Destination Europe: How India’s expanding middle class is shaping new travel trends
Mabrian predicts that if just 2 percent of Indians travel internationally by 2030, the number of outbound trips could reach 100 million
The latest “India Market Insights: Outbound & Inbound” report by travel intelligence platform Mabrian highlights the growing mutual interest between Europe and India in travel, revealing insights that can help bridge cultural gaps and better cater to evolving traveller preferences on both continents.
With a population of 1.4 billion and a middle class expected to encompass 60 percent of the demographic by 2047, India’s outbound travel market is anticipated to skyrocket.
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Mabrian predicts that if just 2 percent of Indians travel internationally by 2030, the number of outbound trips could reach 100 million—comparable to the entire annual tourist intake of France. This growing demand from India presents a unique opportunity for European destinations, especially as Indian travellers increasingly look beyond Southeast Asia.
Key Takeaways from Mabrian’s report:
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Emerging European destinations
While traditional European hotspots like the UK and France remain popular among Indian travellers, destinations such as Italy and Germany are gaining traction, seeing growth rates of 2.7 percent and 7.3 percent, respectively. Spain (+3.8 percent), Austria (+9.8 percent), and Greece (+18.3 percent) have also seen increased interest from Indian visitors in the past year. 
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Cultural and experiential preferences
Indian travellers tend to seek diverse cultural experiences that combine leisure, shopping, and wellness—an aspect deeply rooted in Indian culture. Outdoor activities and active tourism, often involving family or partner travel, are central to their European travel plans.
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Seasonal travel patterns
Indian tourism to Europe peaks during shoulder seasons (March to July) and winter (December and January), offering destinations the chance to attract visitors outside peak tourist months. -
Growth of European interest in India
European travellers to India are increasingly interested in experience-led journeys, with a strong preference for wellness and outdoor activities. Demand from the UK (+37.7%), France (+28.8%), and Germany (+25.5%) has surged in the past year, making these countries some of the top source markets for India.
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Challenges and opportunities
While Indian and European travellers show significant interest in each other’s regions, both markets have areas to improve. For Europe, adapting services to meet Indian travellers’ expectations around safety, family-friendly amenities, and service quality could enhance satisfaction levels. Meanwhile, India can benefit from campaigns to enhance cultural understanding and improve safety perceptions among European visitors, whose satisfaction scores currently lag the global average.
The report underscores the rising economic power of India’s middle class and highlights the growing need for tourism products that reflect the cultural nuances and preferences of Indian travellers in Europe, as well as European travellers exploring India’s diverse offerings.
Download the full report “India Market Insights: Outbound & Inbound” in Mabrian’s blog
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