Published on December 12, 2025

US is joining Canada in fueling India’s tourism boom to unprecedented heights in 2025, driving historic numbers and reshaping international travel dynamics. With an increasing number of travelers flocking to India, the collaboration between these nations is not only boosting tourism but also highlighting India’s growing appeal as a global destination. The combined efforts of the US and Canada in promoting India’s rich culture, heritage, and diverse landscapes have created a perfect storm, attracting more visitors than ever before and positioning India as a top contender in the global tourism market.
India’s tourism sector is soaring to new heights in 2025, fueled by a remarkable surge in foreign arrivals, particularly from two powerhouse markets—the United States and Canada. Both nations have significantly contributed to India’s growth in global travel, with foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) projected to break records and reach near pre-pandemic levels. As India continues its path to recovery, bolstered by an influx of international visitors, the role of the US and Canada in shaping this transformation cannot be overstated.
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In the aftermath of the global pandemic, India’s tourism industry is experiencing a spectacular resurgence. Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) have reached approximately 9.95 million in 2024, and early data for 2025 indicates that the country is on track to hit 10–10.5 million arrivals by the end of the year. While the final numbers for 2025 are still in the works, India is well on its way to achieving its pre-COVID targets of tourism growth.
Among the various contributors to this boom, the United States stands out as the top source market, followed closely by Canada, making up two of the largest segments of India’s foreign visitor base.
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India has long been a favored destination for travelers from across the globe. However, the recent surge in arrivals from the US and Canada has been nothing short of transformative. In 2024, the US accounted for a staggering 1.8 million arrivals, representing 18.13% of India’s total FTAs, solidifying its position as the largest source of international tourists for the country. Canada, on the other hand, ranked fifth with 476,273 arrivals, contributing approximately 4.8% of the total market share.
This surge is a testament to the strengthening bilateral ties between India and North America, alongside the appeal of India’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and thriving economy. With growing flight connectivity, cultural exchanges, and an expanding tourism infrastructure, India is increasingly becoming a hub for leisure, business, and educational travel, attracting more visitors than ever before.
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India’s tourism growth trajectory in 2025 is expected to be nothing short of phenomenal. Projections indicate that the country will surpass 10 million foreign arrivals by the end of the year, an incredible feat given the challenges of the past few years. The following breakdown highlights the key figures driving this growth:
This growth aligns with India’s tourism ministry goals of increasing the country’s global travel appeal by offering tailored experiences for foreign tourists—from spiritual journeys and historical explorations to luxury tourism and adventure activities.
Looking at 2025’s monthly trends, the data reveals that Canadian arrivals have been particularly strong in the first quarter, with a peak of 69,616 arrivals in February. This represents a sharp increase from previous months and demonstrates the pent-up demand for travel to India following global restrictions. Similarly, US arrivals continue to align with their top-ranking position, with April 2025 showing strong results, mirroring previous years’ success in terms of monthly growth.
With an average of over 22,000 monthly Canadian visitors, the figures underscore Canada’s pivotal role in India’s tourism growth story. These travelers are seeking a diverse range of experiences in India, from exploring the temples of Rajasthan to immersing in the coastal beauty of Kerala, creating a rich tapestry of cultural exchange.
India’s tourism is not only experiencing growth in traditional sectors like cultural tourism and heritage tourism, but also in medical tourism, adventure travel, and wellness tourism. The medical tourism sector in particular has been growing rapidly, with an increasing number of visitors from the US and Canada seeking affordable, world-class healthcare treatments in India.
The luxury travel market has also seen a rise, driven by India’s booming hospitality industry, which is continuously adapting to cater to the tastes of global travelers. Luxury train journeys, high-end hotels, and private tours are becoming more popular as India positions itself as a top destination for the elite.
Moreover, sustainable tourism is on the rise, with more travelers from North America opting for eco-friendly experiences that include stays in eco-resorts, wildlife safaris, and tours of India’s pristine landscapes. As the world’s largest democracy with a rich cultural heritage, India offers something for every type of traveler.
In addition to the US and Canada, India’s foreign tourism industry has seen notable contributions from countries like Bangladesh, United Kingdom, and Australia. However, the US and Canada remain the top two North American markets driving FTAs. Their sustained interest in visiting India speaks to the strong people-to-people ties and growing mutual appreciation of each other’s cultural and historical heritage.
Here’s a comparison table showing 2024–2025 foreign tourist arrival statistics:Country 2024 FTAs Rank Share (%) United States 1,804,586 1 18.13% Canada 476,273 5 4.8% United Kingdom 569,012 2 5.7% Bangladesh 457,931 3 4.6% Australia 350,132 4 3.5%
As India continues to expand its tourism outreach through enhanced visa policies, flight connectivity, and a renewed focus on sustainable tourism, the contributions from the US and Canada will remain a significant driver of growth in the coming years.
Looking forward to the remainder of 2025, India’s tourism industry is poised to capitalize on the ongoing recovery. With US and Canadian arrivals leading the charge, 2025 is set to be a landmark year. Projections indicate that by year-end, India could witness up to 10.5 million foreign tourist arrivals, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and showcasing the global appeal of the country.
India’s tourism sector is not just about numbers—it’s about the transformative impact tourism has on the country’s economy, cultural exchange, and international standing. With continued growth from top source markets like the US and Canada, India is on the path to becoming an even more prominent player in the global tourism industry.
US, alongside Canada, is propelling India’s tourism boom to unprecedented heights in 2025, with a surge in international visitors driven by targeted promotional efforts and India’s growing global appeal. This collaboration is shaping a new era of tourism, boosting historic numbers and solidifying India’s status as a must-visit destination.
In 2025, the surge in foreign arrivals, particularly from the United States and Canada, signals the return of India’s tourism sector to its rightful place as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. As both countries continue to lead in contributing to this growth, India’s tourism future looks bright, promising new experiences, higher revenues, and enhanced cultural connections for years to come.
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Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025