Saturday, August 24, 2024 India has seen a surge in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in 2024, marking the highest numbers since the pandemic. According to official data analyzed by News18, 47.78 lakh foreign tourists visited India between January and June this year, reflecting a 10 percent increase compared to the 43.
80 lakh tourists during the same period in 2023. In 2019, the foreign tourist arrivals during the first half of the year stood at 52.96 lakh.
The analysis also highlights that the departure of Indian nationals abroad has hit an all-time high in 2024. The mid-year figures show a notable rise in both foreign tourist arrivals and Indian Nationals Departures (INDs) compared to the previous year. Key Highlights: Indian Nationals Departures (INDs): The number of Indian nationals traveling abroad in 2024 has already reached the levels seen in 2019.
During the January-June period of this year, 1.50 crore Indians traveled abroad, compared to 1.32 crore in 2023 and 90 lakh in 2022.
In 2019, the INDs for the first half of the year were 1.33 crore. The UAE was the most popular destination, with nearly one in four Indian travelers heading there.
Delhi airport was also the most preferred departure point for Indians traveling abroad, accounting for 25% of the INDs, followed by Mumbai at 20%. 2019 vs. 2023 Overview: The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted global travel, with many countries imposing restrictions.
However, travel has rebounded strongly, particularly after 2022, with the relaxation of travel bans and the removal of mask mandates. In 2023, India recorded 92.36 lakh foreign tourist arrivals compared to 64.
37 lakh in 2022. Bangladesh was the top source country, contributing 22.27% of the total foreign tourist arrivals , followed by the USA at 17.
79%. FEEs in 2023 were Rs 2,31,927 crore (US$ 28.077 billion), a significant increase from Rs 1,39,935 crore (US$ 17.
611 billion) in 2022. In comparison, the FEEs in 2019 were Rs 2,16,467 crore (US$ 30.721 billion).
Conclusion: Tourism continues to play a crucial role in India’s economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and employment, particularly in remote and less-developed areas. The benefits of tourism can be further enhanced by increasing the number of visitors or by extending their stay in the country..
