India Leading Asia’s Sustainable Travel Boom
India ranks among Asia’s top eco?friendly destinations, praised for green tourism—farm?stay initiatives, heritage site conservation, and low?carbon travel circuits are at the forefront
Shift to Experiential & Immersive Tourism
Travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences—pottery in Rajasthan, spice?farm tours in Kerala, tribal village stays in Odisha/Chhattisgarh alongside glamping in desert and backwater
Rise of Adventure & Niche Travel
India’s adventure tourism market hit USD?16.7?B in 2024, forecast to reach USD?86?B by 2033. Offerings span wildlife safaris, stargazing camps, ATV rides, and water sports. Gujarat’s first Dharoi Adventure Fest and expanding self?drive and caravan trips further highlight this boom
Spiritual & Wellness Travel Hits New High
Domestic spiritual trips grew 30–40% MoM in 2024. The 2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh witnessed over 660?M visits. Wellness tourism now includes yoga, Ayurveda, meditation in Rishikesh, Dharamshala, Kerala
Digital Nomads & Luxury Travel
Remote work explodes with travelers staying in Goa, Bir?Billing, Auroville. Luxury travel is surging—37% plan business/first-class, with 50% year?on?year growth in business?class travel
Cruise & River Tourism Takes Off
“Cruise Bharat Mission” aims to double sea and river passenger journeys by 2029, expecting 1?M+ users, 400?k jobs
Andhra Pradesh is launching East Coast cruise routes linking Chennai, Puducherry, Visakhapatnam
Major Infrastructure Push
Swadesh Darshan?2.0 is investing ?3,296?Cr in sustainable tourism infrastructure. PRASAD enhances pilgrimage sites. New cruise terminals and eco?cruise services on Yamuna are underway
Record Economic Growth & Inbound Boom
India welcomed 20?M foreign tourists in 2024 (up 2.3?M over 2019); visitor spending hit ?3.1?T, with total travel & tourism GDP contribution at ?20.9?T (≈?6.6% GDP). Domestic spend reached ?15.5?T, supported 46.5?M jobs
Short?Haul & Regional Getaways
Global uncertainty has Indian tourists favoring Southeast Asia—Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bhutan, and Nepal—as quick, affordable escapes
