# Travel is becoming the biggest spending category for affluent Indians.

*business · news · 2026-04-26 · Business Standard*

## Key points

- Travel's share of affluent Indian spending rises from 28% at emerging levels to 58% for ultra-elite.
- Ultra-elite Indians have 63% of their spending as cross-border, reflecting a strong global orientation.
- Monthly card transaction frequency jumps from low single digits to near-daily among ultra-elite consumers.
- Affluence is spreading beyond metro cities to emerging centres like Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur, and Lucknow.
- Spending on high-value goods like jewellery, art, and custom clothing is prioritized over general retail.

**Companies:** Visa
**Countries:** India

[Read the full story on Business Standard](https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/as-affluence-rises-indians-spend-more-on-travel-than-retail-visa-126042600625_1.html)

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