India’s Travel & Tourism Sector Hits Rs 21 Trillion Milestone

India’s travel and tourism industry reached new heights in 2024, according to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The country saw international visitor spending soar to a record-breaking Rs 3.1 trillion—nine per cent higher than the previous peak in 2019, signalling a powerful comeback for global inbound travel.

While domestic tourism has long anchored the sector, it continued to show impressive strength, contributing Rs 15.5 trillion in 2024, a 22 per cent increase over 2019. Together, domestic and international tourism helped the overall sector generate nearly Rs 21 trillion in economic output, marking a 20 per cent rise over pre-pandemic levels.

Employment in the travel and tourism sector also surged to an all-time high, supporting 46.5 million jobs, 9.1 per cent of India’s total employment. With tourism becoming an engine of economic revival and a pillar for employment amid growing automation, the WTTC has emphasised the need for strategic investments in infrastructure like high-speed rail and smart mobility solutions.

India welcomed 20 million international visitors in 2024, 2.3 million more than in 2019—reflecting renewed global confidence in India’s tourism appeal. However, the WTTC urged the Indian government to maintain momentum by investing in overseas tourism promotion and not scaling back funding at this crucial juncture.

Business travel also saw a resurgence, with domestic and international spending combined reaching Rs 1.1 trillion, 2.6 per cent above 2019 levels.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

WTTC forecasts another record-breaking year in 2025, with the sector’s GDP contribution expected to exceed Rs 22 trillion and employment projected to reach 48 million. International visitor spending is anticipated to grow to Rs 3.2 trillion, while domestic travel spend may touch Rs 16 trillion.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “India's Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with international visitor numbers now at record highs after a period of strong domestic reliance. We strongly support the government’s plans to simplify the e-visa process. While visa-on- arrival and e-visa systems are in place, reciprocal policies and long delays for key markets like the US, where appointments are reportedly unavailable until 2026, continue to hinder tourists. Making it easier to visit India is one of the fastest ways to unlock further international arrivals and spending.”

By 2035, the council predicts the sector will nearly double its contribution to India’s economy, reaching Rs 42 trillion and supporting nearly 64 million jobs.

“To support this growth and ensure long-term resilience, WTTC has signed an MoU with WTTCII to amplify India’s tourism voice globally. The MOU combines WTTC’s international influence with WTTCII’s strong national presence. The MOU will strengthen policy coherence and offer a model for global-local tourism leadership, " Simpson added. 

With a compelling mix of heritage, nature, modern innovation and rising interest in luxury and niche travel, India is well-positioned to become one of the world’s most dynamic travel economies. WTTC calls for consistent policy support and continued investment in small and medium-sized enterprises to unlock the sector’s full potential.