India's tourism sector posted record numbers in 2025, with domestic tourist visits reaching 428.55 crore, foreign tourist arrivals climbing to 2.53 crore, and foreign exchange earnings from tourism surging to ₹2,76,831 crore, according to a government factsheet released on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The data was published ahead of World Tourism Day 2026, observed annually on 27 September.

Tourism's Growing Weight in India's Economy

The sector now contributes 5.22 per cent to India's GDP and supports 8.46 crore jobs, according to the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) figures for 2023-24. The TSA is the official accounting framework used globally to measure both the direct and indirect economic footprint of tourism. This positions tourism as one of the more labour-intensive contributors to the Indian economy, spanning hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and ancillary services.

Globally, travel and tourism contributed $10.9 trillion — or 10 per cent of global GDP — in 2024, supporting 357 million jobs and generating $1.9 trillion in international visitor spending. India's trajectory places it as an increasingly significant participant in that global share.

Digital Push: e-Visa, AI, and the Incredible India Platform

India has steadily widened access for international travellers through its e-Visa facility, first introduced in 2014 for nationals of 43 countries. It now covers nationals of 172 countries, with entry permitted through 88 international ports — comprising 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports. Approximately 78 per cent of all visas issued are now electronic, and roughly 95 per cent of e-Visa applications are processed within 72 hours, the factsheet noted.

The revamped Incredible India Digital Platform adds another layer, offering virtual experiences across cultural, heritage, adventure, gastronomical, wellness, art and craft, and rural attractions. Its AI-powered tools personalise visitor journeys through features including real-time weather updates, city exploration guides, and essential travel services. Alongside it, the NIDHI+ platform is being positioned as part of a broader digital tourism ecosystem designed to make travel planning more seamless.

Schemes Expanding Destinations and Livelihoods

On the supply side, the government highlighted ongoing schemes including Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD, both aimed at developing thematic and pilgrimage circuits. Cruise tourism and tourism skill development programmes are also being scaled up, with the objective of expanding the range of destinations, improving visitor experiences, and generating livelihood opportunities — particularly in regions where tourism is the primary economic driver.

World Tourism Day Theme and India's Alignment

This year's World Tourism Day 2026 theme — 'Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism' — aligns closely with India's policy direction. The Centre's emphasis on AI-enabled personalisation, frictionless visa processing, and virtual destination previews reflects an effort to position India not just as a high-volume destination but as a digitally forward one. Whether this translates into sustained growth in high-value foreign tourist spending — rather than sheer arrival numbers — will be a key metric to watch in the years ahead.