Hospitality

Encompassing a magnificent tapestry of cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and breathtaking natural landscapes, India stands as one of the world's most compelling tourist destinations. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the pristine beaches of Goa and Kerala, and from the royal palaces of Rajasthan to the wildlife sanctuaries of central India, the country offers unparalleled diversity for every traveler.

With 9.95 Mn foreign tourist arrivals in 2024—a remarkable recovery reaching pre-pandemic levels of 10.93 Mn in 2019—India's tourism sector has demonstrated extraordinary resilience. The sector contributed ₹21 Tn to GDP in 2024, representing a 20% increase over 2019 levels, while supporting 46.5 Mn jobs equivalent to 9.1% of national employment. International visitor spending reached a record ₹3.1 Tn in 2024, surpassing the previous 2019 peak by 9%.

India now ranks 8th globally in tourism economy size with a $231.6 Bn contribution, climbing from its previous 10th position The country is projected to reach 4th place within the next decade. Despite ranking 39th in the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 among 119 countries—a significant improvement from 54th in 2021—India leads South Asia and demonstrates exceptional strength in Natural (6th), Cultural (9th), and Non-Leisure (9th) resources.

The country's 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcase its rich historical legacy, from the iconic Taj Mahal to ancient cave paintings and pristine national parks. This cultural wealth, combined with emerging trends in pilgrimage tourism (19% growth) and cultural travel (82% of domestic travelers), underscores India's evolving appeal.

To accelerate growth, the Government has launched transformative initiatives including Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for sustainable tourism development, streamlined e-visa facilities for nationals of 167+ countries, and the RCS-UDAN scheme enhancing air connectivity to 53 tourism routes. The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹2,541 crore for tourism infrastructure, including a landmark initiative to develop 50 top tourist destinations in partnership with states through challenge mode.

With projections of reaching ₹22 Tn economic contribution in 2025 and 64 Mn jobs by 2035, India's tourism sector is poised to play a pivotal role in the country's journey toward becoming a $3 Tn tourism economy by 2047. Through strategic focus on experiential travel, wellness tourism, and sustainable development, India offers vast investment opportunities while delivering transformative experiences that celebrate the country's extraordinary multicultural heritage and natural splendor.