India Is Soaring as a Global Tourist Destination

New Delhi: India is fast emerging as a major global tourist destination, because of its efforts to boost tourism post pandemic. Ranked 39th out of 119 countries in the latest Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, the country is seeing a revival in its tourism sector after the disruption caused by COVID-19. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse destinations, and government-backed initiatives, India is once again attracting international and domestic tourists in record numbers. India has seen a surge in international tourist arrivals, with 9.24 million foreign visitors in 2023, a 43.5% increase from the previous year.

According to the World Economic Forum’s TTDI report, India has made notable improvements in key areas, including prioritising travel and tourism, ensuring better safety and security measures, and enhancing health and hygiene standards. These factors have contributed to the country’s rising global appeal, setting the stage for its tourism sector to become a significant driver of economic growth.

In 2023, India welcomed 9.24 million foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs), with a growth of 43.5% compared to 2022. This surge in visitors contributed ₹2.3 lakh crore in Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs), a total of 65% increase from the previous year’s ₹1.39 lakh crore. During the first half of 2024 alone, India recorded nearly 4.8 million FTAs, continuing its upward trend.

The government’s focus on attracting international tourists through easier access to visas, promoting niche tourism such as adventure travel, and offering a 24/7 multilingual helpline for tourists has been crucial in driving this growth. On World Tourism Day 2024, the launch of initiatives like 'Paryatan Didi' and 'Paryatan Mitra' further underscored India’s commitment to creating a hospitable environment for international visitors.

Domestic tourism has also experienced a boost. Campaigns like “Dekho Apna Desh” and infrastructure programs such as PRASHAD and SWADESH 2.0 have helped drive domestic tourist visits to 2,509.63 million in 2023, up from 1,731.01 million in 2022. These initiatives are further supporting job creation, with 76.17 million direct and indirect jobs generated by the sector in 2022-23, compared to 70.04 million in the previous year.

The Indian government’s commitment to making tourism a key economic pillar is evident in its allocation of ₹2,479 crore for tourism in FY25. In recent years, India has also invested over $1 billion (₹7,000 crore) in upgrading its tourism infrastructure, making it easier for both international and domestic visitors to access the country’s iconic sites.

Moreover, the government has also streamlined the visa process, reducing application times, and removing barriers such as the requirement for advanced German language skills for certain types of visas. The pay threshold for migrant workers seeking a Blue Card—a work permit for non-EU residents—has also been reduced, further encouraging international visitors and workers to choose India.