Despite the recent surge in air travel, foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in India have yet to recover to pre-Covid levels. In the first half of 2024, FTAs stood at 47,78,374, showing a modest increase from 43,80,239 in the same period in 2023. However, this is still a drop from 52,96,025 in 2019, representing a nearly 10% decline from pre-pandemic numbers.
India Sees 47.8 Lakh Foreign Tourist Arrivals In 2024
Indian carriers are expanding rapidly, adding new international routes and increasing the frequency of existing ones. Destinations like Bali and Baku have been added to the ever-growing list of travel hotspots for the burgeoning Indian middle class, eager to travel abroad. Despite these efforts and the increased availability of flights, India has not been able to match the pre-Covid influx of foreign tourists.
One of the main factors affecting tourism recovery in India is competition from neighbouring countries. Destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka are not only more affordable but are also often perceived as cleaner and more tourist-friendly than India. These countries have also introduced attractive visa policies, such as visa-free entry for Indian tourists, which has further driven demand away from India.
Infrastructure Improvement And Marketing Campaigns
The Indian government has made efforts to boost domestic tourism, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging Indians to visit domestic destinations. However, these initiatives have not translated into a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals. Goa, often referred to as India’s tourist capital, has struggled to regain its pre-pandemic status, despite being a popular destination.
A potential solution to the tourism downturn lies in infrastructure improvement and marketing campaigns. India’s domestic tourism market has already surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels in 2023, despite the loss of a major airline.
However, the focus now needs to shift back to foreign tourists. Reviving successful campaigns like “Incredible India” or “Atithidevo Bhava” could help draw more international visitors. Additionally, improving infrastructure, such as maintaining cleanliness, enhancing traffic management, and introducing tourist-specific services like helplines and police, would make the country more appealing to foreign visitors.
Other factors, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and instability in the Middle East, have also impacted travel patterns. The unpredictability of these situations may have caused some potential tourists to delay or cancel their travel plans. Despite these challenges, the tourism ministry cannot afford to overlook the importance of foreign tourists as a significant source of foreign exchange.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)
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