95 per cent Indians used credit cards during foreign travel

As many as 95% of Indian travelers choose credit cards for a seamless international experience, according to the Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study 2023.

The report presents insights from a global survey by 4SiGHT Research & Analytics.

Among Indian consumers, international destinations like Australia, the UAE, the US, and Canada remain top preferences.

Various offerings like travel miles, cashback, rewards, high acceptance, foreign exchange rates, and high limits on spending remain the key factors that drive international card usage.

“It is interesting to note that 95% of travelers intend to use credit cards at international travel destinations to make their experience seamless while 99% of travelers prefer to use cards including credit, debit and prepaid) during their international travels,” according to a press statement by Visa Inc, which occupies a leadership position in digital payments.

Visa has been executing the Global Travel Intentions (GTI) study biennially for over a decade and the study equips Visa and its partners with an in-depth understanding of travel and payment behaviors, along with a robust view of emerging trends in the travel landscape.

“The Global Travel Intentions Study 2023 is a compass guiding us through the ever-evolving landscape of travel and payments. It's clear that cards are persistently simplifying cross-border transactions, emerging as the favored choice for consumers seeking to amplify their overall travel experience, particularly for those journeying outbound from India,” said Sridhar Keppurengan, Business Head of Cross Border Payments, India & South Asia, Visa.

Some prominent trends in the Travel and Tourism industry per the GTI study by Visa points out that infrastructure is important to 65% of individuals while 43% say destinations promoting sustainable initiatives would encourage them to travel sustainably.

The study finds 75% prioritise the social environment (including good environmental practices and safety) while choosing a destination. 73% of individuals look forward to local cultural experience.

Around 86% of travelers prefer hotels, 30% prefer bed and breakfast set-ups, and 24% prefer hostels as accommodation choices

Nearly 70% of travelers choose a destination based on leisure activities available, like entertainment and activities (35%), shopping options (27%), and local food and dining options (26%).

Relaxation has been the main driver for travel (26%) and remains the top motivation (51%) for the next trip as well.