What Is the Rank of India in Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

India is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is home to various tourist destinations, including historical monuments, scenic landscapes, wildlife reserves, and spiritual centers.

But what is the rank of India in tourism? Let’s find out.

India’s Tourism Industry

India’s tourism industry has been growing rapidly over the years. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), India’s tourism industry generated INR 16.91 lakh crore (USD 240 billion) in 2018, contributing 9.2% to the country’s GDP. The industry also provided employment to around 42.67 million people in the same year.

Ranking of India in Tourism

As per the latest report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), India ranked 34th in the world in terms of international tourist arrivals in 2019. The country received around 10.9 million foreign tourists in that year, which was an increase of about 3% compared to the previous year.

In terms of tourism revenue, India ranked at number 7 globally with USD 28.59 billion earned from international tourists in 2019, according to WTTC data.

Factors Affecting Tourism in India

While India has been performing well in terms of tourism growth and revenue, there are several factors that affect its ranking on a global level. One major factor is infrastructure development. While some parts of India have well-developed infrastructure and amenities for tourists, many others lack basic facilities like clean toilets and safe drinking water.

Another factor is safety concerns for tourists, especially for solo female travelers or those traveling to remote areas. Incidents of violence against tourists have affected India’s image as a safe tourist destination.

Efforts by Indian Government

The Indian government has been taking several steps to improve the country’s tourism industry. The “Incredible India” campaign, launched by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to promote India as a tourist destination globally. The government has also announced various initiatives like e-visas, simplified visa procedures, and the Swadesh Darshan Scheme that focuses on developing theme-based tourist circuits.

Conclusion

India’s tourism industry has tremendous potential for growth. While the country has been performing well in terms of tourism revenue and growth, there is still room for improvement in terms of infrastructure development and safety concerns. With the government’s efforts towards promoting tourism and improving facilities for tourists, India can surely climb up the ranks in the global tourism scenario.