How Travel Industry Surging In India With Visa Free And E-visa Entry Of 125 Countries Including ASEAN, Schengen Nations Along With US And UkReading Time: 5 minutesIndia’s tourism industry is experiencing a transformative surge, becoming a cornerstone of the nation’s economic growth.
With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and renowned hospitality, India is rapidly emerging as a premier global travel destination.
The country’s tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors are poised for unprecedented growth, driven by increasing international tourist arrivals and robust economic contributions.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), India’s Travel & Tourism GDP is projected to grow at an average of 7.1% annually over the next decade.
By 2028, India’s tourism and hospitality industry is expected to generate over USD 59 billion in revenue.
How Travel Industry Surging In India With Visa Free And E-visa Entry Of 125 Countries Including ASEAN, Schengen Nations Along With US And Uk
Reading Time: 5 minutes
India’s tourism industry is experiencing a transformative surge, becoming a cornerstone of the nation’s economic growth. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and renowned hospitality, India is rapidly emerging as a premier global travel destination.
Nationals of the following 125 countries including Schengen and ASEAN passports, may travel with E Visa to India: Antigua and Barbuda, South Korea, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Rwanda, East Timor, Costa Rica, Liberia, Trinidad and Tobago, Ivory Coast, Palestine, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Afghanistan, Colombia, Mexico, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Azerbaijan, Russia, Cape Verde, Kazakhstan, Peru, Switzerland, Ghana, Tanzania, Guyana, Argentina, Liechtenstein, Armenia, Japan, Zimbabwe, Haiti, Mongolia, Solomon Islands, Bolivia, Uruguay, Oman, Panama, Gambia, Guinea, Djibouti, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Jamaica, United States, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines Comoros, Tuvalu, Cuba, Vanuatu, Burundi, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominican Republic, Namibia, Vatican City, Uganda, Taiwan, Monaco, El Salvador, Iceland, Kenya, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bahamas, Venezuela, Malta, Suriname, Papua New Guinea, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Brazil, Saint Lucia, Norway, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Israel, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Australia, Belarus, Malawi, Fiji, United Arab Emirates, Micronesia, Seychelles, Tonga, Canada, Kiribati, Samoa, New Zealand, Cambodia, Gabon, Ecuador, Albania, Benin, Moldova, Madagascar, and North Macedonia.
Citizens of certain countries enjoy visa-free travel to India. These countries include Bhutan and Nepal, whose nationals can enter India without a visa. Additionally, the Maldives’ citizens can visit India visa-free for up to 90 days if they do not arrive from mainland China. Other than these countries, most travelers need a visa to enter India. However, India’s e-Visa program simplifies the process for many nationalities, allowing them to apply for a visa online, making travel more accessible. The visa-free and e-Visa policies significantly boost tourism and business interactions between India and these nations.
The country’s tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors are poised for unprecedented growth, driven by increasing international tourist arrivals and robust economic contributions. By 2028, India is expected to attract 30.5 million international tourists, generating substantial revenue and cementing its status as a top choice for travelers worldwide.
Leading this wave of development, Oberoi Realty, a prominent real estate developer, has partnered with Marriott International, a global hospitality leader, to develop two new Marriott properties in Mumbai. This collaboration aims to enhance Mumbai’s hospitality landscape and cater to the growing influx of international tourists.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), India’s Travel & Tourism GDP is projected to grow at an average of 7.1% annually over the next decade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated 52 tourism sector projects valued at over Rs. 1,400 crore (US$ 168.5 million) under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes, further bolstering the sector’s growth.
By 2028, India’s tourism and hospitality industry is expected to generate over USD 59 billion in revenue. The WTTC ranks India 10th among 185 countries in terms of travel and tourism’s total contribution to GDP in 2019. In 2022, the sector contributed US$ 199.6 billion to India’s economy.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) to India are forecasted to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024, driven by increased global travel confidence and shifting tourist preferences. In 2023, India recorded a significant increase in FTAs, with 9.23 million foreign tourists visiting the country, though still below the pre-pandemic peak of 10.93 million. Industry experts highlight India’s emergence as a preferred destination amid geopolitical shifts and the post-pandemic recovery.
Though IndiGo for the longest time has been largest carrier in terms of international traffic to and from India, sequentially it saw a drop of 2.9% . Interestingly, Air India gained exact 2.9% of the traffic in the same period. Air India is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing inbound tourism from January 2026, following its deal to acquire 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.
Improved airport infrastructure and the expansion of regional airports are expected to attract even more international visitors. It is the largest carrier on the India-US routes (non-stop) has a sweeping presence is in San Francisco .A whooping total of 18 weekly departures, the highest amongst the five airports it operates non-stop in the United States.
Indira Gandhi International Airport, situated in Delhi serves as a crucial hub for both domestic and international flights, boasting the highest traffic volumes in India. Its prominence underscores India’s burgeoning economy and its pivotal role in global travel. The airport’s strategic location aligns with India’s ambitions to enhance its status as a key international transit point.
Located in Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ranks as India’s second busiest airport. Currently undergoing a significant expansion project, it aims to augment its capacity to accommodate more passengers efficiently.
Following closely are Bengaluru and Chennai Airports, each contributing to India’s robust aviation network with their strategic locations and growing capacities.
In December 2023, the United States led the way as the primary origin for inbound tourists, making up 22.33% of arrivals. Trailing close was Bangladesh with 16.97%. The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada rounded out the top five. Notably, annual data shows a shift, with Bangladesh being the leading source of tourists from January to December 2023.
Reports indicate that the hospitality sector is on a promising recovery trajectory, anticipating over $400 million in investments between 2020 and 2023. Additionally, it forecasts the addition of nearly 12,000 rooms in 2023, with the total number of rooms projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 3.3% by 2025.
India continues to be a favored destination for foreign tourists due to its diverse attractions. Major tourist hotspots include:
Jaipur, Rajasthan: Known as the ‘Pink City,’ Jaipur captivates tourists with its royal palaces and vibrant bazaars. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: The spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, enchants visitors with its ancient temples and the Ganga Aarti ceremony. Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra remains a top attraction. Goa: Known for its beaches, nightlife, and Portuguese heritage, Goa offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. Leh-Ladakh: Attracts adventure enthusiasts with its rugged terrain and serene landscapes.
Our C.E.O Mr.Anup Keshan belives that “Interest in India has surged, with searches on the platform increasing by 60% since 2019. It’s intriguing to see a significant number of searches originating from unexpected regions, such as Japan, beyond the traditional markets like the US and the Middle East. Indian travelers are exploring international destinations more than ever, thanks to affordable airfares, competitive hotel rates, and free visa offers from various countries. I aspire to see India relax visa policies for tourists and diplomats for the smooth development of business tourism as well as holiday travelling”
The easing of travel restrictions, such as the relaxation of Restricted Area Permits (RAP) and Protected Area Permits (PAP) in North East India, has made the region more accessible to foreign tourists.
India’s allure lies in its rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, historical monuments, spiritual centers, adventure activities, and culinary delights. The country continues to welcome travelers with its hospitality and diverse attractions, living up to the slogan “Atithi Devo Bhava” – Atithi Devo Bhava.
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