India's tourism sector faces a complex situation in 2025. While domestic tourism is booming, and the country possesses undeniable attractions, challenges remain in attracting the desired number of international visitors. Recent data suggests that foreign tourist arrivals may not meet initial expectations, prompting a closer examination of the factors at play.
Arrival Numbers and Trends
Official data indicates a fluctuating trend in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) throughout 2025. In the first quarter (January-March), India recorded 2.615 million FTAs, which decreased to 1.648 million in the second quarter (April-June). There was a slight recovery in the third quarter, with 1.920 million visitors. Cumulatively, the first three quarters of 2025 saw 6.183 million foreign arrivals. These figures suggest a potential shortfall compared to pre-pandemic levels and initial projections. For instance, in 2024, India received 9.66 million international tourists, which was 4.7% higher than 2023 but still 11.6% below the 2019 peak. The government had aimed to attract 20 million international tourists by 2025, a target that now appears ambitious.
Factors Contributing to the Dip
Several factors contribute to the potential disappointment in foreign tourist numbers. A notable reason is a decline in visitors from Bangladesh, a significant source country for Indian tourism. Seasonal variations in travel patterns also play a role, with certain months experiencing fewer visitors. Global geopolitical factors and "country-specific dynamics affecting outbound travel" further influence tourist flows.
Challenges and Bottlenecks
Beyond these immediate factors, several persistent challenges hinder India's ability to compete with other popular tourist destinations. Infrastructure deficits, particularly in remote areas, remain a significant concern. Inadequate transportation facilities, poor connectivity, and a lack of basic amenities deter potential visitors. Safety concerns and reports of harassment also contribute to a negative perception, especially among high-spending international tourists.
High costs associated with travel in India, including airfares, transportation, and accommodation, can be a deterrent. An 18% GST on tourism-related services makes India a relatively expensive destination compared to its Asian neighbors. Extortionate pricing of services further exacerbates this issue.
Other structural bottlenecks include slow e-visa processing, limited visa-on-arrival access, and weak multilingual support for international travelers. Environmental degradation and over-tourism at popular sites also diminish the visitor experience and strain local communities.
Government Initiatives and Future Outlook
The Indian government recognizes these challenges and has launched various initiatives to revive the tourism sector. These include promoting India as a safe, affordable, and attractive destination through campaigns like "Incredible India 2.0". Schemes like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD aim to improve tourism infrastructure and promote heritage destinations. The government is also working with state authorities to set up "dedicated Tourism Police" in various regions to enhance safety and security.
The Union Budget 2025-26 focuses on developing 50 tourist destinations in partnership with states, ensuring world-class infrastructure and connectivity. "Dekho Apna Desh" encourages domestic tourism by promoting lesser-known destinations, while Swadesh Darshan 2.0 focuses on sustainable and theme-based tourism circuits.
Despite the current challenges, the long-term outlook for India's tourism sector remains positive. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that by 2035, the sector could contribute nearly ₹42 trillion to India's GDP and support 64 million jobs. International visitor spending is expected to reach ₹3.2 trillion in 2025. By addressing infrastructure gaps, ensuring safety and security, promoting sustainable practices, and establishing clear policies, India can restore confidence and attract more tourists worldwide.
