As reported in Visa Consulting & Analytics’ *India’s Affluent Economy 2025-26* white paper, travel constitutes 58% of discretionary spending among the nation’s ultra-wealthy, surpassing luxury retail and other sectors.
The report also emphasizes a rising inclination towards privacy, exclusivity, and curated experiences over ownership-driven luxury.
This trend is increasingly evident across India’s luxury hospitality and travel landscape.
Luxury service providers report that affluent Indian families are traveling in larger groups, opting for longer stays, and prioritizing shared experiences with grandparents, parents, and children rather than conventional luxury holidays.
“Travel has transformed into a medium for meaningful family connections and shared experiences, not just leisure,” stated Yeshi Phuntsho, CEO of ÀNI Private Resorts, the first series of dedicated private luxury resorts worldwide.
He mentioned that Indian families are leaning towards exclusive-use accommodations and traveling with extended family, with bigger groups and extended stays becoming more typical.
Varun Bajaj, Founder of Amrit Bhawan in Haridwar, a charming, heritage boutique retreat, noted that wealthy families are now choosing destinations that prioritize “shared experiences, privacy, and authenticity over material indulgence,” with many travelers appreciating cultural depth and meaningful quality time together.
This trend is supported by broader travel sentiment data.
Allianz Partners’ *Global Travel Confidence Index 2026* revealed that 87% of Indians plan to travel this year, well above the global average of 74%. The report also highlighted that 68% of Indians aim to increase their spending on luxury travel experiences, compared to a global average of 34%.
Experts indicate that wealthy travelers are shifting from traditional hotel accommodations to private villas, buyouts, and entirely customized group travel experiences.
“There is a clear uptick in multi-generational family holiday packages among HNIs and UHNIs, with families choosing private residences over standard hotels,” remarked Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO of ELIVAAS, a tech-driven hospitality and property management firm.
He observed that privacy, exclusivity, and bespoke services have become essential aspects of luxury travel preferences.
Experts agree the pandemic expedited this transition by altering how affluent travelers perceive luxury.
“Luxury is no longer solely about grand architecture or lavish interiors,” emphasized Shilendran M, Vice President–Sales at CGH Earth, a family-owned, eco-luxury hospitality group in Kochi, Kerala.
“Travelers are placing higher importance on exclusive access, authenticity, and personalized engagement with local culture, nature, and heritage.”
Many hospitality brands report that the demand for exclusive resort buyouts is fueled by milestone celebrations, family gatherings, and the desire for uninterrupted time together.
Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH), the leading private-sector policy think tank for the Indian tourism and hospitality sectors, noted that affluent families favor “exclusive villas or resorts designated solely for them,” facilitating flexibility, privacy, and personalized experiences.
Simultaneously, luxury travel companies assert that affluent consumers are redefining premium spending based on 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 organization.
He pointed out that wealthy Indian families are emphasizing collective memories and meaningful shared experiences over material possessions.
Ruchi Kohli, Chief of The Experience at Away&Co, a luxury travel design firm, stated that the most significant shift is that affluent travelers are now focused on creating moments that “their family will cherish for years,” whether through exclusive vineyard dinners, special museum access, or customized wellness retreats.
Industry experts believe this shift reflects a broader change in affluent consumption behaviors, where luxury is valued by time, privacy, access, and personalization instead of mere ownership.
