Visa Travel Trends: 250% surge in luxury and duty-free purchases by Indian travellers

As the year comes to a close, Visa looks ahead to 2025, at travel trends shaping to reflect a new wave of experiences, preferences and payment innovations

Sridhar Keppurengan, Head – Cross Border Payments, India & South Asia, Visa: Visa Travel Trends: 250% surge in luxury and duty-free purchases by Indian travellers

Here are some insights from Sridhar Keppurengan, Head – Cross Border Payments, India & South Asia, Visa on the evolving preferences of Indian travellers and the role of digital payment solutions in shaping their journeys in the coming year:

“As Indian travellers look forward to 2025, there’s a clear inclination towards more immersive and exclusive travel experiences that reflect their individual lifestyles – whether it’s exploring local grocery stores for regional delicacies, embarking on spiritual journeys, or enjoying the allure of understated luxury travel experiences. The growing demand for bespoke experiences is evident in a remarkable 250% surge in luxury and duty-free purchases by Indian travellers (in Jan-Mar 2024 vs. 2023), outpacing spending on food, accommodation, and transportation, all supported by the convenience of ubiquitous digital payments.

The convergence of evolving travel preferences and innovative payment solutions will transform how travellers experience and interact with destinations world over. Continuous advancements in payment technology – driven by contactless modes like tap to pay, wearables, virtual cards, and mobile wallets – will not only provide secure, seamless solutions for domestic and cross-border transactions but integrate with local services to enhance the overall experience for the traveller. By enabling easier access to high-value purchases & brands and exclusive local experiences, Visa is empowering travellers with the confidence and ease to experience new adventures.”