According to Visa Consulting & Analytics’ *India’s Affluent Economy 2025-26* white paper, travel now accounts for 58% of discretionary spending among India’s ultra-elite, well ahead of luxury retail and other categories.
The report also highlights a growing preference for privacy, exclusivity and curated experiences over ownership-driven luxury.
The shift is now becoming visible across India’s luxury hospitality and travel ecosystem.
Luxury operators say affluent Indian families are travelling in larger groups, taking longer stays and prioritising shared experiences with grandparents, parents and children over traditional luxury holidays.
“Travel has evolved into a platform for meaningful family connection and shared experiences, rather than purely leisure,” said Yeshi Phuntsho, CEO of ÀNI Private Resorts, world’s first collection of dedicated private luxury resorts.
He added that Indian families are opting for exclusive-use stays and travelling with extended family networks, with larger groups and longer stays becoming more common.
Varun Bajaj, Founder of Amrit Bhawan in Haridwar, an intimate, heritage boutique retreat, said affluent families are seeking destinations that offer “shared experiences, privacy and authenticity over material indulgence,” with many travellers valuing cultural depth and meaningful time together.
The trend is reinforced by broader travel sentiment data.
Allianz Partners’ *Global Travel Confidence Index 2026* found that 87% of Indians plan to take a holiday this year, significantly above the global average of 74%. The report also noted that 68% of Indians intend to spend more on luxury travel experiences, compared with a global average of 34%.
Experts say wealthy travellers are moving away from conventional hotel stays toward private villas, buyouts and fully customised group travel experiences.
“There is a noticeable increase in multi-generational family holiday packages amongst HNIs and UHNIs, where family groups are opting for private homes instead of regular hotels,” said Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO of ELIVAAS, a tech-driven hospitality and property management company.
He noted that privacy, exclusivity and personalised services have become central to luxury travel preferences.
Experts say the pandemic accelerated this shift by changing how affluent travellers define luxury itself.
“Luxury is no longer defined solely by opulent architecture or lavish interiors,” said Shilendran M, Vice President–Sales at CGH Earth, a family-owned, eco-luxury hospitality group based in Kochi, Kerala.
“Travellers are placing greater value on exclusive access, authenticity and personalised engagement with local culture, nature and heritage.”
Many hospitality brands say the demand for exclusive resort buyouts is being driven by milestone celebrations, family reunions and the desire for uninterrupted time together.
Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH), the apex private-sector policy think tank and federation for the Indian tourism, travel, and hospitality industry, said affluent families prefer “exclusive villas or resorts meant only for their use,” allowing flexibility, privacy and personalised experiences.
At the same time, luxury travel companies say affluent consumers are redefining premium spending around emotional value rather than visible displays of wealth.
“Today, uninterrupted family connection is the ultimate luxury,” said Bruno Courbet, Director of Club Med, a travel and tourism operator.
He noted that affluent Indian families are prioritising collective memories and meaningful shared experiences over material possessions.
Ruchi Kohli, Chief of The Experience at Away&Co, a luxury travel tour and travel designer, said the biggest change is that affluent travellers are now investing in moments that “their family will talk about for years,” whether through private vineyard dinners, exclusive museum access or tailored wellness retreats.
Industry experts say this evolution reflects a broader transformation in affluent consumption patterns, where luxury is measured by time, privacy, access and personalisation rather than ownership alone.
