Published on
December 22, 2025
Germany unites with Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and several other European nations, is working strategically to boost Indian tourism in 2026, capitalizing on the growing number of Indian travelers seeking international experiences. This concerted effort comes as India’s middle class expands, with more Indians than ever exploring Europe’s rich cultural heritage, luxury offerings, and diverse landscapes. With initiatives ranging from easier visa processes to tailored travel packages, these countries are poised to attract record numbers of Indian visitors in the coming year, tapping into a market with immense growth potential.
As Europe looks towards 2026, there’s a palpable sense of optimism regarding the Indian tourist market. With India’s rapidly growing middle class, increasing disposable income, and more direct international flights, European nations are positioning themselves as attractive destinations for Indian travelers. Countries like Germany, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and several others are ramping up efforts to capture the wave of Indian tourists expected in the coming year. Let’s take a closer look at how these countries are specifically targeting Indian visitors and what they hope to achieve by 2026.
Germany: Setting the Stage for 10 Lakh Indian Visitors in 2026
Germany is making a significant push to attract Indian tourists in 2026, with a target of 10 lakh overnight stays by Indian nationals. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) India has set ambitious goals, focusing on both leisure and business tourism. In 2025, the country is expected to close with 9.6 lakh Indian visitors, narrowly missing its target of 10 lakh.
The German government’s efforts to encourage Indian travel are also supported by an increasing number of students traveling to Germany for education. As more families visit their children studying abroad, the “visiting friends and relatives” (VFR) market is growing rapidly. Moreover, Germany’s rich cultural heritage, world-class infrastructure, and strong economic ties with India make it an attractive destination.
To further enhance this, Germany has already seen an increase in direct air connections, with major Indian airlines such as Air India, Lufthansa, and Swiss International operating more flights between key Indian cities and Germany. For 2026, Germany is focusing not just on tourism but on improving its tourism ecosystem, including seamless visa processing and bespoke travel packages targeting Indian interests in history, art, and culture.
Switzerland: A Year of Unforgettable Swiss Moments for Indian Tourists
Switzerland has long been a favorite for Indian tourists, especially those seeking luxury, nature, and winter sports. The country’s focus for 2026 is to capture a larger share of the growing Indian market. Switzerland’s Tourism Board has been consistently investing in marketing campaigns tailored to Indian travelers, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, skiing resorts, and scenic trains like the Glacier Express.
In 2026, Switzerland is set to launch new experiences designed specifically for Indian visitors. These include curated packages that combine luxury with adventure, providing a mix of wellness retreats, heritage tours, and gourmet dining experiences.
Switzerland’s proximity to major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne, combined with its excellent rail network, makes it an ideal destination for family holidays and honeymooners. The country is also keen to promote its Cultural and Heritage Tourism to Indian tourists, with emphasis on the Swiss heritage villages and traditional Swiss festivals, which are a huge draw for Indian culture enthusiasts.
To further incentivize Indian tourists, Switzerland has begun offering a simplified visa process for Indian travelers, as well as special discounts on Swiss Travel Passes. These initiatives aim to enhance convenience and accessibility for the growing numbers of Indian tourists looking for an unforgettable European vacation.
France: A Magnetic Destination for Indian Luxury Travelers
France, a perennial favorite for Indian tourists, is set to continue its tourism push into 2026. With Paris as a top destination, the French Tourism Board is focusing on a wider regional appeal, promoting cities like Nice, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille alongside the capital.
The growth of luxury tourism in India has directly impacted the number of wealthy travelers heading to France. High-end shopping experiences in Paris, world-class museums like the Louvre, the Château de Versailles, and the French Riviera’s glamorous coastline make France irresistible for Indian travelers seeking an extravagant European escape.
For 2026, France plans to launch special French culture experiences aimed at Indian tourists, including Indian chef-led culinary tours, fashion experiences, and wine-tasting events. Additionally, direct flights between key Indian cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Paris have been increased, making it easier than ever for Indians to visit France.
France’s focus on heritage tourism also aims to attract Indian families and senior citizens, promoting historical tours of the Loire Valley castles and Provence. With India’s growing interest in cultural tourism, France is looking to become the top European destination for Indian tourists, and their comprehensive outreach is working.
The Netherlands: A Gateway to European Culture for Indian Tourists
The Netherlands has recently been gaining traction as a go-to destination for Indian travelers. As one of the most dynamic countries in Europe, the Netherlands Tourism Board is working hard to showcase its unique blend of culture, modernity, and sustainability to Indian tourists.
While Amsterdam remains the central hub for Indian tourists visiting the Netherlands, the country is focusing on drawing attention to other regions, such as Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, each offering a variety of cultural, natural, and historical experiences. The country is also aiming to leverage its canal tours, tulip festivals, and Dutch art and design to attract a wider Indian audience.
For 2026, the Netherlands plans to introduce several new travel experiences to appeal to India’s young, tech-savvy, and sustainability-conscious travelers. These will include eco-friendly tours, bike rides through scenic landscapes, and design-centered experiences. The Netherlands also benefits from strong air connectivity, with direct flights from India’s key cities like New Delhi and Mumbai, making travel easier for Indian tourists.
Spain: Focused on Attracting Indian Tourists with Cultural and Sports Offerings
Spain has been aggressively courting Indian tourists and will continue to ramp up its efforts into 2026. The Spanish Tourism Board is looking to build on its long-standing appeal to Indian travelers, who have shown increasing interest in Spain’s historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and world-renowned festivals.
Spain’s push to attract Indian tourists focuses on its rich history, culture, and food tourism, with the Gastronomy Tourism campaign showcasing Spanish cuisine as a major draw. Key cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia are particularly appealing for Indian tourists interested in art, culture, and shopping. Spain is also highlighting its Mediterranean beaches and sports tourism, capitalizing on the growing interest in football and tennis among Indian travelers.
The India-Spain Dual Year 2026 will be launched in conjunction with Spain’s tourism outreach efforts, strengthening ties between both nations and making Spain an ideal destination for Indian family holidays, solo travelers, and sports enthusiasts. Spain has also been ramping up its direct flights from India, ensuring that Indian tourists have easy access to this vibrant European gem.
Italy: An Icon of Romance and Art for Indian Tourists
Italy’s influence as a top European destination for Indian tourists shows no signs of slowing down. With its rich artistic heritage, romantic landscapes, and gourmet cuisine, Italy is well-positioned to continue attracting Indians in 2026.
Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan remain the mainstay destinations for Indian tourists, while new efforts are being made to promote lesser-known regions like Tuscany and Amalfi Coast. India’s interest in heritage tourism and family holidays aligns perfectly with Italy’s diverse offerings. The Indian wedding tourism market is also growing, with many Indian couples choosing Italy as their destination wedding location, particularly in iconic cities like Venice and Florence.
For 2026, Italy’s tourism push will focus on luxury travel packages that include private art tours, wine tastings, and private gondola rides, along with the classic Italian cooking classes. The government’s efforts are also focusing on better visa facilitation for Indian travelers and strengthening direct flight connectivity between Italy and India.
A Collaborative Effort: European Nations Working Together to Attract Indian Tourists
While each country has individual initiatives in place, European countries are also collaborating to present a unified front in attracting Indian tourists. The European Travel Commission (ETC), alongside national tourism boards, is conducting joint marketing campaigns to highlight the unique experiences each country offers while promoting Europe as a single, unified destination.
European countries have been actively participating in travel fairs such as FITUR and ITB in India to promote tourism in the region. Efforts have also been focused on easing visa processes, improving flight connectivity, and curating itineraries that cater to Indian travelers’ growing interest in luxury, culture, and family-oriented vacations.
With a growing middle class, better air connectivity, and a rising demand for international experiences, Indian tourism to Europe is set to see significant growth in 2026. Countries like Germany, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy are already preparing for this surge by tailoring experiences specifically for Indian tourists.
Germany, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and other European nations are uniting to drive a significant increase in Indian tourists in 2026, capitalizing on India’s expanding middle class and growing demand for international travel. With tailored offerings and enhanced connectivity, these countries are positioning themselves to capture a larger share of India’s outbound tourism market.
From luxury shopping in Paris to winter sports in Switzerland and beach vacations in Spain, the possibilities for Indian travelers are endless. By strengthening their marketing efforts and offering more convenient travel options, European nations are poised to make 2026 a banner year for Indian tourists exploring the continent.
