India saw close to 300 crore domestic trips in the last year, showcasing the robustness of its tourism sector amid global uncertainties. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed this significant growth in domestic travel, encompassing various types of trips like leisure, social visits, weddings, and medical travel. Speaking at the NDTV Ignite Summit, Shekhawat emphasized that these trips totaled 300 crore, excluding the recent Kumbh gathering which attracted around 66 crore visits.
Highlighting the resilience of India’s tourism industry, Shekhawat noted that the country’s large domestic travel base shields it from geopolitical tensions and global disruptions. Despite global conflicts impacting the economy and tourism worldwide, India’s strong domestic tourism demand acts as a buffer against external shocks. Shekhawat expressed confidence in India’s tourism sector, stating that its domestic travel strength insulates it from major industry impacts.
Moreover, Shekhawat argued that evaluating a tourism market’s strength solely based on arrival numbers is inadequate. Drawing comparisons with destinations like Thailand and Dubai, he pointed out that foreign tourists visiting India tend to have longer stays. On average, international visitors spend at least 10 days in India, contributing significantly to the economy despite lower visitor numbers compared to competing destinations. This extended stay results in nearly 20 crore tourist nights generated by around 2 crore foreign tourists visiting India.
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) member Sajeev Sanyal highlighted the transformation in India’s historical perspective under the PM Modi government. He noted a shift from viewing history through conquests and invasions to recognizing India’s legacy as a nation of explorers, adventurers, and innovators. Sanyal credited PM Modi for bringing India’s civilisational achievements to the forefront, reshaping how Indians perceive their history.
