Tourism

India is ranked as the 7th largest and fast-growing tourism economy in the world with diverse offerings.

Last updated: September 8, 2025

Indian tourism industry is expected to contribute nearly US$460bn to the country's GDP by 2028.

30.5 Mn

Estimated Foreign Tourist Arrivals by 2028, resulting in Foreign Exchange Earnings to reach $50.9 Bn

$18.12 Bn

FDI received since April 2000

$3 Tn

Market size of the tourism and hospitality sector by 2047

$28.07 Bn

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) in 2023

43.5%

growth in foreign tourist arrivals in 2023 (January-December)

39th

n the global Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) in 2024

53 Mn jobs

to be generated by 2029

e-visa facilities

liberalized in 7 sub-categories for nationals of 167 countries

RCS-UDAN Scheme

added at at 579 tourism routes

US$ 125 billion

earnings from travel market in India

Swadesh Darshan 2.0

launched to encourage a greener path that balances development and environmental concerns

Revised Guideline for Marketing Development Assistance (MDA)

This guideline will motivate stakeholders to promote tourism from the overseas markets, enhance the visibility of brand Incredible India and augment foreign tourist arrivals to the country.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The scheme aims to promote, develop and harness the potential of tourism in India and create an integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in the country in a planned manner.
Guidelines for approval of Online Travel Aggregators

This guideline is to encourage quality standards and services in this category so as to promote tourism in India and abroad.

National Tourism Policy 2002

To develop and promote tourism in the country.

Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) Scheme

To identify and develop pilgrimage tourist destinations.
Guidelines for the Promotion of MICE Tourism

The guidelines includes several steps to fully explore India's potential as a sought after designation for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

Association of Tourism Trade Organisations, India

+91 952 643 9577

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An industry body to promote tourism in India

Indian Association of Tour Operators

,

91-11- 25750028

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A national body representing tour operators in the country

Adventure Tour Operators Association of India

http://www.atoai.org/contacts

+91 11 41802287

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An association to create awareness about the immense potential for adventure tourism in India

Ministry of Tourism

Investment Opportunities

  • Development of destination circuits, resorts, hotels, as well as restoration of heritage sites.
  • Rural, adventure, medical, pilgrimage, film and sustainable tourism are new trends in Indian tourism.
  • Support functions such as package tour services, cab services and recreational facilities.
  • Nearly 241 projects worth US$5.8b are being planned to maximize the potential of Indian tourism space.
Useful Links:

Key Investors

India has a well-oiled enterprise promoting machinery that is backed by strong legislative, judiciary, executive and capital establishments

AccorHotels, the French hotel chain, which has invested about $250 million in hotel projects in India, is planning to expand its footprint in India

Expedia -the global online travel agency sees India as one of the top three markets in terms of size and growth

Qatar Airways has plans to launch domestic operations in India

Carlson Wagonlit has 9 offices, employing over 1,200 people, in India

ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

India has a well-oiled enterprise promoting machinery that is backed by strong legislative, judiciary, executive, and capital establishments

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