India’s travel and tourism sector is on track to contribute a record ₹22 lakh crore to the national economy in 2025, driven by a surge in both domestic and international tourism, according to the latest report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The sector is also expected to generate over 48 million jobs, reinforcing its role as a key employment provider in the country.
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson highlighted that international visitor spending is projected to reach ₹3.2 lakh crore, while domestic travellers are anticipated to spend ₹16 lakh crore in 2025. She emphasized the sector’s growing economic significance, noting that in 2024 alone, more than 46 million jobs were supported by travel and tourism in India—accounting for over 9% of the country’s total employment.
Looking ahead, the WTTC forecasts that employment in the sector will rise to 48.2 million in 2025 and further to 63.9 million by 2035.
Calling 2024 a “truly incredible year” for the industry, Simpson underscored the critical role domestic travel played in India’s post-pandemic recovery. “India’s travel and tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth,” she said, adding that international visitor numbers have now reached record levels after years of domestic-led recovery.
According to WTTC data, international visitor spending in 2024 reached ₹3.1 trillion (approximately $36.8 billion), marking a 9% increase over the previous pre-COVID peak. Meanwhile, domestic travel spending surged to ₹15.5 lakh crore ($185.6 billion), 22% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Combined, these figures helped push the sector’s overall contribution to the Indian economy to nearly ₹21 lakh crore in 2024, representing 6.6% of the national GDP.
Simpson also praised government initiatives aimed at streamlining visa processes, such as e-visas and visa-on-arrival, but stressed the need for more efficient and reciprocal policies. “Delays in key markets like the US, where visa appointments are unavailable until 2026, are still deterring tourists. Easing access to India is one of the fastest ways to boost international arrivals and spending,” she said.
With robust growth across all fronts, the outlook for India’s travel and tourism sector remains exceptionally positive, positioning it as a cornerstone of the country’s economic future.
