India’s Outbound Luxury Travel Soars; Narrows Gap With China, Says GHA CEO Chris Hartley

India’s travelers are driving a surge in premium international travel, steadily closing the $100 billion spending gap with China, according to Chris Hartley, CEO of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA).

This shift is reshaping the global tourism landscape, he said during the Skift India Forum 2025.

India Poised To Become Powerhouse In Outbound Tourism

Despite the global economic downturn, Indian travelers are continuing to flock to international destinations, with outbound tourism numbers reaching new heights.

According to the latest official tourism ministry data, India’s outbound travelers hit 28.2 million in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels of 26 million in 2019.

Hartley emphasized that India’s potential in outbound luxury tourism is immense. He said that leisure consumers are driving international travel strongly, with a significant focus on premium travel. He added that short-term economic fluctuations largely do not affect travelers.

Hartley also pointed out that India’s outbound spending gap with China is narrowing, with India now emerging as a $100 billion opportunity in global travel.

India’s Outbound Market Defies Economic Setbacks

For years, Indian travelers faced obstacles such as visa challenges and underdeveloped infrastructure, which hampered outbound travel.

Hartley believes that the authorities are rapidly addressing these issues.

“For years, travelers had issues with visas and infrastructure, airports and airlines. China was more advanced. But that is all changing,” he said.

Hartley further highlighted the significant demand from Indian consumers for premium and luxury brands.

“Of the Indian travelers booking with GHA, 80% are looking for specific brands, and nearly 25% of them are seeking luxury hotels. This percentage is relatively high compared to other countries,” he noted.

India’s Inbound Travel Growth

While India is making waves as an outbound travel powerhouse, it is also becoming an increasingly attractive destination for inbound tourism.

Hotel brands worldwide are taking note of the growing inbound potential, seeing strong growth in the Indian market.

Minor Hotels, a member of GHA, recently launched its flagship property in Jaipur, further cementing India’s appeal as a premium travel destination.

Hartley noted that the GHA plans to expand its footprint in India over the next few years, aiming for 100 properties across two to three new brands.

“The growth of travel in India has made hotels in the country a highly attractive asset class,” Hartley said.

“However, the new supply of hotels is slow, and new brands are not being created overnight. But more and more owners are building a significant brand presence here, and that presents a huge growth opportunity,” he added.

GHA’s Expanding Presence In India

Global Hotel Alliance’s loyalty program, which connects 45 hotel brands across 850 properties worldwide, is witnessing double-digit growth in bookings from India.

The growth in bookings reflects India’s rising influence in the global hospitality sector, signaling its growing clout in both outbound and inbound tourism markets.

Hartley noted that GHA’s India memberships grew by 18% in the past year, further underscoring the country’s rising significance in the global tourism industry.

The alliance plans to continue its expansion, with more luxury and premium hotel properties expected to set up shop in India in the coming years.

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