Tourexpi
India Achieves Record High in International Visitor Spend, Says WTTC
The
data reflects a strong recovery of inbound tourism after years of
pandemic-driven domestic reliance.
Domestic
travel remains robust, with ₹15.5 trillion in spending, up 22% from 2019. In
total, India’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed nearly ₹21 trillion to
the national economy last year—20% more than in 2019. The industry also
supported a record 46.5 million jobs, accounting for 9.1% of total employment.
India
welcomed 20 million international visitors in 2024, 2.3 million more than in
2019, cementing its status as a top-tier global destination. Business travel
also reached historic levels, with combined domestic and international spend
hitting ₹1.1 trillion, 2.6% above 2019 figures.
WTTC
President & CEO Julia Simpson commented:
“India’s
Travel & Tourism sector is entering a bold new chapter. To sustain this
growth, easing visa processes is essential. The government's plans to simplify
e-visa access are welcome, but delays for markets like the U.S. remain a
significant hurdle.”
WTTC
has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the WTTC India Initiative
(WTTCII) to amplify India’s global tourism voice and ensure policy coherence
through a strengthened public-private partnership model.
Looking
ahead, WTTC forecasts ₹22 trillion in sector contribution for 2025, with
employment expected to exceed 48 million. By 2035, the sector could nearly double
its economic impact to ₹42 trillion, employing almost 64 million people.
With
a rich blend of tradition, natural beauty, and innovation, India is positioned
to become one of the world’s most dynamic tourism economies. WTTC urges the
government to back this momentum with consistent policy support, particularly
for SMEs and sustainable infrastructure.
For
more information and to access the full research, including the latest
Environmental Social Research (ESR), visit the WTTC Research Hub.
Image
Credit: © AA
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