India’s Travel & Tourism sector has achieved a remarkable milestone, with foreign traveller spending reaching an all-time high of US$36.8 billion in 2024, according to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). This figure marks a significant 9% increase over the previous peak recorded in 2019, highlighting India’s growing appeal as a global travel destination.
The WTTC report underlines how international travel to India has rebounded strongly after years of domestic reliance triggered by the pandemic. While domestic tourism remains a vital contributor, with spending now 22% above 2019 levels, the revival of foreign visitor activity is driving the sector into a bold new phase of growth.
Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, noted, “India’s Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with international visitor numbers now at record highs after a period of strong domestic reliance.” She also emphasized the need for simplified visa procedures, adding, “Visa-on-arrival and e-visa systems are in place, but challenges like long delays and limited availability for key markets such as the U.S.—where appointments are reportedly unavailable until 2026—continue to hinder growth. Streamlining the process is one of the quickest ways to boost international arrivals and spending.”
India’s business travel segment has also shown impressive growth, with combined domestic and international spending in the past year exceeding the 2019 peak by 2.6%. The travel and tourism sectors contributed significantly to the national economy in 2024—up 20% compared to 2019—solidifying their role as a major economic driver.
The sector also reached a historic employment high, supporting nearly 46.5 million jobs, or about 9.1% of India’s total workforce. With a young, educated population and rising digital innovation, the sector continues to offer vital employment opportunities despite the rapid rise of automation through AI.
Infrastructural improvements like high-speed rail and smart mobility solutions are essential to unlock the sector’s full potential and increase its GDP contribution to 10–11%. The report also revealed that India welcomed 20 million international tourists in 2024, surpassing the 2019 figure by 2.3 million. This surge reflects renewed global confidence in India’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthens its position as a leading global travel destination.
Looking ahead, the WTTC projects another record-breaking year for India’s tourism sector in 2025. The economic contribution is expected to reach new heights, while employment is set to grow beyond 48 million. The council highlighted a growing opportunity for domestic entrepreneurship, particularly in luxury travel experiences, which are gaining popularity among younger travellers and investors.
By 2035, India’s travel and tourism sector is expected to nearly double its economic contribution, employing close to 64 million people. The WTTC also stressed the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving regional innovation and fostering community-based tourism models.
