India recorded 9.52 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in 2023, marking a 47.9% increase compared to 2022, according to data from the Bureau of Immigration. The rise in tourist numbers contributed to Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) of ₹2,31,927 crore, reflecting a 36.5% growth.
Factors Driving Tourism Growth
The surge in FTAs is attributed to the post-pandemic revival of international travel, increasing confidence in India as a culturally rich destination, and enhanced air connectivity. The development of tourism infrastructure and targeted marketing campaigns—both domestically and internationally—have further strengthened India’s position as a global tourist hub.
Government Initiatives to Boost Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism has implemented multiple schemes and initiatives to support tourism growth, including:
- Infrastructure Development: Financial assistance to states and central agencies through schemes such as:
- Swadesh Darshan – Focused on theme-based tourism circuits.
- PRASHAD – Aimed at rejuvenating pilgrimage and spiritual sites.
- Assistance to Central Agencies – Supports tourism-related infrastructure development.
- Tourism Promotion: Campaigns such as Dekho Apna Desh, Chalo India, International Tourism Mart, and Bharat Parv to highlight India’s diverse attractions.
- Incredible India Content Hub: A digital repository featuring high-quality images, films, and promotional materials, available on www.incredibleindia.org and social media platforms.
- Thematic Tourism Promotion: Focus on niche tourism sectors such as wellness, culinary, rural, and eco-tourism.
- Skill Development: Capacity-building initiatives like Capacity Building for Service Providers, Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF), Paryatan Mitra, and Paryatan Didi to improve service quality.
- Air Connectivity Expansion: Collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the RCS-UDAN Scheme, with 53 tourism routes operationalised to enhance accessibility.
e-Visa Expansion
The e-Visa facility is now available to 167 countries, covering nine sub-categories, including:
- e-Tourist Visa
- e-Business Visa
- e-Medical Visa
- e-Conference Visa
- e-Ayush Visa and its attendant categories
- e-Student Visa and e-Student X Visa
The expansion of visa accessibility and strategic tourism initiatives are expected to further drive international arrivals, strengthening India’s position as a leading global travel destination.
This information was shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
