- India recorded 4.29B domestic visits.
- Tourism generated $31.8B in foreign exchange.
- Global tourism contributed $10.9T of GDP.
INDIA RECORDED 4.29 billion domestic tourist visits in 2025, while foreign tourist arrivals reached 25.3 million, according to a government factsheet. Tourism generated $31.8 billion in foreign exchange.
“Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism” was the theme of World Tourism Day 2026, observed Sept. 27. Tourism contributed 5.22 percent to India’s GDP and supported 84.6 million jobs in 2023-24, the factsheet said. The government is expanding digital tourism to improve access and visitor services.
India is expanding digital tourism through e-Visa, the Incredible India Digital Platform and NIDHI+. AI tools provide services such as real-time weather updates, city exploration and travel information.
Introduced in 2014 for nationals of 43 countries, the e-Visa is now available to citizens of 172 countries. It permits entry through 88 international ports, including 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports.
India issues about 78 percent of its visas electronically and processes about 95 percent of e-Visa applications within 72 hours, according to the factsheet. The measures aim to improve access to international travel.
The Incredible India Digital Platform offers virtual experiences in culture, heritage, adventure, gastronomy, wellness, arts and crafts, and rural tourism. Its AI tools personalize experiences and help travelers access services.
The government is using programs such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD to expand tourism destinations and improve visitor services. It is also promoting cruise tourism and tourism skills to create livelihood opportunities.
Travel and tourism contributed $10.9 trillion, or 10 percent of global GDP, in 2024. The sector supported 357 million jobs and generated $1.9 trillion in international visitor spending.
India measures tourism’s direct and indirect economic contribution through the Tourism Satellite Account, the sector’s accounting framework.
Separately, India has 47 hotels in the 2026 Michelin Key selection, with most of its representation below the highest tier.
