Foreign Visitors Boost India’s Tourism Revenue

A new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) indicates that spending by international travelers in India reached an impressive US$36.8 billion by the end of 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by nine percent compared to 2019.

Amid the ongoing rebound from the pandemic, international tourism has significantly strengthened, propelling the industry into a new growth phase.

Despite domestic travel remaining robust, which has increased by 22 percent since 2019, the resurgence of foreign tourism is crucial for ongoing expansion. Julia Simpson, the WTTC President, emphasized that India’s travel sector is now thriving, with foreign visitor numbers at unprecedented highs.

She also pointed out the importance of simplifying the e-visa process for improving tourist inflows, as existing visa policies and appointment issues create obstacles.

The WTTC’s research shows a concurrent rise in business travel, with total domestic and international spending exceeding the 2019 peak by 2.6 percent.

Economic Significance

In the past year, the combined travel and tourism sectors notably contributed to the Indian economy, exceeding 2019 totals by 20 percent. The industry is a vital employment source, supporting nearly 46.5 million jobs (9.1 percent of total employment in India).

With projections pointing towards over 48 million jobs in the sector by the end of this year and potential for growth in luxury travel opportunities, the WTTC emphasizes the need for government investment and supportive policies to sustain momentum.

Furthermore, India’s appeal as a competitive global tourism destination is clear, with 20 million international visitors welcomed in 2024, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s tourism offerings.

To maximize this growth trajectory, the WTTC advocates for further investments and a reevaluation of recent strategies that reduce tourism promotion funding.