GHA and The Leela spotlight India's rising global travel potential as Indian guests stay and spend more at home and abroad

Indian travellers are staying and spending more both at home and abroad, reinforcing India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing and most influential travel markets, according to new insights from Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and established hotel brand partner, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.

India’s Travel Growth
- GHA DISCOVERY membership in India crossed 1 million in 2026, after a 53% surge in 2025.
- Indian members generated $75 million in global hotel revenues in 2025, up 25% year-on-year.
- International stays (54%) exceeded domestic stays, with UAE, Thailand, and Singapore as top destinations.
- More than 32.7 million Indians traveled abroad in 2025, a 5.9% increase over 2024.

The Leela’s Expansion
- Celebrating its 40th year, The Leela announced new properties in Coorg and Jaisalmer.
- Expanding its private membership club Arq By The Leela to Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai.
- Strong performance: $82 million in loyalty-generated revenue in 2025, up 22%.
- High guest advocacy with a Net Promoter Score of 86, among the best in luxury hospitality.

Indian Traveler Trends
- India leads globally in family-driven travel: 49% prioritize family trips vs. 38% global average.
- Bleisure travel is booming: 81% of Indian business travelers extend work trips for leisure.
- Strong appetite for privacy and exclusivity: 21% willing to pay for managed private experiences.
- Loyalty engagement is among the highest worldwide: 93% prefer hotels with global loyalty programs.

Outlook
- GHA DISCOVERY’s expanding portfolio in India (Leela, Anantara, Araiya) positions it to capture both domestic and outbound demand.
- Outbound Indian travel is projected to grow five-fold by 2040, making India one of the most influential travel markets globally.

This report underscores how India is not just a fast-growing travel market but also shaping global hospitality trends, with luxury, family, and experience-led travel at the forefront.