Rising India

Countless travel destinations saw a spike in tourism after the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, but few have done as well as India. Foreign visitors increased more than three-fold in 2022, and the country saw another big bump in 2023. This year, with India emerging as the world’s population leader and fastest-growing economy, tourism numbers are set to surpass pre-Covid levels and reach record highs. 

Setting aside neighboring Bangladesh, most visitors hail from the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, underscoring India’s emergence as a legit destination for wealthy westerners. A top travel index from the World Economic Forum now ranks India 39th globally, up from 54th a few years ago. Could it rise into the top 20 in the coming years? 

Reasons for India’s Rise

Beyond the appeal of India’s array of landscapes, climates, cultures, and traditions, its emergence can be attributed to several factors. We might start with its promotion of adventure tourism, which includes hiking in Goa, rock climbing in Rishikesh, and scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. 

Meanwhile, India’s vast youth population has sprouted a wave of travel influencers. YouTubers visit the Taj Mahal or a Mumbai beach, TikTokers zoom around on rickshaws and eat street food in New Delhi, Instagrammers go off the beaten path. Add it all up and today more people around the word are able to see India’s beauty and diversity, boosting visitor numbers. 

Indian Influencers 

One of the favorite subjects of these content creators is India’s impressive rail system. The Vande Bharat Express, the country’s new high-speed network, has 51 lines, including 10 that opened this year. In one post, an Indian Italian couple marveled at the clean, modern stations before boarding the Ahmedebad to Mumbai train, a journey that is now just under five hours due to the Vande Bharat. 

Air-quality concerns, the risk of overcrowding, and record-breaking temperatures mean India likely needs to develop a bit more before reaching the level of world-class destinations like Thailand or Spain. But it seems headed in the right direction. 

Improved Infrastructure

Indian airports saw nearly 100 million passengers in early 2024, nearly four times the traffic of a decade ago. Improved highway infrastructure has also boosted the ease of travel, while India’s hotel industry is worth nearly a quarter billion dollars and is set for years of continued growth. 

The surge in popularity of religious tourism is also expected to spur massive growth in the terms of the domestic tourism market, as tens of millions of Indian citizens already visit spiritually significant sites in the country annually. Surprisingly, younger travelers are helping to drive this trend as well.

So if you’ve been pondering an idyllic island getaway in Goa, a stroll through the colorful urban chaos of Mumbai or the more subdued and intellectual Calcutta, or an ambitious cross-country trip on India’s ever-expanding high-speed trains, now might be a good time. 

How long will India continue to rise? With improved infrastructure, an endless array of exciting destinations, and a young influencer population eager to promote its charms, its future is bright.

Paul Osterlund