Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Tourism addressed a parliamentary question regarding trends in tourist arrivals, particularly in leisure tourism, over the last five years. The response details the increase and decrease in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs), factors influencing these trends, and initiatives implemented to attract foreign tourists. The data covers the period from 2020 to 2024.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) and Leisure Tourism:**
* 2020: 27.45 lakh FTAs, 58.4% leisure.
* 2021: 15.27 lakh FTAs, 5.8% leisure.
* 2022: 64.37 lakh FTAs, 36.5% leisure.
* 2023: 95.21 lakh FTAs, 46.2% leisure.
* 2024: 99.52 lakh FTAs, 45.0% leisure.
* **Factors Influencing FTA Growth:**
* Post-pandemic revival of global travel.
* Increasing confidence in India as a diverse and culturally rich destination.
* Enhanced air connectivity.
* Tourism infrastructure development.
* Targeted domestic and international marketing campaigns.
* **Government Initiatives to Increase Tourist Arrivals:**
* Financial assistance to States/UTs/Central Agencies for tourism infrastructure development through schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development.
* Promotion of tourism destinations and products through campaigns and events like Dekho Apna Desh, International Tourism Mart, and Bharat Parv.
* Promotion of thematic tourism (wellness, culinary, rural, eco-tourism, etc.).
* Enhancement of visitor experience through capacity building and skill development initiatives like Capacity Building for Service Providers, Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF), 'Paryatan Mitra', and 'Paryatan Didi'.
* eVisa scheme available to 171 countries, with 9 subcategories (eTourist, eBusiness, eMedical, eConference, eMedical Attendant, eAyush, eAyush Attendant, e Student, eStudent X Visa).
Impact Analysis:
* **State Governments/Union Territory Administrations:**
* *Impact:* Opportunity to receive financial assistance for tourism infrastructure development.
* *Action Required:* Develop proposals for tourism-related projects to apply for financial assistance under relevant schemes.
* **Central Agencies:**
* *Impact:* Opportunity to receive financial assistance for tourism infrastructure development.
* *Action Required:* Develop proposals for tourism-related projects to apply for financial assistance under relevant schemes.
* **Tourism Service Providers:**
* *Impact:* Opportunity to participate in capacity building and skill development programs.
* *Action Required:* Engage in available training programs like Capacity Building for Service Providers and Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF).
* **Potential Tourists (Domestic and International):**
* *Impact:* Increased accessibility and improved visitor experience due to infrastructure development and promotional activities. Easier visa application process through the eVisa scheme.
* *Action Required:* Utilize the eVisa facility when applicable and explore the diverse tourism products and destinations promoted by the Ministry of Tourism.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tourism: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and policies relating to the development and promotion of tourism in India.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: The Minister of Tourism of India who provided the answer to the parliamentary question.
Swadesh Darshan: A scheme by the Ministry of Tourism to develop theme-based tourism circuits in India.
National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive PRASHAD: A scheme by the Ministry of Tourism focused on developing and improving pilgrimage sites in India.
Dekho Apna Desh: A campaign by the Ministry of Tourism to encourage domestic tourism within India.
Bharat Parv: An event organized by the Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism and Indian culture.
eVisa scheme: An electronic visa program that simplifies the process for foreign nationals to obtain visas to visit India. Available to 171 countries and it is available for 9 subcategories.
Bureau of Immigration: The source of Foreign Tourist Arrival data presented in the document.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†3593
ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025
LEISURE TOURISM
†3593. SHRI CHHATRAPAL SINGH GANGWAR:
SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether there has been an increase or decrease in the number of
tourist arrivals in the country, particularly in the leisure tourism
sector during the last five years;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the key factors influencing these
trends, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government has set any long-term targets for attracting
foreign tourists in the country; and
(d) if so, the details of the initiatives and schemes being implemented to
achieve these goals?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (d): The details of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India and
percentage share of leisure tourists during the last five years is given
below:
% of Leisure Holiday and Recreation
Year FTAs (in lakh)
2020 27.45 58.4
2021 15.27 5.8
2022 64.37 36.5
2023 95.21 46.2
2024 99.52 45.0
Source: Bureau of Immigration
The growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) is mainly driven by the post-
pandemic revival of global travel and increasing confidence in India as a
diverse and culturally rich destination. Enhanced air connectivity hasimproved accessibility to key tourist spots, while continuous development
of tourism infrastructure has elevated the visitor experience. Additionally,
targeted domestic and international marketing campaigns have
strengthened India's global appeal, positioning it as a premier destination
for travelers worldwide.
Ministry of Tourism has taken several measures/initiatives over the years
to increase tourist arrivals in the country, details of which are:
The Ministry of Tourism under the schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’,
‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage
Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies
for Tourism Infrastructure Development’ provides financial assistance
to State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations/Central
Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure and
facilities at various tourism destinations in the country.
Ministry of Tourism through its various campaigns and events
promotes various tourism destinations and products of India in
domestic and international markets. Some of the initiatives are Dekho
Apna Desh campaign, International Tourism Mart, Bharat Parv etc.
Thematic tourism like wellness tourism, culinary tourism, rural, eco-
tourism, etc. amongst other niche subjects are promoted so as to
expand the scope of tourism into other sectors as well.
Enhance the overall quality and visitor experience through initiatives
focused on capacity building, skill development such as ‘Capacity
Building for Service Providers’, ‘Incredible India Tourist Facilitator’
(IITF), 'Paryatan Mitra' and 'Paryatan Didi’.
e-Visa scheme is now available to 171 countries and it is available for
9 sub-categories:
i. e-Tourist Visa
ii. e-Business Visa
iii. e-Medical Visa
iv. e-Conference Visa
v. e-Medical Attendant Visa
vi. e-Ayush Visa
vii. e-Ayush Attendant Visa
viii. e- Student Visa
ix. e-Student X Visa
*******