India’s tourism sector has hit new milestones, as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that international visitor spending reached a record ₹3.1 trillion in 2024, surpassing the previous peak of 2019 by 9%. This surge in international travel highlights the country’s remarkable recovery and the resurgence of global interest in India as a premier destination. After several years of dependence on domestic tourism, the revival of international tourism signals a new era of growth for India’s travel industry.

In addition to this unprecedented international travel spending, domestic travel remains a strong contributor, with spending reaching ₹15.5 trillion, a 22% increase compared to 2019 levels. The total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the Indian economy in 2024 was nearly ₹21 trillion, marking a 20% rise over 2019 figures. This robust performance underscores the sector’s vital role in India’s economy, especially in light of the country’s rapidly evolving workforce, which is increasingly impacted by automation and artificial intelligence. With a young, educated population, the tourism industry remains a crucial source of employment, offering opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.

The tourism sector directly supported a record 46.5 million jobs, or 9.1% of total employment across the nation. This employment boost is reflective of the sector’s growing significance as a driver of economic development, particularly in rural and underserved areas where tourism can provide a substantial economic boost.

India’s appeal to international visitors has also seen significant growth. In 2024, the country welcomed 20 million international tourists, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers by 2.3 million. This highlights the ongoing global confidence in India’s tourism offerings, which are a blend of rich heritage, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure. This growing influx of international visitors is a testament to India’s standing as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.

While the travel and tourism sector has proven its resilience, the WTTC stresses the need for continued investment and supportive policy measures to ensure that growth is sustained in the coming years. In particular, the global body urges the Indian government to reconsider its recent decision to reduce funding for overseas tourism promotion. Effective marketing and strategic investment in infrastructure, such as high-speed rail and smart mobility solutions, are key to expanding the sector’s capacity and enhancing its contribution to GDP, which is expected to rise to 10-11% in the coming years.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “India’s Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with international visitor numbers now at record highs after a period of strong domestic reliance.

“We strongly support the government’s plans to simplify the e-visa process. While visa-on-arrival and e-visa systems are in place, reciprocal policies and long delays for key markets like the U.S., where appointments are reportedly unavailable until 2026, continue to hinder tourists. Making it easier to visit India is one of the fastest ways to unlock further international arrivals and spending.

“To support this growth and ensure long-term resilience, WTTC has signed an MoU with WTTCII to amplify India’s tourism voice globally. The MOU combines WTTC’s international influence with WTTCII’s strong national presence. The MOU will strengthen policy coherence and offer a model for global-local tourism leadership.”

India’s business travel sector is also thriving, with total spending from both domestic and international business travelers reaching ₹1.1 trillion in 2024. This represents a 2.6% increase over the previous business travel high set in 2019, reflecting the country’s growing prominence as a global business hub. The success of both leisure and business tourism presents a dynamic landscape of opportunity for further growth.

Looking ahead, the WTTC forecasts even greater success for India’s tourism sector in 2025. The sector’s economic contribution is expected to surpass ₹22 trillion, while employment in the industry is set to grow to more than 48 million jobs. International spending will likely hit ₹3.2 trillion, and domestic travel spend is anticipated to reach ₹16 trillion. These projections point to India’s continued ascent as a key player in the global tourism market.

The future of India’s tourism industry also presents substantial opportunities for fostering homegrown entrepreneurship, particularly in luxury and niche travel experiences. As younger generations of travelers prioritize unique, tailored travel experiences, there is significant potential for innovative businesses to emerge in areas such as eco-tourism, wellness travel, and high-end cultural experiences.

By 2035, the WTTC predicts that the total contribution of travel and tourism to India’s economy will nearly double, reaching ₹42 trillion. Employment in the sector is forecast to grow even further, supporting almost 64 million jobs across the country. India’s diverse blend of heritage, natural beauty, and cutting-edge infrastructure will continue to drive its position as a tourism powerhouse, attracting investors and visitors alike.

To realize this potential, however, the WTTC calls on the Indian government to provide consistent, forward-thinking policy support. By aligning public and private sector efforts, India can fully unlock the potential of its tourism sector, boosting economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening its position as one of the world’s most dynamic tourism economies.

In summary, India’s tourism sector has made a remarkable comeback post-pandemic, with record-breaking international visitor spending, growing domestic travel expenditure, and a substantial contribution to the national economy. As the country moves into 2025 and beyond, the continued expansion of the sector presents a wealth of opportunities, from job creation to entrepreneurial ventures, positioning India as an emerging global leader in the travel and tourism industry. The time is ripe for the government and the tourism industry to work hand in hand to ensure sustainable growth and ensure India capitalizes on this exciting new era of tourism.

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