Skift Take

Ever tried sealing a deal with Indian businesses through a computer screen? It isn't easy. Indians are all about face-to-face meetings and building real connections. No wonder business travel in India is bouncing back quicker than elsewhere.

India's business travel spending is set to reach $38 billion this year, with a projected full recovery to pre-2019 spending levels by 2025, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).

One factor is that 86% of business travelers consider travel necessary for meeting their business goals, according to Sunny Sodhi, managing director of FCM Travel India.

“Companies prioritize in-person interactions with clients and suppliers to expedite projects. Professionals also embark on business trips to participate in meetings, events, and seminars,” Sodhi told Skift.

In 2023, India's business travel spending surged by almo