Indian travellers prioritise unique experiences & mindful spending, reveals Amex travel report, ET TravelWorld

Indian travellers are redefining their journeys in 2025, focusing on authentic experiences and thoughtful purchases, according to the newly released American Express Global Travel Trends Report. From shopping for handmade goods and attending global events to using loyalty rewards and travel apps, Indian tourists are approaching travel with both emotional and financial intention.

Sanjay Khanna, CEO and Country Manager, American Express Banking Corp India, observed, “Indians are more informed and discerning than ever before and seek holistic experiences during their travel. At American Express, we understand the preferences of our Card Members and are committed to helping them unlock more value on travel, dining, shopping and entertainment — through each aspect of their journey.”

The report highlights how 92 per cent of Indian travellers prioritise buying unique souvenirs that capture the essence of their trip, while 84 per cent consider it important to support local businesses. Nearly 81 per cent prefer high-quality local products, ranging from coffee beans to artisan goods, while 50 per cent plan international trips centred around luxury purchases.

Additionally, music and sports are influencing itineraries: 58 per cent are booking both domestic and international trips to attend concerts or shows, while cricket and football remain the top sporting reasons for travel. On the tech front, 79 per cent download travel apps before trips, and 48 per cent now book entire journeys on smartphones or tablets.

The study further highlights that Indian travellers are financially astute, with 79 per cent planning to redeem reward points for flights, hotels, and car rentals. Moreover, 84 per cent believe combining credit card rewards with other loyalty programmes offers the best travel value.

The report is based on a global survey conducted by Morning Consult, covering 8,137 travellers, including 1,023 respondents from India.

• Published On Apr 17, 2025 at 09:30 AM IST

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