Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And We Will Tell You Why. (Image: Canva)
For years, destinations like Goa and Kerala have been on top of India’s travel map. Attracting people for their beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture, these two destinations have been a complete delight for tourists. However, in the recent years, a shift has been seen – one which has positioned Rishikesh as the new favourite among travellers, especially those who are seeking more than just a vacation.
Being a small town which is located along the banks of Ganga river in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh has been luring all sorts of travellers – from spiritual seekers to adventure junkies and from digital nomads to slow travellers.
Popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital Of The World’, Rishikesh is popular amongst Indians and foreigners alike as many priests, sages and real yogis live there. The city is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, which may seem unbelievable, considering its tourist footfall. Most rainfall is expected between July and August so its always better to visit the city before or after.
File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)
Why Is Everyone Travelling To Rishikesh?
One of the primary reasons for Rishikesh’s growing popularity is its spiritual aura. This place, for a long time, has attracted seekers of inner peace and balance. Every year, thousands visit ashrams and wellness retreats for authentic yoga teacher training programs, meditation workshops, and Ayurveda-inspired healing practices.
Unlike the commercial yoga studios found in bigger cities, Rishikesh offers a more grounded and traditional approach. Whether you are staying for a weekend retreat or a month-long course, there is something about this place which will heal you from within. The daily Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, the chants that echo through the hills create a spiritual atmosphere that is both calming and transformative.
File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)
This is not it. Rishikesh is also a magnet for adventure tourism. From white-water rafting on the Ganga river to cliff jumping, zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding Himalayas, the town offers a bizarre adrenaline rush like no other.
Additionally, sustainability and conscious tourism are also two major factors that have contributed into an increase in number of tourists. Many eco-stays, homestays, and retreats here are now offering low-impact and environmentally responsible lodging options. There is also a growing emphasis on clean eating and mindful consumption.
File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)
Last but not the least, accessibility has played an important role too. With the new Char Dham highway project and an improved connectivity from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, travelling to Rishikesh has become easier than ever.
US, China, and India Drive Global Hospitality Market to Eleven Point Twenty-Six Trillion USD by 2034, Supported by Bleisure Travel and Digital Innovation: New Report
Home»HOTEL NEWS» US, China, and India Drive Global Hospitality Market to Eleven Point Twenty-Six Trillion USD by 2034, Supported by Bleisure Travel and Digital Innovation: New Report
Friday, July 11, 2025
The hospitality marketplace worldwide is set to see a stellar growth curve, with the marketplace set to reach a size of USD 11.26 trillion by 2034. Such a massive growth comes about through increasing travel demands, particularly in key areas such as the United States, China, and India. Such countries are the trailblazers of the sector’s transformation, bolstered by trends such as bleisure travel—combining business as well as holiday—and the explosive advancement of information breakthroughs. As ever-growing numbers of commuters blur the lines of work and play, and as technology continues to transform the guest experience, the hospitality marketplace itself contains the potential for unmatched growth. Spurred by such robust trends, the US, China, and India are the trailblazers, shaping the way towards a rosy future for the hospitality marketplace the world over.
The hotel and resort industry across the globe is undergoing a rare transformation, with the industry set to have a market size of USD 1.78 trillion by 2024 and a staggering growth to USD 11.26 trillion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3%. That monumental stride forward owes much to the rising travel need all over the world, shifting hospitality trends, and governments’ policy backing for tourism. Industry players are in for a first-of-its-kind phase of opportunities as the industry transforms to catch new consumer trends as well as new breakthroughs in technology. In that, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the drivers of the expansion, the upcoming challenges, as well as the emerging trends shaping the hotel and resort future.
Key Drivers of Market Growth
Its rapid expansion owes much to several drivers, led by the international tourist boom. International tourist spending will reach a whopping 1.9 trillion in 2024, fueled by increasing interest in wellness and experiential travel. “Bleisure” travel, which blends work and leisure, is giving rise to rooms that are workable as well as luxurious. That trend has been strengthened through flexible work-from-remote policies covering roughly 30% of the global labor base.
Government initiatives are equally significant while developing growth for the hotel and resort sector. Simpler visa policies and infrastructure construction, particularly for new tourist hubs like the Middle East, have helped boost tourist arrivals. High-spending travelers preferring personalized experiences flock to the luxury hotel segment, which accounts for a whopping 20.5% CAGR. Mid-market properties, too, are a contender, offering a better-quality yet budget-friendly option. But rising operational expenses, such as energy and personnel costs, as well as the rising pressure of alternative accommodation offerings like short-term rentals, are the chief roadblocks. Fortunately, AI-based personalization innovations and sustainability practices are helping breach these challenges, boosting guest satisfaction as well as operational efficiency.
Industry Outlook and Opportunities
Looking ahead, the resort and hotel global market is set to see unprecedented growth. In 2034, the market will likely grow to USD 11.26 trillion, which will create a USD 9.48 trillion opportunity, with a robust CAGR of 20.3%. North America will contribute a total amount of USD 3.69 trillion to the global market until 2034, thanks to robust international and domestic travel demand. Mid-range hotel rooms are set to contribute USD 707.83 billion in 2024, aiming at budgeted travelers, while the luxury hotel segment is set to retain the prominent growth track, thanks to the surging need for luxury experiences.
Asia-Pacific is another significant contributor to the market, led by the booming middle class of Chinese and Indians. Asia-Pacific will likely accumulate a 19.4% CAGR, registering immense potential for participants engaged with the hotel industry. Online platforms for booking, like online travel agents (OTAs) and hotel applications, are a significant contributor to the expansion of the market. Online bookings are set to generate 73% of the revenue of hotels as of 2029, another reflection of the significance of online platforms to the modern hospitality sector.
Stakeholder Strategies for Gaining Benefits through Market Growth
There is a need for stakeholders to adapt to shifting consumer demands as a way to benefit from the dynamic hotel and resort industry. Luxury hotel brands must create bespoke experiences, which include wellness retreats, cultural activities, and eco-friendly resorts, as a way to cater to the high-net-worth visitors. From a survey, 42% of Millennials are worried about environmentally friendly lodging, therefore, brands must include sustainability as part of their services.
Mid-range hotels can enhance their value proposition by offering services such as hi-speed Wi-Fi, flexible workspaces, and convenient access to business centers and family-friendly attractions. They become attractive to business travelers as well as family members seeking comfortable and affordable accommodation. Furthermore, hotels must adopt AI-based technologies and mobile applications to personalize the guest stay, and the estimations are for 60% of the hotels to adopt such technologies by 2030. The emergence of e-commerce platforms and OTAs, which are projected to grow at 8.0% CAGR, gives stakeholders a means to reach a global, technology-savvy consumer base. Furthermore, the increasing relevance of sustainability trends, e.g., energy-efficient building designs and minimizing wastages, becomes a differentiator for hotels with a green approach to operations. Stakeholders can also target the fast-growing regions, i.e., Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, to capture their maximum share of the market.
Report Summary: An Overview of the Report
This comprehensive study includes actionable data on the hotel and resort sector’s growth curve. Primary interviews were undertaken through interviews with industry leaders, while secondary analysis of budding trends in the marketplace was performed. Several segments by accommodation (hotels, resorts) are provided, along with segments by price (economy, mid-range, luxury) and mode (OTA, direct) and by geography (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa).
The report recognizes key trends such as bleisure travel, digitalization, and sustainability, which enable the stakeholders to get a comprehensive overview of the marketplace as well as the competition. The report becomes a crucial guide to comprehending the ever-evolving hotel and resort industry as well as identifying the best opportunities to expand.
Major Players in the Industry
Leading hotel and resort brands, including Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and Accor Hotels, are actively expanding their portfolios through joint ventures and new concepts. Several of these brands, in 2024, are aiming for new marketplace entry as well as penetration of the luxury and extended-stay segments. IHG Hotels & Resorts, for instance, expands its footprint through a joint venture focused on the extended-stay and middle-range hotel segments, as well as investment in green initiatives such as solar-powered systems and AI-driven guest experiences.
Recent Developments Within the Marketpla
It is witnessing explosive innovation, with brands introducing cutting-edge solutions to take advantage of surging demand. For instance, global hotel chains began the use of prefabricated, modular hotel rooms for rapid installation when expanding into new emerging markets by 2024. Such rooms can save 20% of the construction time, enabling scaling up of operations in areas with fast-growing tourist activity.
Revenue growth for the leading hotel chains is all scheduled to record double-digit increases, led by differentiated luxury offerings, such as train-based travel services. High occupancy, and, indeed, tourism-driven segments are set to continue supporting the growth of the market. Long-stay hotels, in particular, are becoming favorites, as over a third of new 2024 hotel build-out projects are aimed at the segment. Eco-resorts, as well as health- and wellness-focused properties, are seeing robust demand, due to consumer sentiment for a sustainable as well as health-driven travel product.
Challenges and Solutions in the Industry
In spite of a bright future, the hotel and resort sector has considerable challenges, including higher operating expenses related to wages and energy, and higher short-term rental platform competition. Both are likely to squeeze profit margins, as analysts project a 60-basis-point decrease by 2025.
Hotels are bringing in the use of smart technologies to streamline things while delivering a better guest experience. Automated check-in systems and flexible lobby designs are becoming standard, allowing hotels to reduce labor costs while streamlining their operations. Several hotel chains are also concentrating on their own booking platforms to help mitigate the impact of OTA commissions, which amount up to 15-20% of the total booking costs.
Moreover, investments in sustainability projects, like renewable energy systems and waste management technologies, are helping hotels align with international environmental targets while attracting green consumers.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for the Hotel and Resort Industry
The hotel and resort sector across the globe will reach a value of USD 11.26 trillion by 2034, aided by a robust 20.3% CAGR. As trends like bleisure travel, digitalization, and sustainability are on the rise, the sector has huge potential for innovation as much as for growth. In order to stay ahead, stakeholders have to adopt AI-powered personalization, focus on their high-growth areas like Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, and conform to the rising consumer preference for environmentally friendly and wellness-oriented holiday experiences. By following a strategy, companies can benefit through the volatile hotel and resort sector and prepare themselves for the long haul.
Download: Full Report: https://www.factmr.com/report/hotel-and-resort-market
Viking will offer its first river cruises in India beginning in 2027, debuting the itineraries after seeing how guests enjoyed visiting the country on the line’s ocean cruises.
A rendering of accommodations on the Viking Brahmaputra. Photo Credit: Viking
Viking will sail the Brahmaputra River on the 80-guest Viking Brahmaputra. Viking will sail one 15-day itinerary that starts and ends in Delhi. The trip includes an eight-day river cruise and a guided land tour.
Travelers will have the opportunity to visit 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as they explore India’s Golden Triangle. Itinerary highlights include touring the Taj Mahal, seeing Jaipur’s Palace of the Winds and visiting Guwahati’s temple.
Viking will offer pre- and post-departure land extensions, including in Delhi, Dubai, Kathmandu and Cochin/Mumbai.
The Viking Brahmaputra will have 40 staterooms and will have the brand’s signature Scandinavian design. All staterooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a veranda.
India, United States, China, Germany, Japan, UK, France, Mexico, Italy, Spain: India’s Rising Role in the Global Tourism Economy and What It Means for Future Growth
Home»India Travel News» India, United States, China, Germany, Japan, UK, France, Mexico, Italy, Spain: India’s Rising Role in the Global Tourism Economy and What It Means for Future Growth
Friday, July 11, 2025
India has officially broken into the top 10 largest tourism economies in the world, an impressive leap that highlights the country’s emerging dominance in the global travel sector. In 2025, India’s tourism industry is projected to contribute a staggering $231.6 billion to the global economy, marking a significant step forward from its previous ranking of tenth. This growth comes amid a global tourism boom as the industry rebounds post-pandemic.
Tourism has always been a crucial sector for the Indian economy, and the rise to the eighth spot on the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Economic Impact list places India among global leaders like the United States, China, and Germany. With 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a rich cultural tapestry, and a rapidly expanding middle class, India is positioned for further growth in the coming years. Here’s a closer look at the shifting dynamics of the global tourism economy and how India is increasingly becoming a key player on the world stage.
India’s Growing Impact on Global Tourism
India’s rise in global tourism rankings is a result of several critical factors:
Post-Pandemic Recovery: The tourism sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been remarkable, and India’s share in international tourism spending has grown as global travel picks up.
Increased Tourism Spending: Compared to pre-pandemic levels, India has seen a significant uptick in both domestic and international tourism spending. The sector’s resilience despite challenges such as climate change and local tourism fatigue has been impressive.
Cultural and Historical Appeal: With its vast array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cultural festivals, and ancient monuments, India is attracting millions of international visitors seeking diverse experiences. From the Taj Mahal to the temples of Khajuraho, India’s rich history and vibrant culture are undeniable draws for tourists.
Government Initiatives: The Indian government has launched several initiatives to boost the tourism sector, including marketing campaigns, infrastructure development, and policies aimed at making India a more attractive destination for international travelers.
A Global Tourism Snapshot for 2025
The global tourism industry is projected to reach a value of $16 trillion by 2034, making up more than 11% of the world’s GDP. As economies recover from the effects of the pandemic, countries are experiencing rapid growth in travel-related industries. According to the WTTC, the top 10 largest tourism economies in the world in 2024–2025 are:
United States – $2,360 billion
China – $1,300 billion
Germany – $487.6 billion
Japan – $297 billion
United Kingdom – $295.2 billion
France – $264.7 billion
Mexico – $261.6 billion
India – $231.6 billion
Italy – $231.3 billion
Spain – $227.9 billion
What Drives India’s Tourism Success?
India’s tourism economy benefits from several factors that position it as one of the most attractive global destinations:
1. Rich Cultural Heritage
India is home to 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranking it as the sixth country globally with the most such sites. These sites, which range from architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal to natural landscapes like the Western Ghats, are key attractions for both cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers.
2. Diverse Tourism Offerings
India offers an incredibly diverse range of tourism experiences, from spiritual journeys in Varanasi to beach vacations in Goa. Whether it’s exploring the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh or the dense jungles of Kerala, India’s tourism offerings cater to various tastes and budgets. Additionally, the country’s growing emphasis on wellness tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism is attracting more international visitors each year.
3. Emerging Middle Class
The rapid growth of India’s middle class is a major driver of domestic tourism. With increasing disposable incomes, more Indians are traveling within their country, bolstering the local tourism sector. Moreover, a burgeoning interest in international travel has contributed to India’s position as a top outbound tourism market as well.
4. Government Efforts and Infrastructure Development
The Indian government has been proactive in improving tourism infrastructure. Initiatives like the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and Dekho Apna Desh aim to promote India’s rich cultural heritage, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall visitor experience. Additionally, the Prasad Scheme for pilgrimage tourism and increased focus on promoting state tourism boards have helped elevate India’s image as a top global tourist destination.
5. Growth in Digital Platforms
With the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs) and digital platforms, booking travel in India has become easier than ever. Websites like MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, and Goibibo provide travelers with a wide variety of options for booking flights, hotels, and tours, streamlining the travel experience.
India’s Tourism Industry at a Glance
India’s tourism economy is forecasted to grow rapidly over the next decade. By 2034, the WTTC projects that India will rise to fourth place in the global tourism rankings, with its contribution expected to surpass $500 billion. This growth will be driven by continued infrastructure improvements, increased international visitation, and the rising popularity of India as a destination for both business and leisure.
Key statistics:
42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
$231.6 billion contribution to global tourism
4th position forecast by 2034
Strong growth in domestic tourism
Regional Players in Asia and Emerging Markets
While India’s rise is impressive, it’s not the only country experiencing significant growth in tourism. Several Asian economies, such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the Philippines, are becoming important players in the regional tourism scene. Additionally, countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Kenya have seen massive growth in tourism spending since the pandemic, reflecting broader shifts in global travel patterns.
Conclusion: A Thriving Future for Indian Tourism
India’s entry into the top 10 tourism economies globally is a testament to the country’s rising influence in the travel industry. As the nation continues to invest in infrastructure, promote its cultural heritage, and cater to the evolving needs of global travelers, it’s poised for continued growth. With its diverse offerings, vibrant cities, and rich traditions, India’s tourism industry is ready to meet the demands of a new generation of travelers eager to explore the wonders of the subcontinent.
For travelers seeking a mix of history, adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty, India is an increasingly attractive destination. From its bustling cities to tranquil hill stations and pristine beaches, the country’s tourism potential remains vast, ensuring it will remain a cornerstone of the global travel economy for years to come.
