Despite geopolitical tensions, India’s tourism industry is preparing for a surge of over 10% in inbound tourism this year.
Experts attribute this to escalating conflicts in the Middle East and the redirection of foreign tourists from China post-pandemic. These factors are positioning India as a top choice for travellers globally.
Recent statistics show a 305.4% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, with 9.23 million foreign tourists visiting India. Despite falling short of the pre-pandemic figure of 10.93 million in 2019, experts are optimistic that we may surpass this number in 2024.
Furthermore, the recent acquisitions made by Indian airlines for more than 1000 aircraft are set to significantly enhance India’s tourism industry by improving accessibility and connectivity for international visitors. Over the past year, Air India, Indigo, and Akasha have collectively placed orders for 1120 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. Additionally, the number of airports in India has doubled to 149 in the past decade, which will contribute to the development of new tourism destinations within the country.
The latest data reveals a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Varanasi, as new and unexplored tourist destinations continue to captivate visitors. Additionally, the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya has also become an attraction for foreign tourists. With the world’s attention turning towards Asia for travel experiences, India is well-positioned to seize this opportunity by showcasing its distinctive attractions and warm hospitality, thereby extending a warm welcome to travellers from all corners of the world.
The Indian government has officially designated the year 2023 as Visit India year 2023 with the aim of establishing India as a comprehensive and all-encompassing destination in key international markets. The Ministry of Tourism, in conjunction with overseas Indian Missions, actively took part in prominent international travel exhibitions such as FITUR to boost the tourism industry. Additionally, India participated as a partner country in the JATA Tourism Expo, held in Tokyo in October 2023.
India’s tourism and hospitality sector is forecasted to produce more than $59 billion in revenue by the year 2028. Furthermore, it is expected that Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) will hit 30.5 million by the same year. In 2023, the foreign exchange earnings amounted to USD 28.07 billion.
Industry stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a period of transformation in India’s tourism sector, as strategic investments and a renewed emphasis on promoting the country’s diverse cultural heritage through initiatives like the “Incredible India” campaign are expected to bring about significant changes.
