Ziraat Times News Desk
New Delhi: India recorded a significant rise in tourist activity in 2024, with both foreign and domestic travel showing robust growth, according to official data shared in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday by Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Figures released by the Bureau of Immigration and State and UT Tourism Departments show that Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) reached 99.52 lakh in 2024. Domestic tourism continued to dominate the sector, with 294.81 crore Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) during the same period.
The Ministry also reported that Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism touched ₹2,93,033 crore in 2024, as per revised estimates provided by the Reserve Bank of India.
Early data for 2025 indicates continued momentum. During the first two quarters of the year, FTAs totalled 42.63 lakh, with 26.15 lakh arrivals in Q1 (January–March) and 16.48 lakh in Q2 (April–June).
The United States remained India’s leading source of foreign tourists in 2024, contributing 18.04 lakh visitors. It was followed closely by Bangladesh (17.50 lakh), the United Kingdom (10.22 lakh), Australia (5.18 lakh), and Canada (4.76 lakh).
Tourism facilitation measures also saw increased uptake, with the Bureau of Immigration reporting that 31.74 lakh e-visas were issued between November 1, 2024 and November 30, 2025.
The Minister tabled the data in a written reply, noting that the sector continues to demonstrate resilience and strong recovery.
