Tourexpi
India Achieves Record High in International Visitor Spend, Says WTTC
The
data reflects a strong recovery of inbound tourism after years of
pandemic-driven domestic reliance.
Domestic
travel remains robust, with ₹15.5 trillion in spending, up 22% from 2019. In
total, India’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed nearly ₹21 trillion to
the national economy last year—20% more than in 2019. The industry also
supported a record 46.5 million jobs, accounting for 9.1% of total employment.
India
welcomed 20 million international visitors in 2024, 2.3 million more than in
2019, cementing its status as a top-tier global destination. Business travel
also reached historic levels, with combined domestic and international spend
hitting ₹1.1 trillion, 2.6% above 2019 figures.
WTTC
President & CEO Julia Simpson commented:
“India’s
Travel & Tourism sector is entering a bold new chapter. To sustain this
growth, easing visa processes is essential. The government's plans to simplify
e-visa access are welcome, but delays for markets like the U.S. remain a
significant hurdle.”
WTTC
has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the WTTC India Initiative
(WTTCII) to amplify India’s global tourism voice and ensure policy coherence
through a strengthened public-private partnership model.
Looking
ahead, WTTC forecasts ₹22 trillion in sector contribution for 2025, with
employment expected to exceed 48 million. By 2035, the sector could nearly double
its economic impact to ₹42 trillion, employing almost 64 million people.
With
a rich blend of tradition, natural beauty, and innovation, India is positioned
to become one of the world’s most dynamic tourism economies. WTTC urges the
government to back this momentum with consistent policy support, particularly
for SMEs and sustainable infrastructure.
For
more information and to access the full research, including the latest
Environmental Social Research (ESR), visit the WTTC Research Hub.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Lufthansa Introduces Free Messaging on All Long-Haul Flights
As of today, Lufthansa passengers can enjoy unlimited free messaging on all long-haul flights.
Wego and Turespaña Launch Summer Campaign to Inspire MENA Travelers
Partnership highlights Spain’s culture, cuisine, and coastlines for Middle East audiences
Marella Cruises Launches Second Edition of ‘Make it on Marella’ Trade Incentive
Following a successful debut year, Marella Cruises is bringing back its trade-wide incentive ‘Make it on Marella’ for a second time, giving 25 lucky travel agents the chance to win a spot on board Marella Discovery for a Caribbean sailing in Marc
Destination by Hyatt Debuts in Greece with Opening of Zélia Halkidiki
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the grand opening of Zélia Halkidiki, an adults-only luxury retreat and the first Destination by Hyatt branded property in Greece.
Turkish Firm Karmod Launches Innovative Steel-Structured Aparthotel Project on Corfu
Prefabricated system allows year-round construction without seasonal delays
RIU Launches Carbon Footprint Calculation Service for Events at Riu Plaza España
New AI-powered tool promotes transparency and sustainable event planning
Hyatt Expands Inclusive Collection in Bulgaria with Opening of AluaSoul Sunny Beach
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of AluaSoul Sunny Beach, a new adults-only resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
Cunard Unveils 195 New Voyages to 115 Global Destinations for 2027–2028
Cunard has announced an expansive new voyage program featuring 195 sailings across its iconic fleet.
EVA Air Joins IATA's Turbulence Aware Platform to Enhance Flight Safety
EVA Air has officially joined the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Turbulence Aware platform, further strengthening its commitment to flight safety and operational efficiency.
IHG and GI Capital Management Break Ground on New Regent Kyoto
IHG Hotels & Resorts and GI Capital Management have officially broken ground on the upcoming Regent Kyoto, a luxury hotel set to open in 2028.
IHG Accelerates Expansion in Vietnam with voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a new milestone in its Vietnam growth strategy with the signing of voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang – By IHG, a 250-key seafront property scheduled to open by the end of 2025.
Ryanair Urges EU to Act as Over 34,000 Flights Suffer 5,000 Hours of Delays Due to ATC Failures
Ryanair, Europe’s leading airline, has issued an urgent call to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU governments to immediately address the chronic underperformance of European air traffic control (ATC) services, following mas
Dusit Princess Melaka Celebrates Grand Opening in UNESCO World Heritage City
Dusit International debuts in Malaysia with landmark property ahead of UN Tourism 2025 and Visit Malaysia 2026
German Air Travel Lags Behind – Still 10% Below Pre-COVID Levels
Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg Among Worst-Performing Airports.
TTM+ 2025 Highlights Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism Vision
New offerings focus on wellness, culture, and high-value experiences
TAT and Grab Launch Nationwide Tourism Campaign to Reignite Travel Across Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Grab Thailand have launched a dynamic new campaign, “Tiew Tua Thai Suk Kan Yai Wai Jai Grab” – Explore Thailand, Enjoy More, Trust Grab, aimed at inspiring domestic and international travel throughout
Beyond Carnival: 4 Iconic Brazilian Festivals to Discover with Delta and LATAM
Carnival may be Brazil’s most famous celebration, but it’s just the beginning of the country’s year-round festival magic.
TAT and Partners Launch Thailand’s First Grand Aquarium Yoga Experience at Sea Life Bangkok
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with key lifestyle and wellness brands, has unveiled Grand Aquarium Yoga – Thailand’s first-ever underwater yoga experience, set against the stunning backdrop of Sea Life Bangkok Ocean Wor
Central Holidays Unveils New Travel Programs to Türkiye
Central Holidays has launched a new line of immersive travel programs to Türkiye for 2025, offering expertly curated itineraries designed for all traveler types—from history enthusiasts to adventure seekers.
Emirates Launches New Routes to Da Nang and Siem Reap via Bangkok
Emirates has officially launched two new routes to Da Nang, Vietnam and Siem Reap, Cambodia, operating via Bangkok, further strengthening the airline’s strategic footprint in Southeast Asia.
Spain Forecasts Over 12.2 Million International Airline Seats for June, Up 4.7% Year-on-Year
Spain is set to welcome more than 12.2 million international airline seats in June 2025, marking a 4.7% increase compared to the same month last year, according to figures released by Turespaña. In June 2024, the seat count stood at 11.7 million.
