Friday, August 23, 2024 India’s tourism sector is experiencing a mixed recovery as the world gradually emerges from the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic. While there has been a slight uptick in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in 2024, the numbers are still far from the robust figures seen before the pandemic. According to recent statistics, India recorded 4,778,374 foreign travellers in the first half of 2024, showing a modest increase from 4,380,239 during the same period in 2023.
However, this still represents a significant decline compared to 5,296,025 in 2019, reflecting a nearly 10% drop from pre-pandemic levels. The figures paint a picture of a tourism sector that is yet to regain its full momentum. Although the 2024 numbers represent progress, they are still a stark reminder of the challenges the sector faces.
The ongoing global recovery from the pandemic, coupled with changing travel patterns and increasing competition from neighboring countries, has contributed to the sluggish recovery of foreign tourist arrivals in India. One of the key drivers behind this slow recovery is the competition India faces from other countries in the region. Nations such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka have positioned themselves as attractive alternatives to India, offering more affordable travel options and often being perceived as cleaner and more tourist-friendly destinations.
These countries have also implemented favorable visa policies, including visa-free entry for Indian tourists, which has drawn potential visitors away from India. Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka have capitalized on the post-pandemic travel boom by making their destinations more accessible and appealing to tourists. For instance, Thailand’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly, with its visa-free entry and well-maintained tourist infrastructure.
Vietnam has emerged as a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers, offering a blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty at competitive prices. Sri Lanka, despite its own economic challenges, has managed to attract tourists by focusing on its rich cultural heritage and pristine beaches. In contrast, India has struggled to maintain its pre-pandemic appeal.
While Indian airlines have expanded their international presence, adding new routes and increasing flight frequencies to popular destinations like Bali and Baku, the influx of foreign tourists into India remains below pre-Covid levels. The availability of flights has increased, but this has not translated into a significant boost in foreign tourist numbers. The Indian government has been proactive in promoting domestic tourism as a way to offset the decline in foreign tourist arrivals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been vocal in encouraging Indians to explore domestic destinations, a move aimed at bolstering the tourism sector. However, despite these efforts, the impact on foreign tourist arrivals has been minimal. Goa, often referred to as India’s tourist capital, serves as a case in point.
Known for its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, Goa was once a magnet for international tourists. However, post-pandemic, the state has struggled to regain its former glory. The decline in foreign tourist arrivals has had a ripple effect on local businesses, many of which are heavily dependent on international visitors.
To address the downturn in tourism, India must focus on improving its infrastructure and making the country more attractive to foreign tourists. Infrastructure improvements could include maintaining cleanliness in tourist areas, better traffic management, and providing services tailored specifically to tourists, such as helplines and police support. India’s tourism sector also stands to benefit from targeted marketing campaigns aimed at rekindling interest among foreign visitors.
Reviving successful campaigns like “Incredible India” or “Atithi Devo Bhava” could play a crucial role in repositioning India as a top travel destination. These campaigns, which have been effective in the past, could help re-establish India’s image as a diverse and culturally rich destination. External factors such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and instability in the Middle East have also played a role in shaping global travel patterns.
These geopolitical issues have led to uncertainty, causing some tourists to delay or cancel their travel plans. India, like many other countries, has felt the impact of these factors, with potential visitors opting for destinations perceived as safer or more stable. Despite these challenges, the Indian tourism ministry must continue to prioritize the foreign tourist sector.
The influx of foreign tourists is not only a significant source of foreign exchange but also provides economic benefits that extend beyond the tourism industry. Hotels, restaurants, local businesses, and the broader economy all stand to gain from a thriving tourism sector. Indian airlines have been instrumental in expanding the country’s international connectivity.
The addition of new routes and increased flight frequencies to popular international destinations has been a positive development. However, the expansion of air travel alone is not sufficient to boost foreign tourist arrivals. There is a need for a more comprehensive approach that includes improving the overall travel experience in India.
While the availability of flights has increased, foreign tourists may still be deterred by other factors such as concerns about cleanliness, safety, and the availability of tourist services. Addressing these concerns will be key to attracting more international visitors. India’s tourism sector is at a crossroads.
The modest increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2024 is a positive sign, but there is still a long way to go before the sector returns to its pre-pandemic levels. To achieve this, India must focus on several key areas: India’s tourism sector is in a period of transition, with foreign tourist arrivals showing signs of recovery but still lagging behind pre-Covid levels. The competition from neighboring countries, coupled with infrastructure challenges and external factors, has created a complex landscape for the sector.
However, with a focus on infrastructure improvements, targeted marketing campaigns, and strategic competition with regional rivals, India has the potential to revive its tourism sector and attract more foreign tourists. By addressing these challenges head-on, India can once again establish itself as a premier travel destination, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world. As India’s tourism sector navigates a mixed recovery, key infrastructure like the busiest airports in the country—Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, and Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru—play a critical role in facilitating foreign tourist arrivals.
Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi , the busiest airport in India, has a traffic handling capacity of about 104 million passengers a year, including nearly 22 million international passengers and 82-83 million domestic passengers. In FY24, the airport handled 19.5 million international passengers and 54.
2 million domestic passengers, making it one of the most significant hubs in Asia and a crucial gateway for travelers entering and leaving India. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai holds the position of the second busiest airport in India. In FY24, the airport saw a footfall of 52.
8 million passengers, a 16 percent increase from 43.9 million in FY23. This airport recorded 26 million passengers on arrivals and 26.
7 million on departures in FY24, reflecting its vital role in connecting India with the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The airport also saw a 12 percent rise in air traffic movements (ATMs) to 324,972 ATMs in FY24, up from 290,387 ATMs in FY23, indicating its growing importance as a key international hub. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru ranks third in terms of passenger traffic and is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country.
In FY 2023–24, the airport handled over 37.5 million passengers and 439,495 tonnes (484,460 short tons) of cargo, ranking as the 25th busiest airport in Asia and the 56th busiest in the world. This airport serves as an important gateway for both business and leisure travelers, with significant connectivity to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
These airports not only facilitate the current modest recovery in foreign tourist arrivals but also highlight the importance of strong and efficient infrastructure in driving future growth for India’s tourism sector..
