India — a land of history, spirituality, and diversity — remains one of the world’s most fascinating travel destinations.
From the snow-capped Himalayas to the beaches of Goa, and from ancient temples to fast-growing cities, tourism is a vital part of India’s economy.
In 2023, the country welcomed around 9.2 million foreign tourists, showing a strong post-pandemic rebound and reaffirming India’s position among the top 20 most visited countries in the world.
Tourism contributes roughly $200 billion to India’s GDP (around 6.8%) and supports more than 80 million jobs, making it one of the largest employment sectors nationwide.
Key stats: India Tourism
- ~18.9 million international visitors in 2023 — India broke through the pre-pandemic peak and showed strong inbound recovery.
- ~US$ 36 billion spent by international visitors in 2024 — a new record and a major boost for the tourism economy.
- In total, the tourism sector contributed ~US$ 245 billion to India’s economy in 2024 and supported ~46.5 million jobs (≈ 9.1 % of employment).
- Domestic tourism is surging: ~US$ 180 billion spent by Indian travellers in 2024 — already ~22 % up on 2019.
- India holds ~1.45 % of global tourist arrivals and ~2.1 % of global tourism receipts — room for growth remains large.
- Looking ahead: India expects to hit ~30.5 million intl. arrivals and US$ 59 billion revenue by 2028.
- December 2024 saw tourism revenue of around US$ 4 billion in just one month, demonstrating the pace of recovery.
- The tourism sector’s ~5 % share in GDP (FY23) underlines its importance for India’s growth strategy.
How Many Tourists Visit India Each Year?
India hosted around 9.2 million international visitors in 2023, marking a 64% recovery compared to 2019 levels.
| Year | International Tourists | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10.9M | — |
| 2020 | 2.7M | -75% (COVID impact) |
| 2021 | 1.5M | Gradual reopening |
| 2022 | 6.2M | +300% YoY |
| 2023 | 9.2M | +48% YoY |
| 2024 (est.) | ~10.4M | Near full recovery |
How Many Tourists Visit India Each Day?
India receives roughly 25,000 international tourists per day, with peaks during winter and festival seasons.
How Much Does Tourism Contribute to India’s Economy?
Tourism accounts for ~6.8% of India’s GDP and supports ~80 million jobs.
- GDP contribution (2023): $199B
- Expected 2025 forecast: $234B
- Jobs supported: 80M+
- Growth rate: 9% per year (projected through 2025)
Domestic tourism also dominates: over 1.7 billion domestic trips were recorded in 2023, showing Indians’ growing interest in exploring their own country.
Which Countries Visit India the Most?
India’s largest inbound markets are the USA, Bangladesh, the UK, Australia, and Canada.
| Country | Visitors (2023) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~1.7M | ~18% |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | ~1.4M | ~15% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~970K | ~10% |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ~430K | ~5% |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~410K | ~4% |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | ~390K | ~4% |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | ~270K | ~3% |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~260K | ~3% |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~250K | ~3% |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | ~220K | ~2% |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in India?
India’s landmarks blend history, religion, and natural beauty.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taj Mahal (Agra) | ~6M | India’s #1 global icon |
| Golden Temple (Amritsar) | ~5M | Sikhism’s holiest site |
| Jaipur City Palace | ~3M | Rajasthan’s royal heritage |
| Gateway of India (Mumbai) | ~2.5M | Colonial landmark |
| Qutub Minar (Delhi) | ~2.4M | UNESCO heritage site |
| Red Fort (Delhi) | ~2.2M | Mughal architecture |
| Varanasi Ghats | ~2M | Spiritual riverfront |
| Charminar (Hyderabad) | ~1.8M | Iconic mosque |
| Meenakshi Temple (Madurai) | ~1.6M | Dravidian architecture |
| Goa Beaches | ~8M (domestic + foreign) | Leisure tourism hotspot |
When Is the Best Time to Visit India? (Seasonality)
Winter (October–March) is the best season for travel, while monsoon and summer have regional variations.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Oct–Mar) | Peak | Pleasant weather, festivals |
| Summer (Apr–Jun) | Moderate | Hill stations popular |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Low | Cheaper, green landscapes |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Rising | Cultural events and fairs |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to India?
Cultural festivals and religious gatherings dominate India’s tourism calendar.
| Event | Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kumbh Mela | ~50M | World’s largest religious gathering |
| Diwali | Nationwide | Major tourism spike |
| Holi Festival | ~2M (domestic + foreign) | Celebrated across North India |
| Pushkar Camel Fair (Rajasthan) | ~400K | Heritage + photography |
| Rann Utsav (Gujarat) | ~250K | Desert culture festival |
| International Film Festival (Goa) | ~150K | Global cinema event |
| Jaipur Literature Festival | ~200K | Global writers & thinkers |
| Republic Day Parade (Delhi) | ~100K | National celebration |
How Much Money Does India Make From Tourism?
Tourism generated around $199 billion in 2023 and is expected to surpass $234 billion by 2025.
Foreign exchange earnings from tourism reached $26 billion in 2023, driven by luxury travel, medical tourism, and digital nomads choosing India for long stays.
How Busy Are India’s Hotels?
India’s hotel occupancy rate stood at ~68% in 2024, the highest in over a decade.
- Average Daily Rate (ADR): $82 USD
- Revenue per available room (RevPAR): $56 USD
- Top-performing cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa, Jaipur
Which Cities Are Most Visited in India?
Tourism in India is centered around a mix of heritage, leisure, and business hubs.
| City | Visitors (2024 est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ~10M | Historical + business hub |
| Mumbai | ~8.5M | Entertainment & finance |
| Agra | ~6.3M | Taj Mahal |
| Jaipur | ~5.9M | Heritage & culture |
| Goa | ~8M | Leisure destination |
| Bengaluru | ~5.2M | Tech & conferences |
| Varanasi | ~4.8M | Spiritual tourism |
| Kochi | ~3.1M | Gateway to Kerala |
| Hyderabad | ~3M | Heritage & IT city |
| Chennai | ~2.9M | Business + temples |
How Many Jobs Does Tourism Create in India?
Over 80 million people are employed in tourism-related industries.
Tourism plays a vital role in small business growth — from local guides and artisans to transportation and hospitality — directly uplifting communities in both urban and rural regions.
FAQ – India Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit India yearly?
Around 9.2 million international visitors in 2023, rising toward 10M+ in 2024.
What’s India’s tourism GDP contribution?
About $199 billion in 2023, 6.8% of total GDP.
Which country sends the most tourists to India?
The United States (~1.7M visitors).
What are the top attractions in India?
Taj Mahal, Golden Temple, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Goa beaches.
When is the best time to visit?
October–March (winter and festival season).
What are India’s most visited cities?
Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Agra, and Jaipur.
How much does tourism earn India in foreign exchange?
Around $26 billion in 2023.
Sources
- Ministry of Tourism, Government of India — India Tourism Statistics 2024
- World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) — India Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2024
- UNWTO — International Tourism Data (2023–2024)
- Statista — Tourism in India – Facts & Figures 2025
- IBEF — Tourism & Hospitality Industry in India (2024)
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