India’s tourism boom: Sector adds 5.22% to GDP, supports 8.46 crore jobs

NEW DELHI: India’s tourism sector contributed 5.22 per cent to the country’s GDP and supported 8.46 crore jobs in 2023-24, as the government highlighted the sector’s growing economic role ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27. The government said the expansion of digital platforms and artificial intelligence is also reshaping how tourists discover, plan and experience destinations.World Tourism Day 2026 will be observed under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, putting technology at the centre of discussions on the future of travel.Tourism activity expandsIndia recorded 428.55 crore domestic tourist visits in 2025, sharply higher than 67.7 crore in 2021. Foreign tourist visits also rose to 2.53 crore in 2025, from 0.1 crore in 2021.The increase in tourist activity has also boosted foreign exchange earnings. Tourism-related foreign exchange earnings rose to Rs 2,76,831 crore in 2025, compared with Rs 63,978 crore in 2021.Digital pushThe government said digital tools are increasingly making travel more personalised, accessible and seamless.India's e-Visa facility, which covered nationals of 43 countries when it was introduced in 2014, has now expanded to 172 countries. Travellers can enter India using e-Visas through 88 international ports.Around 78 per cent of visas are now issued electronically, while about 95 per cent of e-Visa applications are processed within 72 hours, according to the government.The revamped Incredible India Digital Platform also offers virtual experiences covering cultural, heritage, adventure, gastronomical, wellness, art and craft, and rural attractions.Its AI-powered features include real-time weather updates, city exploration and access to travel services.National Digital Tourism StackThe ministry of tourism is set to launch the National Digital Tourism Stack, an open digital public infrastructure initiative aimed at making tourism offerings more discoverable, accessible and trustworthy.The government will also roll out Dekho Apna Desh 2.0, which will promote lesser-known destinations and seek to distribute tourist footfall more evenly across the country.Connectivity boostAlongside the digital push, the government is expanding physical tourism infrastructure.Under the Modified UDAN scheme for 2026-27 to 2035-36, an approved outlay of Rs 28,840 crore includes plans to develop 100 airports and 200 modern helipads.The initiative is aimed at improving air connectivity to tourism destinations and supporting the sector's wider expansion.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.