Travel Boom Ahead! India's Travel & Tourism Sector Set for 7% Annual Growth Over the Next Decade

India’s travel and tourism industry is poised for a decade of robust expansion, with a projected annual growth rate of 7%, according to Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Addressing the India Travel & Tourism Sustainability Conclave 2025 via video message on Wednesday, Simpson described this growth as an "extraordinary opportunity" for the country.

Currently, travel and tourism contribute around 7% to India’s GDP. Simpson highlighted that this figure is expected to climb steadily to match the global average of 10%, driven by sustained government support and a growing domestic and international tourism base.

“The sector is already valued at around $230 billion, and over the next 10 years, we anticipate it to grow at 7% annually. This trajectory reflects the tremendous potential of India’s tourism landscape,” she said.

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Simpson also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing tourism as a catalyst for economic development and community transformation. “India’s leadership is recognising the power of travel and tourism to uplift lives and stimulate inclusive growth,” she noted.

However, she emphasized the importance of sustainability in this growth journey. The travel and tourism sector accounts for approximately 4.8% of India’s greenhouse gas emissions. Encouragingly, Simpson pointed out that India is making notable progress on this front, reducing its carbon intensity at a rate 13% faster than the global average.

As India moves toward becoming a global tourism powerhouse, balancing economic ambitions with environmental responsibility will be key. The WTTC’s outlook signals not just growth, but an opportunity for India to set global benchmarks in sustainable tourism.

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