India emerges as a global tourism hub

India emerges as a global tourism hub — not just in terms of visitor numbers, but as a driver of inclusive growth, sustainability, and cultural soft power.

Scale & Economic Impact
- 2.9 billion domestic visits in 2024 (surpassing pre-pandemic levels).
- 2.02 crore international arrivals in 2025.
- Tourism contributed ₹15.73 lakh crore to GDP in FY 2023–24 (5.22% of the economy).
- Supported 84.6 million jobs in 2023–24.
- Generated USD 31.7 billion in international receipts in 2025.

India’s Tourism Strengths
- 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 106 National Parks, 18 Biosphere Reserves.
- Rich traditions of handicrafts, cuisine, festivals, performing arts, Yoga, Ayurveda.
- Diversity across spiritual circuits, heritage cities, wellness retreats, eco-tourism, rural homestays, and adventure travel.

Major Segments
- Spiritual & Pilgrimage Tourism: Char Dham, Bodh Gaya, Amritsar, Tirupati, Puri.
- Heritage & Culture: forts, palaces, temples, classical arts, regional cuisines.
- Wellness & Medical Tourism: Yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, plus cost-effective healthcare.
- Eco & Wildlife Tourism: tiger reserves, Himalayan trekking, turtle trails.
- Rural & Community Tourism: homestays, village walks, handicrafts.
- MICE Tourism: convention centres, G20 events showcased India’s ability to host global gatherings.
- Adventure & Experiential Tourism: trekking, rafting, desert safaris, cruise tourism.

Infrastructure & Connectivity
- Swadesh Darshan: 76 projects across thematic circuits.
- PRASHAD scheme: 54 projects enhancing pilgrimage/heritage sites.
- SASCI & CBDD initiatives: investments in iconic centres and eco/spiritual destinations.
- Connectivity upgrades: highways, Vande Bharat trains, UDAN regional flights, 100 new aerodromes and 200 helipads planned under Viksit UDAN.

Digital & Innovation
- e-Tourist Visa extended to nationals of 175 countries.
- NIDHI+ platform for hospitality industry registration and approvals.
- 1,497 tourism startups across 262 districts, many in Tier II/III cities, innovating in travel-tech, rural tourism, smart mobility, and AI-enabled planning.

Sustainability & Inclusivity
- Focus on Travel for LiFE, responsible visitor behaviour, and dispersing tourism beyond saturated sites.
- Strong alignment with SDGs (8.9, 12.B, 14.7) — promoting jobs, local culture, and sustainable marine/coastal tourism.
- Emphasis on community participation, skill development, and conservation.

India’s tourism vision is clearly about moving from volume to value — building a resilient, high-quality visitor economy that balances growth with sustainability and inclusivity.