Indian travellers are increasing both travel frequency and spending, reinforcing the country’s position as a key growth market, according to data from Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
Membership in the GHA Discovery loyalty programme in India rose 53 per cent in 2025, surpassing one million members in 2026. Indian members generated US$75 million in global hotel revenue in 2025, an increase of 25 per cent compared with the previous year. International stays accounted for 54 per cent of total member-driven revenue.
The UAE, Thailand and Singapore remained the most popular destinations, with Indian members spending US$43.2 million on international stays compared with US$38.8 million domestically.
Within India, 16 hotels under the GHA Discovery network generated US$82 million in revenue in 2025, up 22 per cent year on year. Growth was supported by domestic demand and international visitors, particularly from the US and the UK.
Outbound travel from India also continued to expand, with 32.7 million international departures recorded in 2025, an increase of 5.9 per cent compared with 2024. Domestic travel has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, while inbound tourism is growing across luxury, cultural and wellness segments.
GHA and The Leela highlighted these trends at the Skift India Intelligence Summit held in New Delhi on March 26, 2026.
Recent research indicates that Indian travellers are placing greater emphasis on privacy, family travel and extended stays. About 49 per cent prioritise travel with family and friends, while 81 per cent of business travellers extend trips for leisure.
The Leela is expanding into destinations including Coorg and Jaisalmer and is developing its private membership club, Arq by The Leela, with planned locations in Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai.
GHA CEO Chris Hartley commented: “India has rapidly become one of the most important and influential travel markets in the world. We are seeing strong growth in membership and spending, alongside a clear shift towards more international travel.”
“As we mark 40 years of The Leela, our journey reflects the evolution of India’s luxury traveller, who is increasingly global in outlook yet deeply drawn to immersive, culturally rooted experiences,” said Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
“Partnerships such as Global Hotel Alliance play a critical role in connecting us to a global base of high-value travellers, while allowing us to retain the distinct identity of Indian luxury. As we grow, our focus remains on building destination-led experiences that are both globally relevant and deeply rooted in India.”
