India’s tourism sector has entered a historic phase of expansion, driven by an extraordinary transformation in national infrastructure over the past 11 years, Union Minister for Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted that while infrastructure development progressed gradually in the decades after Independence, the last decade has witnessed a revolutionary leap across roadways, railways, and waterways. This transformation has not only strengthened the national economy but has also propelled tourism to record highs, positioning India as an increasingly preferred global destination.

Record Growth in Tourist Arrivals and Earnings

India’s tourism indicators over the last decade reflect the scale of this transformation:

• International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs): 161.16 million during 2014–2024
• Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): 86.22 million (2014–2024), up from 52.99 million in 2004–2013
• Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs): ₹18.85 lakh crore (2014–2024), more than three times the ₹6.01 lakh crore earned in the previous decade
• Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs): 18,639.35 million during 2014–2024, compared to 6,779.10 million in 2004–2013

According to the Minister, these figures underscore a historic expansion of India’s tourism ecosystem, fuelled by policy reforms, infrastructure creation, and sustained global branding initiatives.

Massive Expansion of Tourism Infrastructure

The government’s focused investment in destination development has significantly enhanced visitor experience and accessibility:

Swadesh Darshan Scheme (since 2015)

• 76 projects sanctioned with an outlay of ₹5,290.33 crore
• 75 projects physically completed

Swadesh Darshan 2.0

• 53 projects sanctioned with ₹2,208.27 crore
• Emphasis on sustainable, destination-centric, and responsible tourism

Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD)

• 36 projects approved with ₹648.11 crore
• Covering spiritual tourism, culture and heritage, vibrant villages, ecotourism, and Amrit Dharohar sites

Development of Iconic Tourist Centres (SASCI 2024–25)

• 40 projects across 23 States
• ₹3,295.76 crore sanctioned as long-term, 50-year interest-free loans to upgrade destinations to global standards

Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme

• 57 projects worth ₹845.51 crore for agencies including ASI, Port Trusts, ITDC, and Indian Railways
• 34 projects completed to date

Connectivity as the Catalyst: National Highway Expansion

A key driver of tourism growth has been improved connectivity. India’s National Highway network expanded by 60%, from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,195 km at present, dramatically improving access to established and emerging tourist destinations. For comparison, the highway network stood at just 65,569 km in 2004 (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Annual Report 2024–25).

India’s Rise as a Global Tourism Powerhouse

Shri Shekhawat emphasised that India’s integrated approach—combining infrastructure development, sustainable tourism practices, and enhanced connectivity—has generated substantial socio-economic benefits, strengthened local livelihoods, and elevated India’s global tourism standing.

“The achievements of the past decade reflect the Government’s commitment to making tourism a pivotal driver of national growth,” he said, adding that India is now firmly on the path to becoming a leading global tourism destination.

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