- India tourism generated $263.6B in 2025.
- The sector grew 7.3 percent, above the global average.
- It could reach fourth globally by 2036.
INDIA’S TRAVEL AND tourism sector generated $263.6 billion and supported 46.2 million jobs in 2025, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. The sector is projected to reach $527 billion by 2036, lifting India from the world’s 10th-largest tourism economy to fourth place.
WTTC’s latest “Economic Impact Research”, sponsored by Chase Travel, found that domestic tourism remains the foundation of the sector’s growth, while international visitor spending offers further potential.
“India has every ingredient to become one of the world’s great international tourism success stories,” said Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and CEO. “Through continued collaboration between government and the private sector, enhanced connectivity, seamless and secure travel experiences, and continued progress on visa facilitation, India can unlock even greater economic benefits for communities across the country.”
Domestic tourism drives growth
India’s travel and tourism sector grew 7.3 percent in 2025, above the global average of 4.1 percent, WTTC said. The sector contributed 6.6 percent to GDP and supported more than one in 10 jobs, while domestic visitor spending reached $203 billion, accounting for 86 percent of total tourism spending.
Domestic spending grew by more than 10 percent year-on-year, supporting further sector growth. International visitor spending accounted for about 14 percent of total tourism expenditure, leaving room for India to capture a larger share of global travel demand.
WTTC expects travel and tourism to outperform the wider economy in 2026, with sector GDP projected to grow 8.5 percent to $286.1 billion and employment to reach 48.1 million.
International travel offers next growth opportunity
India’s travel and tourism sector will nearly double to $527 billion by 2036, WTTC said. International visitor spending is forecast to rise by almost 60 percent, strengthening India’s global competitiveness and the sector’s economic impact.
International visitors stay in India for an average of 18.5 days, among the longest stays globally. WTTC said this reflects the country’s range of tourism experiences.
India’s tourism growth has been driven by domestic demand and infrastructure investment. Its heritage, cultural, nature and eco-tourism offerings can support longer stays and higher visitor spending.
The next phase of growth should build on domestic tourism while increasing international demand, the report said. It called for government-industry cooperation to support investment and sustainable tourism growth.
Key priorities
WTTC called for improved visa facilitation, including e-visa processes, while maintaining security standards. It also recommended expanding international air connectivity to improve access from key overseas markets and increase visitor arrivals and spending.
The council highlighted the need for continued transport investment, citing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor as a way to improve access to emerging destinations. It also called for stronger digital public infrastructure and visitor services to improve travel experiences.
WTTC recommended increasing destination marketing in priority overseas markets and investing in heritage, cultural, nature and eco-tourism products to encourage longer stays and higher spending.
Public-private collaboration, investment and innovation could help India capture more international travel growth, expand economic and social benefits, and strengthen its global tourism position, WTTC said.
India’s Union Budget 2026–27 places tourism at the centre of employment, infrastructure and regional development. However, the industry’s demand for infrastructure status remains unmet.
