MUMBAI: India’s tourism sector is roaring back to life, with foreign tourist arrivals surging to nearly 100 million last year—the highest on record. The ministry of tourism announced that 99.5 million foreigners visited India in 2024, up from just 15.3 million during the pandemic-ravaged year of 2021.
The recovery has been spectacular. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism more than quadrupled from Rs 64,000 crore in 2021 to Rs 293,000 crore in 2024. Tourism’s share of GDP has jumped from a measly 1.5 per cent in 2020-21 to 5.2 per cent in 2023-24, making it a significant economic driver.
Americans lead the charge, with 1.8 million visitors in 2024, followed closely by Bangladeshis at 1.75million. The British, Australians and Canadians round up the top five source markets. Notably, Australia saw its visitor numbers soar from just 34,000 in 2021 to over 518,000 in 2024.
The boom has created jobs too. Employment in tourism rose from 68 million positions in 2020-21 to 84.6 million in 2023-24, providing livelihoods for millions across the country.
Union minister for tourism and culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared these figures in parliament, highlighting how India has bounced back from the travel restrictions that decimated global tourism. International tourist arrivals, including non-resident Indians, reached 206 million in 2024.
The numbers suggest India is capitalising on pent-up demand for travel as the world emerges from the pandemic’s shadow. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and competitive costs, India appears well-positioned to maintain this momentum.
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