Will India's tourism sector surpass Rs 22 lakh crore turnover by 2025?
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Synopsis
India's tourism industry is on track to exceed Rs 22 lakh crore in 2025, driven by both domestic and international travelers. With projected employment rising to over 48 million, the future looks bright for economic growth in this sector. Discover how strategic developments in tourism could reshape India's economy.
Key Takeaways
- India's tourism sector is expected to exceed Rs 22 lakh crore by 2025.
- Over 48 million jobs could be created in the sector.
- International visitor spending may reach Rs 3.2 lakh crore.
- Domestic travel spending is projected to hit Rs 16 lakh crore.
- Travel and tourism contributed nearly Rs 21 lakh crore to the economy in 2024.
New Delhi, June 4 (NationPress) The travel and tourism sector in India is projected to contribute an astonishing Rs 22 lakh crore to the nation's economy by 2025. This surge is anticipated to create over 48 million jobs as both foreign and domestic tourism experience robust growth, as per the latest report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The report forecasts that international visitor spending will reach Rs 3.2 lakh crore, while expenditures by domestic travelers are expected to soar to Rs 16 lakh crore by 2025, according to WTTC president and CEO Julia Simpson.
Simpson emphasized that the travel and tourism sector is a crucial employer in India, having generated a record-setting 46 million jobs in 2024, which equates to over 9 percent of total employment nationwide.
The WTTC's projections for employment indicate 48.2 million jobs for 2025, and an estimated 63.9 million jobs by 2035.
Simpson described 2024 as a “truly remarkable year” for the travel and tourism industry in India, underscoring that domestic travel spending has been vital in the post-pandemic recovery, with a promising outlook ahead.
She noted that India's tourism sector is enjoying unprecedented growth, with international visitor numbers at record levels following a strong reliance on domestic tourism.
Data reveals that in 2024, spending by international visitors in India hit a new high of Rs 3.1 trillion ($36.8 billion), marking a 9 percent increase compared to pre-COVID-19 levels.
“We fully endorse the government's initiatives to streamline the e-visa process. Although visa-on-arrival and e-visa options exist, reciprocal policies and lengthy delays for crucial markets such as the US, where appointments are reportedly unavailable until 2026, hinder tourist influx. Easing access to India is one of the quickest means to boost international arrivals and spending,” she stated.
Domestic travel continues to be a powerful driver, with expenditures climbing to Rs 15.5 lakh crore ($185.6 billion), representing a 22 percent increase over pre-COVID figures.
The combined spending from domestic and international travelers has propelled the travel and tourism sector's contribution to the Indian economy to nearly Rs 21 lakh crore in 2024, which accounts for 6.6 percent of the national GDP, she added.
Point of View
I believe that the projected growth of India's travel and tourism sector is a pivotal indicator of our country's economic resilience. With the government's support and strategic initiatives, we can expect not only a boost in tourism but also significant job creation and GDP contribution. This sector's recovery is essential for our national economy.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected contribution of India's tourism sector to the economy by 2025?
The tourism sector in India is projected to contribute Rs 22 lakh crore to the economy by 2025.
How many jobs are expected to be created in the tourism sector by 2025?
It is estimated that over 48 million jobs will be created in the tourism sector by 2025.
What is the forecasted spending from international visitors in India?
International visitor spending is expected to reach Rs 3.2 lakh crore by 2025.
What role does domestic travel play in India's tourism recovery?
Domestic travel spending has been crucial for recovery, with expenditures projected to reach Rs 16 lakh crore by 2025.
How did the tourism sector perform in 2024?
In 2024, the tourism sector contributed nearly Rs 21 lakh crore to the economy, which accounted for 6.6% of the national GDP.
