India’s travel and tourism sector is set for significant expansion. Its valuation is expected to more than double to $523 billion over the next decade. According to Julia Simpson, President, WTTC, the sector, which currently contributes around 7% to India’s GDP and employs approximately 45 million people, is projected to support 63 million jobs by 2034.

KR Naidu, Aviation Minister, GoI, said, “To transform the nation’s aviation landscape, India plans to build 50 new airports over the next five years and establish Delhi as a global aviation hub within two years. Speaking at the WEF 2025, he outlined the government’s strategy to meet the surging demand for air travel and enhance India’s position on the global aviation stage.”

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, India, said, “Tourism holds a unique place in India’s economy, creating 11 indirect jobs for every direct job. For inclusive growth, no sector matches the potential of tourism. To build a $30 trillion economy by 2047, India’s tourism must grow 22 times, and that requires skill development and creating unique, state-specific experiences, ensuring we drive not just jobs but unforgettable experiences.”

Sunil Kumar, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said, “We intend to highlight focus on TAAI’s role in fostering collaboration between us and the industry, enhancing our relevance to our membership, and becoming the representative voice not only for our members but also for passengers and the broader industry. We must set up our own marketplace in India, which is one of TAAI’s objectives—to create a business network among members for connection and collaboration.”

Highlighting the tourism growth, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said, “The govt is taking decisive steps to decongest bottlenecks and facilitate budget travellers. Our focus on integrating state tourism policies ensures a robust and unified approach to infrastructure development across India. In the past six months, I have witnessed tremendous efforts across states to harness tourism potential. Together, we must work collectively to elevate India’s tourism to new heights.”

Ahead of the Union Budget-2025-26, CII has urged the govt to launch a national and international multi-channel marketing campaign, Incredible India 3.0, to showcase India’s diverse tourist attractions. Brand ambassadors in select countries and setting up special desks in Indian embassies abroad would further promote India Tourism, it said. Tourist safety is crucial for tourism promotion, thus, “Mission Suraksha”, with dedicated tourist police and round-the-clock security at major destinations, should be launched to ensure tourists’ safety and trust.

Skyscanner has observed a significant increase in travel interest for the Maha Kumbh, with elevated booking volumes from 12 January continuing through 26 February aligning with key dates of the holy dip rituals. Notably, 28 January has recorded a staggering 675% increase in booking volume compared to a typical day. The volume of bookings has surged by 1,776%, reflecting the growing enthusiasm to attend this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

India, a prominent exhibitor, showcased its rich cultural and tourism potential at the 45th edition of FITUR 2025 alongside 9,500 companies and 156 countries. Held at IFEMA MADRID, this global event offers a vital platform for fostering tourism collaborations, highlighting India’s growing importance in the international travel and tourism industry.

India recorded an 18% growth in business class travel in H2-2024, emerging as a top destination for global corporates, FCM Travel states. With its strategic importance in global trade and strong economic ties, India continues to attract business travellers. Increased flight capacity, competitive fares, and its appeal as a hub for conferences and meetings have further fuelled this growth, solidifying its position as a key player in the Asia-Pacific travel landscape.

Sharing his expectations from the Union Budget 2025 for the hospitality sector, Vishal Kamat, Chairman, CII Maharashtra Chapter, said, “Our hopes for the Union Budget 2025 revolve around meaningful policy reforms and strategic incentives to stimulate growth. While we applaud the government’s hefty investments in infrastructure, the hospitality sector needs more than just highways and airports.”