From Shopping To Memories: Why Indians Are Choosing Experiences

Indian consumers are increasingly shifting part of their discretionary spending from physical products towards experiences such as travel, dining, entertainment and leisure.

Recent consumer research suggests that memorable experiences and personal relevance are becoming more important to shoppers than simply owning more products.

A CBRE report projects that household spending on experiences in India will grow faster than spending on physical goods between 2025 and 2030.

Travel, hotels, restaurants and recreational activities will likely account for much of this growth, with younger consumers playing an important role in the trend.

The shift does not mean Indians have stopped buying physical products. Instead, consumers are becoming more selective about how they use their discretionary income.

Deloitte’s 2026 Consumer Signals research indicates that Indians remain cautious about major purchases while continuing to spend selectively on experiences and quality-focused categories.

Travel is reflecting this changing preference. India’s domestic tourism activity shows strong participation in religious and social travel, while households continue to spend on leisure trips, business travel and other journeys.

For younger consumers, experiences can carry both social and personal value.

A concert, weekend trip, special meal or wellness activity can create lasting memories and give people experiences to share with friends and online communities.

The trend reflects a broader lifestyle change in which people increasingly value time, memories and personal experiences alongside material possessions.

Rather than abandoning physical goods, Indian consumers appear to be balancing purchases with spending on activities and experiences that offer enjoyment, social connection and personal value.

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