India’s Tourism Sector Reaches New Heights in 2024
According to the latest World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) report, international visitor spending in India soared to an all-time high of ₹3.1 trillion in 2024. This marks a 9% increase compared to the previous record set in 2019, reflecting a strong resurgence in the travel and tourism sector post-pandemic.
A Strong Recovery and Economic Growth
The WTTC’s Economic Impact Research (EIR) highlights a significant rebound in both international and domestic travel, fueling a new wave of economic growth. Domestic travel spending climbed to ₹15.5 trillion, a remarkable 22% increase over 2019 figures.
Boost to Economy and Employment
In 2024, the travel and tourism industry contributed close to ₹21 trillion to India’s economy—20% higher than its 2019 contribution. The sector also supported 46.5 million jobs, accounting for 9.1% of total employment in the country. Continued development in infrastructure, such as high-speed rail and smart mobility initiatives, will be crucial in further increasing tourism’s share in the national GDP, potentially rising to 10–11% in the coming years.
Rising International Appeal
India welcomed 20 million international visitors in 2024—an increase of 2.3 million compared to 2019. This growth underscores global confidence in India as a top travel destination. However, the WTTC has expressed concern over the recent reduction in government funding for overseas tourism promotion. Continued investment and policy support are vital to maintain this upward trend. The council also recommends simplifying the e-visa process to make India more accessible to global travelers.
Business Travel on the Rise
India’s business travel segment also saw impressive gains, with combined domestic and international spending reaching ₹1.1 trillion in 2024, surpassing 2019 levels by 2.6%. Looking ahead, the WTTC forecasts continued momentum. By 2025, the sector’s economic impact could exceed ₹22 trillion, and by 2035, it could reach ₹42 trillion. Employment is projected to grow to over 48 million jobs by 2025 and nearly 64 million by 2035.
Conclusion
India’s tourism sector is experiencing robust growth, fueled by both domestic demand and rising international interest. With targeted investment, infrastructure development, and supportive policies, India is well-positioned to become one of the world’s leading tourism economies. This growth also opens up exciting opportunities for local entrepreneurs, especially in the luxury and experiential travel segments. A forward-looking approach—backed by innovation and proactive governance—will be key to sustaining and accelerating this momentum.
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Photos Source: Canva AI
