India’s Travel & Tourism sector reached new heights in 2024, with international visitor spending hitting an all-time high of INR 3.1 trillion, according to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). This milestone marks a 9% increase over the previous peak recorded in 2019, showcasing the country’s strong recovery and growing appeal as a global destination.
Following a pandemic-induced period of reliance on domestic tourism, international travel has made a powerful comeback. The WTTC report reveals that domestic travel spending also surged, reaching INR 15.5 trillion 22% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Altogether, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed nearly INR 21 trillion to India’s economy last year, reflecting a remarkable 20% growth compared to 2019.
The sector’s growth has translated into record-breaking employment as well. In 2024, Travel & Tourism supported almost 46.5 million jobs across the country, accounting for 9.1% of India’s total employment. With continued investments in high-speed rail, smart mobility, and digital infrastructure, experts believe the sector’s GDP contribution could rise to 10–11% in the coming years.
India also welcomed 20 million international tourists in 2024 2.3 million more than in 2019—further reinforcing its global stature as a preferred travel destination. However, the WTTC has urged the Indian government to revisit its recent decision to cut funding for international tourism promotion, emphasizing the need for sustained investment and policy support to maintain this upward trajectory.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson lauded India’s remarkable tourism performance and highlighted the importance of easing travel processes. “India’s Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. We fully support the government’s efforts to simplify the e-visa process, but challenges remain. Long visa wait times in key markets like the U.S., where appointments are reportedly unavailable until 2026, need urgent resolution,” she said.
To further support the sector’s development, WTTC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Travel & Tourism Council India Initiative (WTTCII). This partnership aims to amplify India’s global tourism voice by aligning international strategy with strong domestic leadership, offering a model for effective global-local collaboration.
The business travel segment has also seen unprecedented growth. Combined domestic and international business travel expenditure reached INR 1.1 trillion in 2024, surpassing the 2019 peak by 2.6%, signaling renewed confidence among corporate travellers.
Looking ahead, the WTTC forecasts that 2025 will be another record-breaking year for India’s tourism economy. The sector is projected to contribute over INR 22 trillion to the GDP, while employment is expected to cross 48 million. International visitor spending is anticipated to climb to INR 3.2 trillion, and domestic travel expenditure is forecast to reach INR 16 trillion.
By 2035, India’s Travel & Tourism sector is poised to almost double in size, with its economic contribution expected to touch nearly INR 42 trillion and employment numbers reaching approximately 64 million. This future growth offers significant opportunities for homegrown entrepreneurship, particularly in luxury and experiential travel, which is rapidly gaining popularity among younger, aspirational travellers.
India’s unique blend of cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern innovation positions it as one of the most promising tourism economies in the world. The WTTC calls on the Indian government to match this potential with consistent, long-term policy support to ensure sustainable growth, empower small and medium enterprises, and enhance the global competitiveness of India’s tourism sector.
