India is aiming to make tourism one of the country's strongest economic growth engines by increasing the sector's contribution to the national economy from the current 6% to 10% by 2047. The ambitious target was announced by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who highlighted the government's roadmap to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve visitor experiences, and generate employment across the country.
Government Sets Milestones for Tourism Growth
Speaking in Jaipur, Shekhawat said the government has established a phased strategy to expand the tourism sector's role in India's economy. As an intermediate goal, tourism's contribution is expected to increase to 7% by 2030, before reaching the larger 10% target by 2047, in line with the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat 2047).
According to the minister, India's growing international reputation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has significantly boosted the country's tourism appeal. Rising foreign tourist arrivals, coupled with record domestic travel, indicate strong momentum for the industry.
Tourism Emerging as a Major Economic Driver
Shekhawat described tourism as one of the most effective tools for promoting decentralised economic development. Unlike many industries concentrated in urban centres, tourism distributes economic benefits directly to local communities by creating business opportunities across multiple sectors.
The tourism ecosystem supports employment in:
- Hotels and hospitality
- Transport and logistics
- Handicrafts and local artisans
- Restaurants and food services
- Local retail businesses
- Cultural experiences and heritage tourism
The minister noted that, after agriculture, tourism has the potential to become one of India's largest employment generators, making investments in tourism critical for inclusive economic growth.
Infrastructure Development Remains a Key Focus
To achieve these ambitious targets, the government is prioritising improvements in tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities nationwide. Better connectivity, upgraded destinations, enhanced amenities, and improved service standards are expected to strengthen India's competitiveness in the global tourism market.
The Ministry of Tourism has also been working with various stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism, destination development, digital transformation, and improved tourism experiences that benefit both travellers and local communities.
Domestic Tourism Continues to Power Growth
The minister attributed the strong growth in domestic tourism to rising disposable incomes, improved purchasing power, and better inflation management. He also stated that India's economy has more than doubled since 2014, while per capita income has increased, enabling more Indians to travel within the country.
This surge in domestic travel has led to increased demand for accommodation, transport, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, and local experiences across destinations in India.
Industry Outlook
India's tourism sector is expected to play an increasingly significant role in supporting economic growth over the coming decades. With clear milestones for 2030 and 2047, the government's strategy focuses on expanding tourism infrastructure, generating employment, attracting more international visitors, and encouraging sustainable destination development.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could position India among the world's leading tourism economies while ensuring that tourism-driven growth benefits local businesses, artisans, hospitality providers, and communities across the country.
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