Did India Welcome 56 Lakh Foreign Tourists by August This Year?
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Synopsis
India's tourism sector continues to thrive with an impressive record of 56 lakh foreign tourist arrivals this year. Discover the government initiatives and statistics that highlight the significance of tourism in the nation's economy. Stay tuned for insights on how this sector impacts employment and cultural diplomacy.
Key Takeaways
- 56 lakh foreign tourist arrivals recorded by August 2023.
- 303.59 crore domestic tourist visits reported in the same period.
- Rs 15.73 lakh crore contribution to GDP from the tourism sector.
- Over 84 lakh outbound travellers noted.
- 36.90 million direct jobs created in the tourism industry.
New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) India has welcomed around 56 lakh foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) by August this year, alongside 303.59 crore domestic tourist visits, according to data released by the government on Friday.
The number of FTAs for medical reasons in India for the year 2025 (up to April) reached 1,31,856, making up about 4.1 percent of the total FTAs during this timeframe, as indicated by official statistics.
In the financial year 2024-25, as part of the Sustainable and Responsible Tourism (SASCI) initiative, 40 projects across 23 states were approved with a total funding of Rs 3,295.76 crore, fully covered by central funding.
Through the initiatives of ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘Swadesh Darshan 2.0’, 110 projects have been established across various thematic circuits such as the Ramayana, Buddhist, Coastal, and Tribal circuits.
Tourism serves as a crucial economic sector, aiding in exports and fostering global prosperity.
Over the past decade, the government has launched numerous transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing and revolutionizing this sector, enabling it to reach its full potential as a driver for economic advancement, job creation, and cultural diplomacy.
As of June 2025, inbound tourism recorded 16.5 lakh visitors, while outbound tourism reached 84.4 lakh travellers.
This activity has contributed to foreign exchange earnings of Rs 51,532 crores. Furthermore, provisional estimates from the National Accounts Statistics for 2025 indicate that the tourism sector contributed Rs 15.73 lakh crore to India's GDP in 2023-24, accounting for 5.22 percent of the overall economy.
Additionally, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the sector has generated 36.90 million direct jobs and 47.72 million indirect jobs, together representing 13.34 percent of the total employment in the economy.
In 2014-15, the Ministry of Tourism introduced the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) to create thematic tourism circuits nationwide. A total of 76 projects valued at Rs 5,290.30 crore were approved under identified themes, with 75 projects completed.
Point of View
It is evident that India's tourism sector is not only a critical driver of economic growth but also a facilitator of cultural exchange. The government's commitment to sustainable tourism and infrastructure development is commendable, paving the way for a brighter future in this sector. Supporting the tourism industry aligns with our national interests, ensuring both economic prosperity and cultural diplomacy.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the foreign tourist arrival statistics for India up to August 2023?
India recorded approximately 56 lakh foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) until August 2023.
How many domestic tourist visits were recorded in India?
There were 303.59 crore domestic tourist visits reported in India.
What is the contribution of tourism to India's GDP?
The tourism sector contributed Rs 15.73 lakh crore to India's GDP in 2023-24, accounting for 5.22 percent of the total economy.
How many employment opportunities are generated by the tourism sector?
The tourism sector has generated 36.90 million direct jobs and 47.72 million indirect jobs.
What initiatives are in place to promote tourism in India?
The government has initiated programs like Sustainable and Responsible Tourism and Swadesh Darshan to promote tourism.
