Tourism and Sustainable Transformation in India 2025

Tourism remains a very important sector globally and in India, driving economic growth and cultural exchange. The 2025 World Tourism Day theme, Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, marks tourism’s role in encouraging positive change through sustainable practices. Malaysia hosted the World Tourism Conference in Melaka in September 2025, emphasising governance, planning, and monitoring for sustainable tourism.

Global Context of Tourism

World Tourism Day, observed annually on 27 September, was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 1980. It recognises tourism’s contribution to socio-economic development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The sector connects cultures and economies worldwide, requiring strategic focus on sustainability beyond mere growth.

India’s Tourism Landscape in 2025

India’s tourism sector is a major economic driver, contributing 5.22% to GDP in 2023-24, equivalent to ₹15.73 lakh crore. It generated 36.90 million direct and 47.72 million indirect jobs, accounting for over 13% of total employment. Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) reached 56 lakh by August 2025, while domestic tourism recorded over 303 crore visits. Medical tourism accounted for 4.1% of FTAs, reflecting India’s growing global healthcare appeal.

Key Government Initiatives

India has launched several schemes to boost sustainable and inclusive tourism: – Swadesh Darshan 2.0 – Focuses on thematic circuits like Buddhist, Himalayan, Wildlife, and Tribal circuits. Over 128 projects worth ₹7,399 crore have been sanctioned for destination development. – PRASHAD Scheme – Enhances pilgrimage centres’ infrastructure and amenities across 28 states and UTs, promoting spiritual tourism with over ₹1168 crore assistance. – Dekho Apna Desh – Promotes domestic tourism through digital campaigns, webinars, and public engagement, encouraging national travel enthusiasm. – Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) – Targets border villages for livelihood development through tourism, skill-building, and entrepreneurship, with a ₹6,839 crore budget approved for 2025-29. – Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Funds iconic tourist sites’ development with ₹3,295 crore to boost local economies and artisan communities.

Digital and Capacity Building Efforts

The Incredible India Digital Portal offers a comprehensive travel platform with booking services and an AI-powered assistant. The Incredible India Content Hub provides multimedia resources for stakeholders worldwide. The Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) scheme empowers local communities, especially women and tribal groups, enhancing employability in tourism.

Promotion of Specific Tourism Sectors

– MICE Tourism – India aims to become a global hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, upgrading cities with iconic venues. – Festival Tourism – The Utsav Portal showcases India’s festivals to attract global visitors. – Adventure Tourism – Over 120 mountain peaks opened for trekking to boost adventure tourism. – Wedding Tourism – Campaigns like “India says I do” promote India as a premier wedding destination. – Cruise Tourism – The Cruise Bharat Mission plans 51 new circuits, expanding river and coastal cruises. – Medical Tourism – Initiatives like “Heal in India” aim to position India as a global healthcare hub, combining modern and traditional wellness.

Tribal Tourism and Homestays

The development of tribal homestays under Swadesh Darshan supports alternative livelihoods in tribal areas. Financial assistance is provided for construction and renovation of homestay rooms. The government also offers collateral-free Mudra loans to encourage homestay entrepreneurship, promoting rural tourism.