evident, however, is the impact of its growing consumer class on global tourism.
Between 2009 and 2019, international departures from India more than doubled to 27 million. Overseas spending by Indian travellers tripled between 2010 and 2023, reaching $33 billion, with forecasts predicting it will jump to $45 billion next year. This surge is driven by a mix of demographic shifts and economic growth. People aged 25 to 34 are the most enthusiastic travellers, and a fifth of the population will soon enter this age group. By 2047, the middle class is expected to double in size, and the number of valid Indian passports has already grown from 52 million a decade ago to 93 million this year.
By 2040, international departures from India could reach 80 to 90 million, according to McKinsey, a consultancy. This is not far off from the 104 million Chinese who travelled abroad in 2019. While Chinese travellers are increasingly staying closer to home, Indian travellers are eager to explore the world.
The driving forces behind the surge
This upward trend in Indian travel is fuelled by a combination of demographic and economic factors, particularly among young Indians aged 25 to 34. Unlike previous generations who prioritised savings and financial security, today’s young Indians value experiences and are eager to explore new destinations and cultures. This shift in mindset is driving the rise in outbound tourism.
Srinjoy Sen, who co-founded a travel company 3S Travel Network Pvt Ltd in India after traveling to 50 countries by the age of 25, highlights other reasons for this trend. "Across India, disposable incomes are steadily increasing, allowing people to save specifically for travel. Many are planning and saving well in advance. Travel companies, including ours, offer travel packages with equated monthly instalments (EMI). For example, a package costing five lakh rupees per person can be paid in EMIs over three, six, or 12 months, or even longer."
Sen also notes that travel has become a significant priority in people's lives, particularly among the younger generation, who embrace the idea of working hard to travel further. Social media plays a crucial role in shaping travel decisions, with many travellers seeking out destinations that will look great on Instagram. "I frequently get calls from clients who specifically request destinations that will look good on Instagram. Social media definitely drives interest and demand in the travel industry."
Another factor driving this trend is the fact that Indian tourists increasingly favour destinations that offer unique experiences and easy access. The ease of obtaining visas is a crucial factor in their travel decisions, with countries that streamline visa processes or offer visa-free entry seeing a surge in Indian visitors. For instance, the UK visa process is relatively straightforward, with options for two-year, five-year, or even ten-year visas, making it easier for Indians to visit multiple times
According to Sen, key trends in Indian travel today include a growing preference for curated, personalised holidays and a willingness to invest in premium experiences and services. This travel boom could benefit the global travel ecosystem if managed and channelled properly.
The enduring appeal of the UK
For many Indians, London remains a dream destination, making the UK a top choice for travellers. The UK's appeal is partly due to historical ties from the British Raj. In 2022, there were 517,000 visits from India to the UK, according to VFS Global.
In Europe, the UK is currently the most visited destination for Indian travellers, according to VisitBritain. The organisation is actively courting Indian holidaymakers, and for good reason: Indians spend longer in the UK than most tourists (an average of 18 days compared to one week) and spend around a third more than the average visitor in 2022: £1,088 compared to £696.
Anirudh Singh, COO of VFS Global, adds, "The India-UK relationship continues to be one of the world’s strongest. In 2023, the UK welcomed 604,000 tourists from India, while Indian nationals accounted for more than a quarter (26%) of visitor visas granted, an increase of 22% from the previous year. While the tourism industry’s recovery from the post-Covid downturn has contributed to this increase, modern visa application processes undoubtedly help facilitate travel.
VFS Global, for example, operates visa application centres across India that enable travellers to book appointments at the time and location of their choice. Additionally, dedicated staff can travel to an applicant’s home to collect biometric details, making the process more seamless for the traveller."
