India’s Travel and Tourism industry has recorded explosive growth, shattering all expectations with record international visitor spend and tremendous economic impact in 2024. As tourism has become a leading driver in the country’s economy, India has become a world leader, establishing new growth benchmarks for prosperity. India’s historic growth in domestic and international travel marks a dynamic shift, with record job creation and innovative industry growth, making India a leading player in the international tourism sector. The historic growth within the sector is just one beginning, with its course ensuring a bold, prosperous future for travellers as well as for the country’s economic prosperity.

India’s Travel and Tourism Sector Soars to New Heights as International Visitor Spend and Economic Impact Break All Records

India’s Travel and Tourism sector has entered an unprecedented era of growth, according to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The data reveals that international visitor spending surged to a record ₹3.1 trillion in 2024, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 2019 by 9%. This milestone marks a powerful resurgence in international travel demand and highlights India’s growing reputation as a global tourism powerhouse.

International Tourism Surges Past Pre-Pandemic Levels

Following several years of dependence on domestic travel during the pandemic recovery, India’s international tourism market has not only rebounded—it has exceeded expectations.In 2024, the sector’s overall economic contribution reached approximately ₹21 trillion, marking an impressive 20% growth compared to 2019. This positive trend is expected to continue, with no indication of slowing down. Projections indicate that Travel and Tourism’s economic footprint in India will grow to more than ₹22 trillion in 2025, with even stronger figures expected by 2035.

In 2024, the country welcomed 20 million international tourists—2.3 million more than the high recorded in 2019. This dramatic increase affirms renewed global confidence in India as a world-class destination, combining heritage, culture, and modern experiences to attract travelers from every continent.

Domestic Travel Remains a Powerhouse

While the return of international tourism has fueled new momentum, domestic travel remains the foundation of the country’s tourism ecosystem. In 2024, domestic visitor spend hit ₹15.5 trillion, an impressive 22% rise compared to 2019. This sustained domestic demand has not only kept the industry afloat during difficult years but has positioned it to thrive as international markets reopen.

The WTTC’s analysis further notes that India’s domestic market is crucial in diversifying tourism offerings, spreading economic benefits across regions, and fostering a more resilient tourism economy. The continued strength of local travel underlines the evolving preferences of Indian tourists, who increasingly seek luxury, sustainability, and unique cultural experiences.

Record-Breaking Employment and Economic Impact

The sector’s growth has also had a transformative impact on employment. In 2024, the Travel and Tourism sector played a pivotal role in generating nearly 46.5 million jobs in India, accounting for 9.1% of the country’s total workforce—marking a historic milestone. These jobs span a wide range of industries, including hospitality, transport, events, food services, and technology.

With AI and automation reshaping the future of work, the human-centric nature of the tourism industry offers vital employment opportunities, particularly for India’s young and educated population. WTTC projects that by 2025, the sector will support over 48 million jobs, and by 2035, this figure could soar to nearly 64 million, showcasing tourism’s potential as a long-term employment engine.

Business Travel Gains Momentum

India’s business travel segment is also experiencing robust growth. Combined domestic and international business travel spending hit ₹1.1 trillion in 2024, surpassing 2019 levels by 2.6%. This increase points to a resurgence in corporate travel, conferences, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, all of which play a critical role in attracting global investment and strengthening India’s economic position.

As India continues to rise as an economic and technological hub, the integration of business travel with tourism infrastructure offers immense potential. The WTTC urges stakeholders to further invest in business-ready facilities, seamless connectivity, and hospitality training to ensure continued competitiveness in this fast-evolving segment.

Infrastructure and Innovation Remain Key Drivers

To unlock the sector’s full potential, strategic investments in infrastructure remain essential. High-speed rail networks, smart mobility solutions, improved airport capacity, and regional connectivity are crucial to supporting continued growth. These developments not only ease movement for travelers but also enhance the overall tourism experience.

In addition, the rise of homegrown entrepreneurship, particularly in areas like luxury travel, eco-tourism, and experiential offerings, is helping India carve a unique identity on the global stage. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the industry, are fueling grassroots innovation and driving tourism growth in emerging regions.

WTTC emphasizes the importance of nurturing these enterprises through consistent policy support, access to capital, and digital tools that allow them to reach wider audiences. By empowering local communities, tourism can become a powerful catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development.

Future Forecasts Signal Continued Growth

Looking ahead, India’s tourism sector is on track to nearly double in size over the next decade. By 2035, the industry’s total economic contribution is expected to reach just under ₹42 trillion. The sector’s workforce is projected to expand significantly as well, providing employment to almost 64 million people.

International visitor spend is forecast to grow to ₹3.2 trillion in 2025, while domestic travel expenditure is set to climb to ₹16 trillion. These figures highlight India’s ability to capture growing demand from both local and global travelers and solidify its status as a tourism giant in the making.

A Call for Policy and Promotional Support

Despite these achievements, WTTC has raised concerns regarding recent cuts in funding for overseas tourism promotion. The organization calls on the Indian government to reconsider this move and instead match the sector’s remarkable performance with sustained policy and promotional backing.

Targeted marketing campaigns, streamlined visa processes, public-private partnerships, and consistent government engagement are vital to keep India competitive on the global tourism map. WTTC warns that without such support, the momentum gained over the past year could be difficult to maintain.

Conclusion

India’s Travel and Tourism sector has not only recovered from the pandemic—it has emerged stronger, more dynamic, and more influential than ever before. With record-breaking international visitor spend, unprecedented employment numbers, and unmatched economic impact, the industry is poised to play a central role in India’s economic narrative.

Tourism in India has broken all-time records with unprecedented growth, record-breaking visitor spend, and historic economic contributions making India one of the world’s leading tourism powers. India’s rapid growth marks a daring new era of prosperity and possibility for the country’s economy.

To ensure continued success, the WTTC urges unified action across government and industry leaders. With the right investments, consistent policy support, and focus on innovation and sustainability, India is positioned to become one of the world’s most powerful and resilient tourism economies in the years ahead.