While the data for the last four months of 2024 is yet to be compiled, the early figures indicate steady progress, as per Ministry of Tourism recently presented data. February 2024 saw the highest arrivals so far at 10.03 lakh, significantly surpassing the 8.93 lakh arrivals recorded in February 2023.
India has recorded a notable increase in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) during the first eight months of 2024, as per provisional data shared by the Bureau of Immigration (BOI). In a written reply presented in the Lok Sabha this week, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighted the figures, sharing 3.7% increase in foreign tourist arrivals from last year.
From January to August 2024, a total of 61.91 lakh foreign tourists visited India, compared to 59.71 lakh during the same period in 2023. This marks an approximate 3.7% year-on-year growth. January 2024 opened the year on a positive note, welcoming 9.59 lakh foreign tourists, up from 8.91 lakh in January 2023. February 2024 saw the highest arrivals so far at 10.03 lakh, significantly surpassing the 8.93 lakh arrivals recorded in February 2023.
The upward trend continued in subsequent months, with March 2024 reporting 8.60 lakh FTAs against 8.25 lakh in March 2023. June also showed a promising rise, with 7.06 lakh tourists visiting India, compared to 6.68 lakh in June 2023. However, some months, such as May and August 2024, witnessed slight declines compared to the previous year, recording 6.00 lakh and 6.36 lakh FTAs respectively, shared Shekhawat.
In 2023, India achieved a total of 95.21 lakh FTAs, with December being the peak month at 11.02 lakh arrivals. While the data for the last four months of 2024 is yet to be released/ compiled, the early figures indicate steady progress in positioning India as a preferred global destination.
The minister stated that MoT undertakes a wide array of promotional activities in both international and domestic markets to showcase India’s diverse tourism destinations and products comprehensively. These efforts include media campaigns, social media promotions, webinars, and active participation in promotional events, supported by the dissemination of information through websites and Indian Missions overseas. To further enhance these efforts, the Ministry launched the Incredible India Content Hub on the revamped Incredible India digital portal. This hub serves as a comprehensive digital repository containing high-quality images, films, brochures, and newsletters related to Indian tourism. It is designed for various stakeholders, including tour operators, journalists, students, researchers, filmmakers, influencers, and government officials, making it an invaluable resource for promoting the country’s rich tourism potential.
He also spoke on the ministry’s effort on infrastructure and skill development to boost the tourism sector. Under schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) and Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development, financial assistance is provided to State Governments, Union Territories, and Central Agencies for developing tourism-related facilities. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme has been upgraded to Swadesh Darshan 2.0, adopting a sustainable and destination-centric approach.
To improve service standards, the Ministry conducts programs under the Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) Scheme and launched the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Programme, a pan-India online learning initiative aimed at training local professionals to enhance tourists’ experiences across the country. Additionally, the Ministry supports states and UTs in organizing fairs, festivals, and tourism-related events, fostering cultural engagement and tourism growth, shared Shekhawat.
