Vinay Bagri, Co-Founder and CEO of Niyo, said this trend is visible in card spending patterns.
“We’re seeing growing spends by young travellers, students, and working professionals. Rising outbound spends reflect India’s deepening global participation and growing consumer confidence,” he said.
While total outward remittances for FY 2024–25 dipped 6.85% to $29.56 billion, travel continues to lead.
Travel remittances stood at about $16.96 billion — roughly 57% of total outward flows. March and April 2025 saw a rebound, with March recording a 12.3% year-on-year rise and April an 11% jump in travel-related remittances.
Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings, said strong travel demand is driving these numbers.
“Consumers are spending on long-haul, short-haul, experiential and luxury vacations. More customers are going further and staying longer. Travel continues to anchor the outbound remittance story, despite some moderation in education, medical and other components,” he said.
Hospitality industry players confirm that a large share of forex is going into luxury travel and wellness stays.
ALSO READ | The Wealth Company gets SEBI nod to launch mutual fund business
Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen, GM at Thailand’s Chiva-Som Hua Hin, said Indian arrivals rose from 1.6 million in 2023 to 2.1 million in 2024, with sustained growth this year. “Affluent Indian guests are spending more per day on wellness treatments and bespoke services,” he said.
In Sri Lanka, Chamindra Goonewardene, VP at Resplendent Ceylon, said Indian guests are staying longer and spending more than before. “We see more high-net-worth travellers looking for immersive wellness and nature-led experiences. The average length of stay and daily spend have both increased,” he said.
The Maldives is seeing similar trends. Dermot Birchall, GM at Kandima Maldives, said Indian guests are spending more on private dining, spa services and milestone celebrations. “Average stays are longer and guests want privacy, wellness and curated experiences,” he said.
Alexia Lainé, Director of Courchevel Tourism, said Mediterranean destinations like Lošinj and alpine resorts are also seeing more Indian guests choose “purposeful wellness and nature,” instead of short sightseeing breaks. “Stays are becoming longer, but less programmed,” she said.
Lara Soldičić Vodarić, Director of Sales at Lošinj Hotels & Villas in Croatia, added: “Guests are asking for better, not more — more privacy, more intentional design, and more space to simply be.” Lošinj’s spa residences, secluded sea-view villas and forest retreats are among the options drawing premium Indian guests.
Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, said travellers want “personalised and transformative journeys” with curated dining, private marine encounters and in-villa celebrations. “It’s not just about where they stay — it’s about how they feel,” he said. The resort’s wellness services, destination dining and digital detox options are popular with Indian families and honeymooners.
ALSO READ | From points to perks: What hotel loyalty programmes are and who should join
