India’s tourism sector recorded strong growth in 2024, supported by large domestic travel, rising foreign arrivals, and multiple central schemes for infrastructure, promotion, skills, and niche segments such as medical and MICE tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has also expanded destination development through Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, and special assistance to States for iconic tourist centres.
Tourism Performance in 2024
- International Tourist Arrivals in India stood at 20.57 million in 2024.
- Foreign Exchange Earnings from tourism reached Rs. 2,93,033 crore.
- Domestic Tourist Visits rose to 2,948.19 million in 2024.
- The figures show the continuing dominance of domestic tourism in India’s travel economy.
Major Tourism Infrastructure Schemes
- Swadesh Darshan was launched in January 2015 for theme-based tourist circuit development.
- Under the scheme, 76 projects worth Rs. 5,290.33 crore have been sanctioned, and 75 have been physically completed.
- Swadesh Darshan 2.0 focuses on sustainable and responsible destinations with a tourist-centric approach.
- Under SD2.0, 53 projects worth Rs. 2,208.27 crore have been sanctioned.
- Challenge Based Destination Development has sanctioned 36 projects worth Rs. 648.11 crore across spiritual tourism, culture and heritage, vibrant villages, and ecotourism.
Pilgrimage, Tribal and Iconic Tourism
- PRASHAD supports integrated development of pilgrimage destinations.
- Under PRASHAD, 54 projects worth Rs. 1,726.74 crore have been sanctioned, and 31 completed.
- PM-JUGA will support 1,000 tribal homestays as a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan.
- Under SASCI, 40 projects across 23 States worth Rs. 3,295.76 crore have been sanctioned for iconic tourist centres.
- Assistance to Central Agencies has sanctioned 66 projects worth Rs. 948.78 crore for tourism infrastructure.
Promotion, Skills and Emerging Segments
- The Ministry has promoted tourism through Bharat Parv, International Day of Yoga events, and the Chalo India diaspora campaign.
- The 13th International Tourism Mart was held in Gangtok to showcase North-Eastern tourism.
- A Digital MICE Catalogue has been developed for 60 cities to position India as a major meetings and exhibitions destination.
- About 4,382 tourism service providers have been trained under Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi.
- India received 6,44,387 foreign medical tourists in 2024, reflecting the growth of medical and wellness tourism.