Foreign Tourist Arrivals to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels by 2025: Booking.com Report

Foreign Tourist Arrivals to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels by 2025: Booking.com Report

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 13, 2024

India’s tourism sector is witnessing a significant surge, with foreign tourist arrivals expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2025, according to the latest "How India Travels 2024 – The Inbound Edit" report by Booking.com. The report, conducted in collaboration with Accenture, highlights India's growing appeal, underscored by its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and competitive pricing, making it one of the top destinations in South Asia.

In 2023 alone, over 9 million foreign tourists visited India, driving foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) from tourism to USD 15.3 billion in the first half of 2024. This marked a 17.6% increase from the previous year and a 5.5% jump from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The surge in inbound tourism is not just boosting the economy but also creating substantial employment opportunities, with the potential to generate 58 million jobs by 2033.

The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and United Arab Emirates have emerged as top inbound markets, replacing traditional frontrunners like China and Canada. In 2024, new markets like Hong Kong, Australia, Italy, and the Netherlands also made their way into the top 10. While major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Jaipur continue to attract the lion's share of visitors, lesser-known destinations like Hampi, Leh, Patnitop, and Khajuraho have seen year-on-year growth double, as tourists increasingly seek out off-the-beaten-path experiences.

The influx of tourists has been fueled by the ease of online bookings and greater flexibility, with 52% of visitors opting for full travel packages and 40% booking individual components separately. Online platforms are playing a key role in offering personalized travel experiences, a growing trend among foreign tourists.

Despite the positive trajectory, challenges remain. Limited customization options (49%), a lack of seamless travel packages (51%), and an overwhelming amount of information (43%) were some of the barriers identified in the report. Addressing these issues will be crucial to maintaining momentum in the inbound travel market.

As part of World Tourism Day celebrations, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to bolster the industry, including the "Chalo India" campaign, which offers 1 lakh gratis visas to foreign tourists. The Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs have also been introduced to promote responsible tourism across 50 prominent destinations, fostering sustainability and empowering local communities.

image

Looking ahead, India’s inbound tourism is poised for further growth. The report emphasizes the need for simplified visa processes, expanded international flight routes, and continued promotion of India’s diverse travel offerings. With targeted investments in infrastructure and digital resources, India is set to cement its position as a premier global travel destination.

Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, stated, “Vision 2047 for Tourism is designed to position India as a leading global destination. Through technology and data analytics, we are committed to offering travelers unparalleled experiences, from wellness to adventure tourism.”

Santosh Kumar, Country Head at Booking.com, noted, “The surge in foreign tourist arrivals demonstrates India’s rising stature as a must-visit destination, offering authentic and immersive experiences that cater to a wide variety of traveler preferences.”

Anshul Gupta, Managing Director at Accenture, added, “India’s tourism industry is undergoing a technology-driven transformation. Leveraging AI and big data, the country is well-positioned to streamline travel operations and enhance visitor experiences, reinforcing its place on the global tourism map.”

With such strong indicators, the future of India’s inbound tourism looks brighter than ever, promising further economic growth and global recognition for the nation’s unparalleled travel experiences


Green signal for ₹136cr city-side hub at Thiruvananthapuram airport

Green signal for ₹136cr city-side hub at Thiruvananthapuram airport

By Hariharan U

Published on September 15, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is moving closer to a major transformation, with the Union environment ministry’s expert appraisal committee (EAC) recommending environmental clearance for a ₹136 crore city-side development project. The initiative, planned by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) at Chackai within the airport grounds, aims to reshape the capital city’s gateway into a modern hospitality and commercial hub.

The project will feature a 240-room luxury hotel, expansive food and beverage areas with over 600 seats, and world-class infrastructure across nearly 34,000 sq. m. Spread over two basements, a ground floor and four upper floors, the complex will rise up to 23 metres. Once clearances are finalized, the hotel is expected to come under a global five-star brand such as Marriott, Hilton or Intercontinental.

This city-side facility is part of the larger terminal expansion plan, "Project Anantha" The project faced delays after the state environment impact assessment authority (SEIAA) sought changes in the basement design, citing environmental risks. The revised proposal has now cleared hurdles, and with pending cases moved to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the project is finally back on track.

Construction could begin within three months. Alongside enhancing airport facilities, the project is expected to generate around 300 direct jobs and nearly 900 indirect employment opportunities. “The project will not just address rising accommodation needs but also give a strong push to Kerala’s hospitality sector,” said a source close to the airport.

The EAC has attached strict environmental safeguards. Construction will rely on recycled water and rainwater harvesting. Once operational, the complex will need 318 KLD of water, with nearly half supplied by an in-house sewage treatment plant. Solid waste, expected at 418 kg daily, will be processed sustainably—biodegradable waste will be converted on-site while non-biodegradable material will be handed over to authorized vendors.

Other eco-measures include rooftop rainwater harvesting tanks, a 20% reduction target in energy use, and transplantation of 40 trees within the airport boundary. The land, currently serving as open parking, was allocated to AAHL under a 50-year concession agreement signed in 2021 with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The EAC has clarified that the site is free from ecologically sensitive zones, coastal regulation restrictions or protected habitats.

Thiruvananthapuram airport is already handling record traffic, with nearly 4.9 million passengers between April 2024 and March 2025, and this new city-side development is expected to further elevate the airport’s standing as a gateway to Kerala.


Air India Group Adopts SITA Tech to Boost Efficiency and Cut Emissions

Air India Group Adopts SITA Tech to Boost Efficiency and Cut Emissions

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 15, 2025

Air India Group has taken a major step in its modernization journey by deploying SITA OptiFlight and eWAS, two advanced data-driven digital solutions designed to improve flight efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The rollout is aimed at tackling rising fuel costs and the growing need to reduce carbon emissions, challenges faced by airlines worldwide.

The new technology is now active across the Air India Airbus A320 fleet and the Air India Express Boeing 737 fleet, covering both domestic and international routes. Deployment on Air India’s widebody fleet is set to follow. Together, the solutions are expected to help the group cut carbon emissions by 35,000 tons annually.

“As the aviation industry navigates growing regulatory and environmental pressure, the need for intelligent, predictive solutions has never been more critical,” said Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific at SITA. “Air India’s deployment of SITA OptiFlight® and eWAS is a strong example of how smart digital technologies can cut emissions, save fuel, and unlock real operational value across every flight.”

Basil Kwauk, Chief Operations Officer, Air India, added: “Sustainability and efficiency are core to our transformation into a world-class airline. With SITA OptiFlight and SITA eWAS, we’re taking meaningful steps to modernize our operations, reduce our carbon footprint.”

SITA OptiFlight® uses historical flight data, aircraft-specific performance models, and 4D weather forecasts to optimize key flight phases. At its core is OptiClimb, which provides pilots with customized climb-out schedules tailored to each aircraft. This reduces fuel burn during one of the most energy-intensive stages of flight while maintaining safety and performance.

SITA eWAS complements this by providing real-time weather updates and predictive forecasting, enabling pilots to avoid turbulence, reroute efficiently, and make informed in-flight decisions. Together, these solutions strengthen operational performance while supporting Air India’s sustainability goals.

With these tools, SITA continues to expand its footprint in Indian aviation, helping carriers achieve operational resilience, cost efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.


Historic Moment: Mizoram Joins India’s Railway Map with Bairabi–Sairang Line

Historic Moment: Mizoram Joins India’s Railway Map with Bairabi–Sairang Line

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 13, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 51.28 km-long Bairabi–Sairang railway line in Mizoram on September 13, marking a historic moment for the northeastern state. With this, Mizoram will be connected to Kolkata by train for the first time, significantly improving accessibility and connectivity.

The Kolkata–Sairang–Kolkata express train will operate three times a week, providing a vital link between the state capital and West Bengal. In addition, the Prime Minister will also flag off two more services, a weekly Rajdhani Express to Anand Vihar and a daily express train to Guwahati, officially bringing Aizawl onto the Indian railway map through its nearest station, Sairang.

Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹8,071 crore, the Bairabi–Sairang rail line is a feat of engineering that navigates Mizoram’s challenging hilly terrain. The route passes through 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges, and six road underbridges. Among the engineering highlights is a bridge that rises to a height of 114 metres, taller than Delhi’s iconic Qutub Minar by 42 metres. Adding cultural significance, the tunnels are adorned with local artworks that reflect Mizo heritage and traditions.

Officials emphasized that the project, part of the Central government’s Act East policy, is more than just an infrastructure development. It is expected to bring multiple benefits, including enhanced trade opportunities, improved inter-state travel, and a major boost to tourism in the region. “Through this project, Mizoram, long deprived of railway service due to its difficult geographical conditions, has now been gifted with direct connectivity close to Aizawl,” a railway official said.

Experts believe that this rail link will not only make travel easier but also spur socio-economic development. Raj Basu, convenor of the Association for Conservation of Tourism, noted that increased accessibility will attract more visitors from West Bengal and beyond. He highlighted Mizoram’s reputation as a safe, welcoming destination with strong women-led entrepreneurship, especially in homestays, which is drawing all-women tourist groups to the state.

Currently, Mizoram is connected to Kolkata only by air and road. With this new railway line, the “Land of Blue Mountains” is poised to emerge as a more accessible and attractive destination, paving the way for stronger tourism and cross-border opportunities.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.