How Indians Are Turning Travel Into a Luxury Buying Strategy. Plus, A Silent Year-End IPO Filing
Photo Credit: Shops at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. Skift
Skift Take
Indians love shopping and a good bargain. With airlines, destinations, and travel players offering affordable access to travel, Indians are not shying away from crossing borders just to get their hands on luxury products at cheaper prices.
As the purchasing power of Indians increased, so did their preference for luxury products. India is the third largest retail market in the world, according to a report by management consultancy Bain & Company. In 2024, the gross merchandise value (GMV) of the Indian e-retail market was pegged at $60 billion. A Statista survey in March 2024 revealed that over 80% of Indian luxury consumers prefer purchasing high-end fashion from global brands like Gucci and Armani.
And this trend is now extending to travel. American Express found that 50% Indians had planned an international trip in 2025 to purchase a luxury good/investment piece. It also noted that 81% Indians prioritize purchasing high-quality local goods during their global travels. According to Skyscanner's travel trends 2026 report, 57% of Indian travelers are stocking up on skincare and beauty products abroad, a trend that has also been highlighted in Skift Megatrends.
These have translated into monet
