Tue Oct 01 03:00:00 UTC 2024: ## India’s Tourism Recovers, but International Arrivals Lag Behind Pre-Pandemic Levels
**New Delhi, India** – Despite a rebound in foreign exchange earnings and increased spending per tourist, India’s international tourism numbers are still trailing behind pre-Covid levels, according to data released by the tourism ministry. In the first half of 2024, international tourist arrivals in India were nearly 10% lower compared to the same period in 2019.
Bangladesh has emerged as the top source market for India, accounting for 22% of visitors, but political unrest in the country could impact future rankings. The U.S. has shown the most significant growth among major source markets, with its share increasing from 13% to nearly 18%.
To boost tourism and global connectivity, India has announced plans to construct 29 new airports over the next 20 years, with a focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The government is also offering visa-fee waivers for the first 100,000 tourists under the “Chalo India” initiative, aiming to attract more international visitors.
Despite the lagging arrival numbers, tourists are spending more during their visits, contributing to a 23% increase in foreign exchange earnings. This trend can be attributed to factors such as higher hotel rates and growing demand for luxury travel experiences.
The Indian aviation sector is also experiencing growth, with IndiGo, India’s largest airline, expanding its operations and preparing for long-haul international flights. Kerala, a popular tourist destination, saw record domestic tourist arrivals in 2023, showcasing the resilience of the domestic travel market.
MakeMyTrip, a leading online travel company in India, is offering discounts on international business class fares, reflecting a shift in travel preferences towards shorter international routes for business class travel.
The tourism industry is optimistic about India’s future prospects, with the government and private sector collaborating to develop key tourism destinations and improve infrastructure.
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