India saw a notable increase in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in 2023, with a 47.90% growth compared to the previous year, as per data from the Bureau of Immigration. Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, shared the figures in a statement to the Lok Sabha.
The country welcomed 9.52 million foreign tourists in 2023, reflecting a strong post-pandemic recovery in global travel. Of these, 4.40 million were leisure, holiday, and recreation visits, marking an 86.96% growth. Business and professional visits reached 0.98 million, up 49.66%.
FTAs have now recovered to 87.1% of pre-pandemic levels, closely matching the global recovery rate of 88.8% and exceeding the Asia-Pacific region’s 65.4%. This surge is attributed to India’s growing global reputation as a diverse and culturally rich destination, enhanced air connectivity, and improved tourism infrastructure.
The Ministry of Tourism has supported this growth through initiatives like ‘Swadesh Darshan,’ ‘PRASHAD,’ and financial aid to states. Campaigns such as ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and ‘Chalo India,’ along with events like the International Tourism Mart, have further promoted India as a top tourist destination.
India’s tourism appeal has been bolstered by niche sectors like wellness, culinary, and eco-tourism, and programs like the ‘Incredible India Tourist Facilitator’ (IITF). The RCS-UDAN scheme, improving air connectivity, has operationalized 53 tourism routes. Additionally, India’s e-Visa scheme, available to citizens of 167 countries, has streamlined entry for foreign visitors, contributing to the rise in FTAs.
