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US Outpaces Australia, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Singapore, And More Major Countries In Propelling India’s Tourism Growth To New Heights, Achieving Over Eight Percent Increase In 2025
US outpaces Australia, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Singapore, and more major countries in propelling India’s tourism growth to new heights, achieving over eight percent increase in 2025, due to strong year-on-year growth, increased cultural connections, and a surge in wellness and heritage tourism. The US continues to be the leading source of foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in India, with over 1.8 million visitors projected for the year, highlighting the importance of strategic marketing, e-visa expansions, and enhanced air connectivity. This growth is set to help India reach new tourism milestones, despite challenges faced in certain other regions, making 2025 a remarkable year for the sector.
India’s tourism sector is showing impressive recovery and growth, with a remarkable surge in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in 2025. The United States has emerged as a key contributor to this growth, surpassing other major markets like Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and Singapore in driving India’s tourism industry. According to the latest government data, India is projected to witness a more than eight percent increase in FTAs for the year, with contributions from top markets boosting this upward trend.
In 2025, the total FTAs are expected to reach a record-breaking figure of approximately 19.2 million, up from 9.95 million in 2024. The first half of 2025 already showed strong growth, with 4.26 million international visitors, and projections indicate that the year will end with substantial gains despite a slight dip in Q2, which was largely attributed to seasonal trends and geopolitical factors.
Factors Behind the Growth: A Focus on Top Markets
The rise in foreign tourist arrivals is a direct result of various growth factors, including strategic marketing campaigns like the “Incredible India” initiative, the expansion of e-visas, and enhanced air connectivity. The US, with over 1.8 million arrivals, is the biggest contributor to this growth. This is followed by significant contributions from markets like Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and other emerging sources.
The US stands out for its consistent year-over-year growth, contributing around 16-18% of all FTAs in India. With strong cultural ties, increasing wellness tourism interest, and direct flights connecting major US cities to India, the US market has become a pillar for India’s tourism growth. The influx of international visitors from the US is further aided by a growing Indian diaspora and increasing tourism in key Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Although Bangladesh has been a leader in volume, its growth has faced challenges in 2025 due to regional political issues. However, the country still managed to contribute significantly, recovering in the latter part of the year. Countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia have also continued to show steady growth, contributing to over 30% of the total FTAs.
Projections and Trends for 2025
India’s tourism sector has experienced a steady increase since 2024, with a notable rebound from the pandemic lows. In the first quarter of 2025, India saw 2.62 million visitors, representing a 10% increase over the previous year. The second quarter, while witnessing a dip to 1.65 million due to seasonal trends and fewer visitors from Bangladesh, still holds the potential for a recovery in the following months, particularly with the introduction of City MICE Bureaus (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) scheduled for 2026.
The third quarter of 2025 saw a significant rebound with a 16% increase in FTAs, reaching 1.92 million arrivals. Emerging markets, particularly Southeast Asia, including countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore, have seen strong double-digit growth, thanks to the growing number of direct flights and regional tourism campaigns aimed at boosting bilateral travel.
Growth Factors
- E-Visas: The introduction and expansion of e-visa schemes have made it easier for international tourists to visit India, particularly benefiting travelers from the US, UK, and Southeast Asia.
- Connectivity and Air Travel: Direct flights and improved connectivity have been key to India’s tourism revival, with more airlines introducing services between key source markets and India’s top cities.
- Cultural Appeal and Tourism Campaigns: The “Incredible India” campaign, along with a focus on wellness tourism, medical tourism, and India’s rich cultural heritage, has been a significant driver. Events such as the Kumbh Mela and the International Yoga Day have attracted a global audience, particularly from the US, the UK, and Europe.
Top Source Countries Contributing to India’s Tourism Growth in 2025
The following table summarizes the estimated arrivals from top source countries in 2025 and their contributions to India’s FTAs:
| Rank | Country | Estimated Arrivals (2025) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | >1.8 million | 16-18% |
| 2 | Bangladesh | ~1.5-1.7 million | 4.6-17% |
| 3 | United Kingdom | ~1.2 million | 13.5% |
| 4 | Australia | ~0.6 million | 6.1% |
| 5 | Canada | ~0.5 million | 4.8% |
| 6-10 | Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Germany, France, Singapore | Emerging +10-20% YoY | Cultural appeal, visa-driven, and new flights. |
Key Growth Contributors
- US/UK/Canada/Australia: These countries have consistently contributed to India’s tourism growth, with year-on-year increases of 10-18%, driven by cultural ties, wellness tourism, and convenient air travel options.
- Bangladesh: Despite facing regional challenges, Bangladesh remains a significant source of tourists. Although the number dropped in Q2, the overall trend is expected to recover in the latter part of 2025.
- Southeast Asia and Europe: Countries like Vietnam, Japan, Germany, and France have seen increases of 20-30% due to “Incredible India” campaigns and expanding visa options. These markets are growing rapidly and contributing to India’s tourism boom.
The Impact of MICE on Tourism
India’s upcoming launch of City MICE Bureaus is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s tourism sector. By focusing on positioning cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore as global destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), India aims to attract a higher volume of international business tourists.
This initiative will be supported by improving the infrastructure in major cities, enhancing the facilities for large-scale events, and fostering partnerships between state governments and the tourism industry.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
India’s tourism outlook for the coming years is extremely positive. With the expected launch of the MICE initiative, India is set to become a significant player in the global business tourism market. Furthermore, the continued focus on wellness tourism, medical tourism, and cultural heritage will contribute to an expanding market.
The introduction of new visa programs, enhanced air routes, and strategic marketing campaigns will ensure that India remains a top destination for international travelers.
By 2026, India aims to surpass its pre-pandemic levels of tourism, reaching new heights in both economic impact and visitor numbers.
India’s tourism industry is on the path to a robust recovery, thanks to growing contributions from top markets such as the US, the UK, Australia, and emerging markets like Vietnam and Japan. While 2025 saw challenges in Q2, the year-end projections remain positive, with a projected total of over 19 million FTAs. With strategic initiatives like the City MICE Bureaus and continued investment in infrastructure and marketing, India is well-positioned to achieve even higher growth in the coming years.
US outpaces Australia, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Singapore, and more major countries in propelling India’s tourism growth to new heights, achieving over eight percent increase in 2025, driven by strong year-on-year growth, increased cultural connections, and enhanced air connectivity. This surge is primarily fueled by the US’s continued dominance as the largest source of foreign tourist arrivals to India.
The growth trajectory, driven by global and emerging markets, positions India as one of the most attractive and accessible destinations for international tourists in the coming decades.
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