India received 20.57 million International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs) in 2024, marking a strong recovery in inbound tourism and an 8.9% growth over 2023, according to data from the Bureau of Immigration.
International arrivals have now surpassed pre-COVID levels, with ITAs rising steadily over the last five years. India recorded 17.91 million ITAs in 2019, before dropping sharply during the pandemic years, followed by a sustained rebound from 2022 onwards.
International Tourist Arrivals in India (in million)
2019: 17.91
2020: 6.33
2021: 7.00
2022: 14.33
2023: 18.89
2024: 20.57
The Government attributed the growth to improved visa facilitation, safety standards, infrastructure development, and enhanced connectivity.
The e-Visa programme continues to gain traction, with 14 e-Visa sub-categories now available to nationals of 175 countries, enabling entry through 38 airports, 16 seaports and 2 land ports.
To improve ease of doing business, the National Single Window System (NSWS) has integrated registrations for tourism stakeholders through the NIDHI+ portal, covering accommodation units, tour operators, travel agents, transport operators, OTAs, convention centres and tourist facilitators.
India’s global tourism promotion has been strengthened through digital and conventional campaigns, including participation in international tourism fairs under the Incredible India brand, contributing to increased foreign tourist confidence.
The Ministry of Tourism is also working closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to improve air connectivity to major as well as emerging tourist destinations.
On tourist safety, the Ministry continues coordination with States and UTs for deployment of Tourism Police and operates a 24×7 multilingual Tourist Helpline (1363 / 1800-11-1363) in 12 languages, including 10 international languages.
The information was shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
