WTTC Reports Surge in Visitor Spend
Recent data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows that international visitor spending in India reached a record ₹3.1 trillion in 2024, exceeding the previous peak of 2019 by 9%. Following a long period of relying on domestic travel spending after the pandemic, WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) indicates that international travel is not only back but stronger than ever, reaching unprecedented levels last year. While domestic travel continues to be a significant contributor, with spending soaring to ₹15.5 trillion, 22% above the levels of 2019, the revival of international tourism is now driving the sector into a new era of growth.
Travel and tourism contributed nearly ₹21 trillion to the Indian economy last year, showing a 20% increase compared to 2019. Despite the challenges posed by rapid automation through AI, this sector remains a vital source of employment and opportunity for the country’s young, educated population. To realize the sector’s full potential and increase its contribution to GDP to 10-11%, it is essential to strengthen infrastructure, including the development of high-speed rail and smart mobility solutions.
The sector achieved an all-time high of nearly 46.5 million jobs, representing 9.1% of total employment in India. In 2024, the country welcomed 20 million international visitors, which is 2.3 million more than in 2019. This growth reaffirms India’s status as a leading global destination and highlights the renewed international confidence in its tourism offerings. To sustain this progress, WTTC calls for ongoing investment and focused policy support, urging the government to revisit its recent decision to cut funding for overseas tourism promotion.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “India’s Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with international visitor numbers now at record highs after a period of strong domestic reliance.
“We strongly support the government’s plans to simplify the e-visa process. While visa-on-arrival and e-visa systems are in place, reciprocal policies and long delays for key markets like the U.S., where appointments are reportedly unavailable until 2026, continue to hinder tourists. Making it easier to visit India is one of the fastest ways to unlock further international arrivals and spending.
“To support this growth and ensure long-term resilience, WTTC has signed an MoU with WTTCII to amplify India’s tourism voice globally. The MOU combines WTTC’s international influence with WTTCII’s strong national presence. The MOU will strengthen policy coherence and offer a model for global-local tourism leadership.”
The global tourism body’s research reveals that India’s business travel is experiencing record growth, with combined domestic and international spending reaching ₹1.1 trillion last year, surpassing the 2019 peak by 2.6%.
A look ahead to 2025 and 2035
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is predicting another record-breaking year for India’s travel and tourism sector, with its economic contribution expected to exceed ₹22 trillion by 2025. Additionally, employment in the sector is projected to surpass 48 million. As the industry continues to grow, there is a significant opportunity to promote homegrown entrepreneurship, especially in luxury travel experiences, which are increasingly appealing to new generations of travellers and investors.
International visitor spending is projected to reach ₹3.2 trillion, while spending by domestic travellers is expected to reach ₹16 trillion. By 2035, the contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the national economy is forecasted to nearly double, approaching ₹42 trillion. Additionally, this sector is anticipated to employ nearly 64 million people.
India is poised to become one of the world’s most dynamic tourism economies, thanks to its rich blend of heritage, natural beauty, and modern innovation. A key aspect of this potential lies in harnessing the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are vital to the sector and foster innovation within communities and regions. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) urges the government to support the sector’s resilience and ambition with consistent policy measures.
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