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Special press conference for foreign correspondents
In an event aimed at bolstering India’s position in global tourism, the PATA India Chapter, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), and Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) jointly hosted a special press conference for foreign correspondents. The event focused on the growth opportunities within India’s inbound, outbound, and adventure tourism sectors, featuring detailed presentations by the respective associations.
India's Tourism Growth
SanJeet, Honorary Secretary, PATA India Chapter, talked about the advancements in India’s tourism infrastructure.
“India’s commitment to building world-class tourism infrastructure underscores our readiness to welcome a record number of international visitors,” he said.
Highlighting impressive statistics, SanJeet noted that domestic tourism reached 1.7 billion trips in 2022, recovering strongly from the pandemic, and international arrivals had already crossed 7.8 million.
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In 2024, international arrivals to India increased by 9% compared to 2023 and 5% over 2019 levels. Key source markets like the Americas and Europe recorded growth of 22% and 20%, respectively, compared to pre pandemic levels. The United States and Canada emerged as top performers, with growth rate of 19% & 37% above 2019 levels, showcasing strong demand for India as a long haul destination. Meanwhile, Turkey displayed growth, surging by 263% over pre pandemic figures, reflecting the strength of bilateral relationship and focussed promotional efforts.
India now hosts 80 international airlines and operates over 3,735 flights daily. Transformative projects include 88 new airports and over 1,700 aircraft orders,making India the third-largest aviation market globally. The country also boasts over 207,000 branded hotel rooms, with more than 15,000 keys added in 2024 alone, catering to luxury and mid-market segments alike. Additionally, the introduction of 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enhanced highway networks have significantly reduced travel times, further enhancing accessibility.
Adventure & Sustainability
Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, called adventure tourism a powerful avenue for sustainability. Sharing his own experiences, he remarked, “Adventure tourism combines body, mind, and soul, offering transformative experiences.”
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India’s adventure tourism market, valued globally at $683 billion in 2017, is growing at 21% CAGR and is projected to become a trillion – dollar industry by 2024. Bajaj highlighted initiatives like the Western Indian Himalayan Trail and the Ganga Nature and Heritage Trail, designed to promote eco-tourism while supporting local communities.
“We are working on creating sustainable, world - class trails that showcase India’s natural heritage while adhering to safety and sustainability guidelines,” he said.
ATOAI’s safety guidelines for 29 adventure tourism verticals are already setting benchmarks for the sector.
Indian Outbound Remains Strong
Himanshu Patil, President, OTOAI underscored the remarkable growth in outbound tourism.
“India’s outbound tourism is a testament to the aspirations and resilience of its people,” he noted.
In the first half of 2024, over 15 million Indians travelled abroad, with projections indicating 45 million travelers by 2030, contributing $ 70 billion to the global economy.
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India’s outbound travel is witnessing impressive trends. Premium-class travel increased by 12% compared to 2019, reflecting growing demand for comfort and luxury. Popular destinations like the UAE & Europe have shown robust growth with outbound seat capacity to Europe rising by 35% over 2019 levels. Emerging destinations such as Kazakhstan, Bhutan, and Saudi Arabia are also gaining popularity among Indian travellers.
Trends show increasing demand for short trips under seven days, luxury experiences, and transformative travel such as eco-tourism and wellness retreats. Patil emphasized the need for simplified visa processes and enhanced flight connectivity to sustain this growth.
“Vietnam, for example, welcomed over half a million indian tourists in 2024, thanks to streamlined visa processes and direct flights,” he highlighted.
Vision for Collaboration
S. Venkat Narayan, President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia, thanked the associations for their valuable insights.
“These discussions will help the foreign media better report on India’s immense tourism potential, showcasing the opportunities and strengths of this vibrant sector,” he remarked.
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The event highlighted the interconnectedness of India’s tourism ecosystem and underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to unlock new opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- India’s aviation sector is the third largest globally, with 3,735 flights daily and over 1,700 aircraft on order.
- Adventure tourism is poised to hit $1 trillion globally by 2024, with India emerging as a key player.
- Outbound tourism from India is projected to reach 45 million travellers by 2030, contributing $70 billion to the global economy.
- Infrastructure developments, including 88 new airports and mega trails, are driving growth across tourism verticals.
- Simplified visa processes and sustainable tourism practices remain top priorities.
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