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Home » India Travel News » World Travel & Tourism Council Urges Continued Government Support to Sustain India’s Travel and Tourism Sector, Ensuring Ongoing Growth and Global Competitiveness Wednesday, June 4, 2025The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled promising projections for India’s travel and tourism industry, forecasting a breakthrough year in 2025. According to WTTC, the sector is expected to contribute more than Rs 22 trillion to the national economy by 2025, signaling a strong recovery from the challenges posed by the global pandemic. This growth will not only reflect the resilience of the sector but also underscore its expanding role in driving the Indian economy. In addition to its economic contribution, the tourism sector is also poised to generate over 48 million jobs by 2025, emphasizing its critical role in supporting livelihoods across the nation.Strong Growth in Both Domestic and International TourismIndia’s tourism industry is benefiting from a powerful combination of both international and domestic travel. WTTC projects that international visitors will inject approximately Rs 3.2 trillion into the economy by 2025. This influx is driven by India’s deep cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and rapidly expanding tourism infrastructure. The country’s appeal is further amplified by initiatives aimed at improving the ease of travel, such as visa reforms and better connectivity.At the same time, domestic tourism is also on the rise. The WTTC anticipates that domestic travelers will contribute a remarkable Rs 16 trillion to the economy by 2025. More Indians are traveling to discover the beauty and diversity of their own country, exploring destinations ranging from the majestic Himalayas to the pristine beaches of the south. This combination of domestic and international tourism is creating a robust, dual momentum that will generate significant economic opportunities across a range of industries, including hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and culture.This dual growth model not only benefits large metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore but also smaller towns and rural areas. As more travelers seek experiences in off-the-beaten-path destinations, regions that were once underexplored are now being recognized for their natural beauty and cultural significance. This shift is helping to redistribute the economic benefits of tourism, creating new opportunities for local businesses and communities.Employment Opportunities to Surge Across the Tourism SectorAs tourism activity increases, so too does the demand for skilled workers across the sector. The WTTC forecasts that by 2025, the travel and tourism industry in India will support more than 48 million jobs, representing a significant portion of the country’s overall employment. These roles will span a wide range of positions, from hotel and airline staff to tour operators, drivers, retail workers, and artisans.The tourism sector’s employment footprint is vast, extending beyond just direct jobs in hospitality and transportation to encompass indirect roles in the arts, cultural heritage, retail, and supply chains. These jobs will be spread across urban, suburban, and rural areas, making tourism a key driver of inclusive economic growth. This broad reach ensures that the benefits of tourism will be felt in both large cities and remote regions, contributing to a more equitable distribution of economic opportunities.The growing number of job opportunities in tourism also reflects the sector’s ability to adapt to the changing needs of travelers. With a rise in demand for specialized services such as eco-tourism, wellness tourism, adventure travel, and heritage tourism, the sector is diversifying its workforce to meet these evolving trends. This, in turn, opens up new career paths and skill development opportunities for India’s young workforce.A Vision for 2035: Doubling the Economic Impact and WorkforceLooking even further ahead, the WTTC forecasts that by 2035, India’s travel and tourism sector will nearly double its contribution to the national economy, reaching Rs 42 trillion. This growth will be fueled by continued investment in infrastructure, enhanced connectivity through air, rail, and road networks, and the rise of new niche markets such as wellness tourism, adventure tourism, and eco-tourism. Additionally, advancements in digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, will make travel more seamless and personalized, allowing for more efficient services and improved traveler experiences.As the tourism industry grows, so too will employment. By 2035, it is expected that nearly 64 million jobs will be supported by the sector, making tourism one of the largest employers in India. This growth will not only benefit urban centers but will also provide crucial employment in smaller towns and rural areas, helping to reduce regional disparities and fostering more balanced economic development across the country.Recent Trends Indicate a Strong Recovery in TourismRecent data from the WTTC highlights a strong recovery in India’s tourism sector. In 2024, international tourist spending in India reached Rs 3.1 trillion, representing a 9% increase over pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This resurgence in international arrivals is a testament to India’s continuing appeal to travelers seeking unique cultural experiences, rich history, and natural beauty.At the same time, domestic tourism spending reached Rs 15.5 trillion in 2024, representing a 22% increase compared to 2019. The rising enthusiasm of Indian citizens to rediscover their own country has played a significant role in the rapid recovery of the sector. This surge in domestic travel has not only benefited traditional tourist hotspots but has also brought attention to lesser-known destinations, helping to promote regional tourism development.Altogether, international and domestic tourism contributed nearly Rs 21 trillion to the Indian economy in 2024, marking a 20% increase from pre-pandemic levels. This growth illustrates the resilience of the tourism sector and its ability to rebound even in challenging circumstances.Employment Growth and the Broader Impact on India’s WorkforceIndia’s tourism industry also continues to support millions of jobs. In 2024, the sector provided approximately 46.5 million jobs, accounting for over 9% of total employment in the country. These jobs span across various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, retail, and the arts. They also support numerous indirect roles in supply chains, cultural institutions, and local businesses, underscoring the broader economic impact of tourism.In addition, the sector is playing an important role in addressing youth unemployment. Many tourism-related jobs are ideal for young workers, offering flexible hours, a range of skill development opportunities, and the potential for career advancement. This makes tourism a key sector in empowering India’s young population, which will be crucial for the country’s future growth and development.Challenges and Opportunities for Further GrowthWhile India’s tourism industry has made significant strides in recent years, there are still challenges to address. One of the key areas that require attention is the need to boost international arrivals. In 2024, India welcomed 20 million international visitors, a notable increase of 2.3 million compared to 2019. However, much of this growth was driven by non-resident Indians (NRIs), and there is still significant potential to attract more traditional international tourists.The Ministry of Tourism reported 9.65 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, which is a modest increase compared to 2023 but still below the 10.93 million arrivals seen in 2019. To further revive inbound tourism, India must focus on improving its promotional efforts abroad, enhancing infrastructure, and streamlining visa processes.Continued Investment and Policy Support Essential for Sustaining GrowthThe WTTC stresses that sustained investment and clear policy support are essential for maintaining the momentum of the tourism sector. Recent cuts to tourism promotion budgets abroad have raised concerns about India’s ability to compete globally. To ensure long-term growth, the Indian government must prioritize funding for tourism marketing, as well as support infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and sustainable tourism practices.Business Travel Drives Additional GrowthIndia’s business travel sector also continues to see positive growth, with combined domestic and international spending reaching Rs 1.1 trillion in 2024, surpassing 2019 levels by 2.6%. This uptick reflects India’s growing international business connections and its expanding role as a hub for global conferences, trade shows, and meetings. Business travel is providing a significant boost to hotels, transport providers, and conference venues, further contributing to the sector’s overall growth.India’s Rich Cultural and Natural Diversity: A Key to Global LeadershipIndia’s diverse cultural and natural assets make it an attractive destination for tourists from around the world. From the spiritual and historic landmarks of Varanasi and Delhi to the natural beauty of the Kerala backwaters and the Himalayas, India offers something for every type of traveler. The country is also emerging as a key player in niche markets such as wellness tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure travel, with more travelers seeking holistic and sustainable travel experiences.WTTC advocates for continued investment in India’s cultural and natural tourism assets. By leveraging digital marketing, workforce development, and strategic collaborations with local businesses, India can position itself as a global leader in the travel and tourism industry.Conclusion: A Bright Future for India’s Travel and Tourism SectorIndia’s travel and tourism sector is poised for substantial growth over the next decade, driven by domestic tourism, recovering international arrivals, and continued investment in infrastructure and innovation. By capitalizing on its rich cultural and natural diversity and addressing key challenges in visa facilitation and international marketing, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global tourism powerhouse. Through collaborative efforts from the government, industry stakeholders, and local communities, India can unlock the full potential of its tourism sector, ensuring sustainable economic growth and job creation for years to come.
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