India Tops Global Domestic Travel Preference; 87% Plan Summer Holidays in 2026: Allianz Survey
Travel confidence remains strong despite rising costs, with AI-powered planning, domestic tourism and travel insurance gaining momentum
Charu Kaushal, Managing Director of Allianz Partners India, said Indian travellers continue to display strong confidence and enthusiasm for travel, while becoming more value-conscious, digitally enabled and experience-driven.
New Delhi: Indians remain among the world’s most enthusiastic travellers, with 87% planning to take a holiday this summer—significantly higher than the global average of 74%, according to the Global Travel Confidence Index 2026 released by Allianz Partners in collaboration with Ipsos.
The survey, conducted across 10 countries with more than 11,000 respondents, found that India leads the world in domestic travel preference, with 60% of Indian travellers planning holidays within the country compared with the global average of 42%. The findings indicate that travellers are increasingly choosing destinations closer to home as they seek value for money amid rising travel costs and global uncertainty.
Despite economic pressures, travel continues to remain a priority for Indian consumers. The survey found that 76% are cutting non-essential spending to afford travel, while 72% have scaled back vacation plans because of higher costs. At the same time, 82% expect travel expenses to rise further and 72% are concerned about their personal financial situation when planning holidays.
Travel insurance is also becoming an integral part of holiday planning. The report found that 85% of Indian travellers are likely to purchase travel insurance for their summer trips. Among insured travellers, 89% cited peace of mind and general security as key motivations, while an equal proportion valued medical assistance and repatriation support. Nearly two-thirds expect access to 24/7 digital assistance and emergency support through mobile applications.
The study highlights a growing shift toward experience-driven travel. Around 75% of Indian travellers plan to attend concerts, festivals or performing arts events during vacations, while 71% intend to attend sporting events. About 73% are planning trips around ticketed experiences, 74% want to pursue sports or hobbies during holidays, and 73% are considering wellness retreats and spa vacations. Interest in cruises and expedition-style travel was reported by 74% of respondents.
Indian travellers are also among the most digitally engaged globally. The survey found that 82% have used or plan to use artificial intelligence tools to plan vacations. At the same time, 78% expressed concerns about cyber risks while travelling and 84% said environmental risks and extreme weather conditions influence their destination choices.
Geopolitical developments and safety concerns are increasingly shaping travel decisions. According to the report, 83% of Indian travellers said stricter border controls and geopolitical uncertainty influence destination selection. Concerns about global geopolitical issues were reported by 85% of respondents, while 83% cited safety and security concerns during travel. Worries about delays and cancellations, health risks, public health issues, lost luggage and misplaced travel documents also featured prominently.
The survey further points to the continued rise of flexible work-and-travel lifestyles. Nearly 73% of respondents plan to extend trips to combine work and leisure, while 77% expect to work remotely away from home for short periods. Around 70% are considering longer-term remote working arrangements or digital nomad lifestyles.
Commenting on the findings, Charu Kaushal, Managing Director of Allianz Partners India, said Indian travellers continue to display strong confidence and enthusiasm for travel, while becoming more value-conscious, digitally enabled and experience-driven. She noted that domestic tourism, AI-enabled planning and a growing emphasis on safety and preparedness are reshaping travel behaviour.
Parikshit Kohli, Sales Director – Travel at Allianz Partners India, said travellers increasingly view travel insurance not merely as a financial safeguard but as an essential component of a seamless and stress-free travel experience, supported by real-time assistance and digital services.
About the survey
The Global Travel Confidence Index 2026 was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Allianz Partners between March 20 and April 14, 2026. The study covered 11,010 adults across 10 countries, including 1,001 respondents from India. The Indian sample primarily represents urban, educated and digitally connected consumers.
