India’s tourism industry experienced a significant resurgence in 2024, with international visitor expenditure reaching an all-time high of ₹3.1 trillion — a 9% increase over the previous peak recorded in 2019, according to the latest figures released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Following several years of domestic travel leading the sector’s post-pandemic recovery, international tourism is now showing robust growth. While inbound travel is surging, domestic tourism remains a powerhouse, with spending climbing to ₹15.5 trillion — 22% higher than 2019 levels. Collectively, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed nearly ₹21 trillion to the Indian economy in 2024, reflecting a 20% growth since 2019. The sector also supported a record 46.5 million jobs, accounting for 9.1% of national employment.
India welcomed 20 million international tourists in 2024, up by 2.3 million from 2019 figures — a clear indicator of renewed global confidence in India as a preferred travel destination.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson commended India’s tourism rebound and acknowledged the government’s initiatives to streamline the e-visa process. However, she raised concerns over prolonged visa wait times for key source markets like the United States, where appointments are reportedly unavailable until 2026.
WTTC also reported positive momentum in business travel, with combined domestic and international spending reaching ₹1.1 trillion in 2024 — a 2.6% rise compared to 2019.
Looking ahead, WTTC projects the sector’s contribution will surpass ₹22 trillion in 2025, with employment exceeding 48 million jobs. By 2035, tourism is expected to contribute nearly ₹42 trillion to the national economy and provide jobs for almost 64 million people.
To support this trajectory, WTTC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the WTTC India Initiative (WTTCII) aimed at strengthening India’s global tourism footprint and aligning policy efforts. Simpson stressed the importance of sustained government investment, particularly in smart infrastructure and MSME support, as crucial for driving innovation and long-term sustainability.
WTTC also reiterated the need for the government to reconsider recent reductions in international tourism promotion budgets, emphasizing that stable policy support will be essential to sustaining growth and unlocking the sector’s full potential.
