India’s business travel market is projected to generate $162 billion in revenue by 2030, up from approximately $101 billion in 2024, with a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2025 to 2030. Other forecasts suggest that the corporate segment could nearly double its revenues, rising from $10.6 billion today to nearly $20.8 billion by the 2030 fiscal year, encompassing air, hotel, and rail travel. These figures reflect not only growing volume but also increasing professionalization in the sector.
A significant part of this success lies in the rise of cities as global business hubs. Bengaluru, for example, stands out as a center of advanced services, hosting more than 40% of India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs), operating for major companies like Microsoft, Google, Goldman Sachs, and Shell. These centers demand frequent, high-quality business travel. Meanwhile, emerging cities like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are experiencing a notable hotel boom, with leading chains such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt expanding their footprint to serve both tourism and corporate travel—driven by the economic dynamism of GIFT City and aspirations to host major international events such as the 2036 Olympic Games.
Furthermore, the growth of the MICE segment (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) plays a decisive role. Kerala, for instance, is preparing to diversify its tourism offering by hosting a wedding and MICE conclave in Kochi, welcoming international delegates and strengthening its position as a high-level events destination. In this context, the availability of venues, facilities, and complementary services is key to attracting and retaining discerning corporate travelers.
India’s strength is also reflected on the global stage. A recent study forecasts global business travel spending to reach $1.57 trillion by 2025, and among the top 15 most promising markets, India stands out—alongside South Korea and Turkey—as one of the fastest growing, while countries like Spain and the Netherlands show signs of stagnation or decline. This favorable position reflects not only a robust domestic rebound but also a growing international interest in tapping into opportunities within Indian territory.
The private sector has also recognized this trend and is responding with strategic investments. Family offices are increasingly allocating resources to the hospitality sector—not as a cyclical play, but as a long-term investment in stable returns, supported by the strong momentum of both corporate and leisure tourism.
The convergence of an expanding economy, urban development, corporate sophistication, and improved connectivity is positioning India as an undisputed global player in business travel. Its growth is not only quantitative but also qualitative, representing a structural evolution that enhances its ability to attract, support, and elevate business travel to meet ever-higher standards. As companies and investors adapt to this new landscape, India will further consolidate its status as a global magnet—not only for business, but for the worldwide flow of talent and innovation.
