Tourism contributes 5.22 per cent to India’s GDP and supports 8.46 crore jobs as digital initiatives reshape visitor experiences
New Delhi, Sept 2026: Domestic tourist visits in India touched 428.55 crore in 2025, while foreign tourist visits rose to 2.53 crore, with foreign exchange earnings from tourism reaching Rs 2,76,831 crore, according to a government factsheet released ahead of World Tourism Day 2026.
The tourism sector has emerged as a significant contributor to India’s economic growth, employment and livelihoods. It accounted for 5.22 per cent of the country’s GDP and supported 8.46 crore jobs during 2023-24, highlighting its growing role in the wider economy.
World Tourism Day will be observed on September 27 under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”. The government factsheet said India is strengthening its digital tourism ecosystem through initiatives such as e-Visa, the Incredible India Digital Platform and the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI).
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into tourism services to provide more personalised and seamless experiences for visitors. Alongside digital transformation, government initiatives including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, cruise tourism and tourism skill development are aimed at expanding destinations, improving visitor facilities and creating livelihood opportunities.
The economic contribution of tourism in India is measured through the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), the official accounting framework used to assess both the direct and indirect contribution of tourism to the economy.
India has also progressively simplified international travel through its e-Visa facility. Introduced in 2014 with Electronic Travel Authorisation for nationals of 43 countries, the facility has since expanded to cover citizens of 172 countries.
Foreign visitors can enter India through 88 international ports, comprising 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports. According to the factsheet, around 78 per cent of all visas issued by India are now electronic visas, while nearly 95 per cent of e-Visa applications are processed within 72 hours.
The government said these measures have helped make international travel to India more accessible and convenient.
The revamped Incredible India Digital Platform has further expanded the country’s digital tourism offering. The platform provides virtual experiences covering cultural and heritage attractions, adventure tourism, gastronomy, wellness, arts and crafts and rural destinations.
Its AI-powered features are designed to personalise travel experiences, including through real-time weather information, city exploration tools and access to essential travel services.
Globally, travel and tourism contributed $10.9 trillion, or 10 per cent, to global GDP in 2024, supported 357 million jobs and generated $1.9 trillion in international visitor spending.
With rising tourist footfall and growing adoption of digital technologies, India is positioning tourism as an increasingly important driver of economic activity, employment and cultural engagement.
