The World Travel & Tourism Council has called for urgent visa reforms to improve India’s international appeal. While domestic travel remains strong, increased marketing and easier access are necessary to reach a goal of 50 million tourism-related jobs by 2036.
India’s travel and tourism sector stands at a crossroads, with significant room for growth if the country shifts its focus toward international arrivals. Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), stated that while domestic demand currently drives the sector, structural changes are needed to compete globally.
The Visa Access Disparity
A primary hurdle identified by the WTTC is the current visa framework. India currently offers visa-free access to only three countries. This is significantly lower than competing markets in Asia that have aggressively opened their borders to boost visitor numbers. For comparison, China provides visa-free entry to 70 nations, while Thailand extends this to 90. Industry experts often point out that simplified travel access is a direct driver of international tourism revenue, as it lowers the barrier to entry for business and leisure travelers.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The tourism sector is a major engine for employment in India. According to WTTC projections, the industry is expected to create 50 million jobs by 2036. This aligns with a global trend where tourism is expected to generate 465 million new jobs over the same period. Financial data underscores the sector's importance; in 2025, travel and tourism contributed USD 263.6 billion to India’s GDP. The industry has shown resilience with an annual growth rate of 7.3 percent, though this figure is largely supported by Indian citizens traveling within the country rather than foreign arrivals.
The Need for Strategic Investment
To move beyond domestic-led growth, the WTTC emphasizes that India must increase its capital spending on marketing and promotional campaigns. Building an international brand requires sustained investment to highlight India’s diverse travel offerings to global markets. Without a coordinated push to attract foreign visitors through easier visa processes and targeted international marketing, the sector may miss the opportunity to capture a larger share of global tourism spending.
Investors looking at the travel and tourism space—including airline companies, hotel chains, and travel service providers—should monitor government policy updates regarding visa regulations and tourism promotion budgets. Future growth for companies in this sector will depend on whether these reforms can successfully increase foreign visitor traffic, which typically offers higher profit margins than domestic tourism segments. Key updates to track will include any new bilateral visa agreements or adjustments to the national tourism marketing strategy.