India eyes a US$ 3-trillion tourism economy by 2047

India’s tourism sector is expected to reach US$ 3 trillion by 2047, contributing 10% to GDP, and creating 20 crore jobs, according to Federation of Associations in Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH). Vision 2047 targets 20 billion domestic visits, 100 million foreign arrivals, and US$ 400 billion in forex earnings. The roadmap calls for policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, and sustainability. Opportunities include MICE tourism and unique state branding. Industry leaders stress making tourism a national priority, with India already ranking eighth globally and projected to rise to fourth within a decade.    

According to the Federation of Associations in Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), by 2047—India’s centenary of independence—the tourism sector could become a US$ 3-trillion pillar of the economy, accounting for 10% of the projected US$ 30-trillion GDP. The sector could generate 20 crore jobs and place India among the world’s top five tourism markets.

Globally, tourism ranks as the top job multiplier, accounting for one in every four new jobs across tourism, aviation, and hospitality. Backed by India’s demographic strength, it has the potential to be a major force in driving employment and GDP expansion.

Speaking at the FAITH Conclave 2025, chairman Puneet Chhatwal, who is also managing director and CEO of Indian Hotels Company, highlighted tourism’s exceptional capacity for both direct and indirect job creation. He stressed the significance of the unorganised segment — from shikaras on Dal Lake to rickshaws at Kashi Vishwanath — whose livelihoods are vital yet often overlooked. Currently, tourism accounts for 7–9% of total employment, a share expected to reach double digits in the near future.

FAITH’s Tourism Vision 2047 aims to dramatically boost domestic tourism from nearly 2 billion visits annually to 20 billion, and foreign tourist arrivals from current levels to 100 million per year. Foreign exchange earnings are targeted to surge from US$ 30 billion to US$ 400 billion, supporting an estimated 200 million tourism-linked jobs.

According to FAITH, country’s apex tourism policy and strategy body, the tourism roadmap relies on key policy reforms, including granting tourism infrastructure status, placing it in the concurrent list, and ensuring industry status across all states and union territories. It also calls for an intensive global and domestic marketing push, with India promoted as a premier tourism destination through strong government–industry collaboration.

On infrastructure, FAITH advocates expanding development beyond the proposed 50 destinations, with uniform facilities and standards across states.

Sustainability forms a critical pillar of the plan, focusing on adopting the Sustainable Tourism Criteria of India, following carrying capacity norms, and protecting the ecological balance of tourist destinations.

Analysts recommend that India shift its focus from chasing tourist volumes to attracting high-spending, long-stay travellers. As a long-haul destination, the country already appeals to visitors who spend more days here than in many other markets. The goal, they stress, should be to promote high-value tourism for those eager to explore India’s culture, heritage, and architecture, rather than encouraging low-yield tourism. In an era dominated by- experiential travel- creating immersive & authentic experiences is essential.

They further urged states to craft unique tourism brands within the overarching Incredible India identity and called on municipalities to upgrade hygiene, waste management, and urban infrastructure to align with global standards. 

Analysts also highlighted MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) as a major high-revenue potential for India, citing world-class venues like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi that are fully prepared to host prestigious global events. They asserted that tourism could play a crucial role in offsetting potential trade disruptions, especially amid the US tariffs. In their view, no sector is better suited to counter such challenges than travel and tourism, which has the capacity to propel India’s growth story in the coming years. 

Industry leaders stressed that achieving these ambitions depends on elevating tourism to a core national priority. They noted that FAITH’s mission is to unite and persuade all stakeholders to elevate tourism to this status

Under the theme “Indian Tourism: Invincible Spirit,” the two-day National Tourism Conclave in New Delhi, brings together ten industry associations covering tour operators, hotels, adventure travel, and transport, with the All India Resorts Development Authority as cause partner.

Notably, in the World’s Top 10 Biggest Tourism Economies in 2025 List, India has advanced from tenth to eighth place, contributing US$ 231.6 billion. This growth underscores the nation’s rising prominence in global tourism, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projecting it could reach fourth place within the next decade.