Home » ASIA » US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Singapore Among the Top Contributors to India’s Tourism Growth in Recent Years: New Data You Should See
Published on
August 19, 2025
US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Singapore have emerged as the top contributors to India’s tourism growth in recent years. According to the latest government data, these countries have played a significant role in driving Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) to India, helping the tourism sector recover and thrive post-pandemic. The surge in arrivals from these key markets can be attributed to a combination of factors, including India’s diverse cultural heritage, enhanced international connectivity, and the easing of global travel restrictions. As a result, India’s tourism industry has experienced robust growth, attracting travelers from around the world eager to explore the country’s rich history, landscapes, and vibrant experiences.
FTA Recovery and Growth
In 2024, India recorded a notable 99.52 lakh FTAs, highlighting a significant revival in the tourism sector. This surge follows a challenging period marked by the global travel restrictions of 2020. The consistent increase in international arrivals reflects the sector’s resilience and underscores the growing confidence of international tourists in visiting India once again.
India’s FTA figures have shown steady improvement, with significant growth in 2022 and 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. These figures indicate that India is on track to reclaim its position as a major global travel destination, capitalizing on its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and increasing international connectivity.
Year-on-Year FTA Statistics
The Foreign Tourist Arrival numbers from 2020 to 2024 are as follows:
- 2020: 27.45 lakh FTAs
- 2021: 15.27 lakh FTAs
- 2022: 64.37 lakh FTAs
- 2023: 95.21 lakh FTAs
- 2024: 99.52 lakh FTAs
While 2020 marked a sharp decline due to the pandemic, the data from 2021 to 2024 reveals a steady recovery, with 2022 and 2023 showing substantial increases. The growth in FTAs signifies that India is not only bouncing back but also seeing a strong resurgence in its tourism sector.
Leading Countries Contributing to FTAs
Over the last five years, the countries contributing the most to India’s FTAs are:
- US
- Bangladesh
- UK
- Australia
- Canada
- Malaysia
- Sri Lanka
- Germany
- France
- Singapore
Bangladesh topped the list for FTAs in both 2020 and 2023, while the US was the dominant source for FTAs in 2021, 2022, and 2024. These countries play a critical role in India’s tourism growth, with the US consistently sending a large number of visitors. Additionally, neighboring Bangladesh’s proximity and cultural ties to India contribute to its high ranking in the FTA statistics.
Growth of International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs)
The overall growth of International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs), which include both FTAs and arrivals of Non-Resident Nationals, further emphasizes the recovery of India’s tourism sector. The year-wise ITA statistics from 2020 to 2024 are as follows:
- 2020: 63.37 lakh ITAs
- 2021: 70.10 lakh ITAs
- 2022: 143.30 lakh ITAs
- 2023: 188.99 lakh ITAs
- 2024: 205.69 lakh ITAs
These numbers highlight a steady increase in international arrivals, further emphasizing that global interest in visiting India is on the rise. The surge in ITAs suggests that India is regaining its appeal to international travelers, contributing positively to the country’s tourism revenues.
Post-Pandemic Sector Recovery
The recovery of India’s tourism industry post-pandemic is a testament to the sector’s resilience and the country’s ability to adapt. The sharp rebound in international arrivals after the pandemic is a clear indication that tourists are eager to explore India’s diverse offerings once again. Various factors such as the successful rollout of vaccination campaigns, relaxed travel restrictions, and improved safety measures have likely contributed to this growth.
In addition, India’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural beauty continue to attract global tourists. India’s tourism industry has focused on enhancing the travel experience by promoting new destinations, offering immersive cultural experiences, and ensuring better connectivity between key tourist spots.
Economic Impact of Tourism Growth
The surge in FTAs and ITAs has had a significant positive impact on India’s economy. Tourism is a vital contributor to the country’s GDP, generating employment, boosting local businesses, and supporting various sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail. As more international tourists visit India, the economy benefits from increased foreign exchange earnings, which strengthens the financial position of the country.
Furthermore, with the recovery of tourism, the sector is expected to contribute even more to India’s overall economic growth, supporting both urban and rural economies and providing numerous job opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
The Path Ahead for India’s Tourism Industry
Looking forward, India’s tourism industry is poised for further expansion. With the continued focus on promoting sustainable tourism and improving infrastructure, the country is well-positioned to attract even more international visitors. Government initiatives aimed at streamlining visa processes, enhancing digital tourism services, and improving accessibility to key destinations will likely contribute to the sector’s growth in the coming years.
In conclusion, India’s tourism sector has not only recovered from the pandemic but is thriving, with a robust increase in FTAs and ITAs. The positive growth trend highlights the global appeal of India’s diverse offerings, and with continued investment and promotional efforts, the country’s tourism industry is set for an even brighter future.
