US, UK, Canada, Nepal, Japan, Russia And More Dominate The List Of Top Ten Countries Driving Foreign Tourism To India In 2024-25

Published on December 6, 2025

In 2024-25, the US, UK, Canada, Nepal, Japan, and Russia are leading the charge in driving foreign tourism to India. This growth is driven by India’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and increasing global appeal. The United States remains the largest source of tourists, followed by the UK, Canada, and neighboring countries like Nepal and Japan. Russia’s growing interest also adds to the surge. These countries are contributing significantly to India’s tourism boom, enhancing its position in the global market and boosting its economy.

India has firmly established itself as a prominent force in the global tourism sector. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Economic Impact Research (EIR), the country now ranks eighth among the world’s largest tourism economies, solidifying its role as a major player in the international travel market.

Tourism in India has seen significant growth over the years, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and the increasing allure of its ancient monuments, vibrant cities, and spiritual destinations. As the nation continues to modernize and invest in tourism infrastructure, it attracts millions of visitors from all corners of the globe, contributing significantly to both its economy and international relations.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): A Growing Trend

The United States has emerged as the largest source of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) to India, accounting for over 1.8 million visitors, which represents 18.13 percent of the total FTAs in the 2024-25 period. This trend, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism’s India Tourism Data Compendium 2025, highlights the increasing number of Americans seeking the unique experiences India has to offer, ranging from its world-renowned temples and palaces to its rich cultural festivals and scenic landscapes.

In addition to the United States, other countries also contribute significantly to the influx of international visitors. Nations such as Nepal, Japan, and Russia account for a large share of FTAs, collectively contributing a staggering 77.07 percent of the total FTAs in 2024. This indicates a well-rounded appeal that stretches across various regions, from neighboring countries to distant nations, all flocking to India to explore its diverse offerings.

While the remaining 22.93 percent of FTAs come from other countries, it is evident that India’s global appeal is broad and continues to expand, drawing tourists from all parts of the world.

India’s Tourism Growth Through the Years

India’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable growth trajectory over the past few decades. In 1981, the country welcomed just 1.28 million foreign tourists, a figure that has steadily increased, reaching a milestone of 10.9 million in 2019. This surge in foreign arrivals is a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination. The increase in the number of foreign tourists is also indicative of the country’s effective marketing strategies, improved connectivity, and a more tourist-friendly infrastructure, all of which have worked together to make India a more accessible and attractive option for travelers.

This upward trend has not only benefited the tourism sector but also the economy, with tourism contributing significantly to India’s GDP and employment. The government’s efforts in promoting India as a global tourism destination through various campaigns and partnerships have paid off, resulting in a notable increase in tourism-related revenues and investment in hospitality, transportation, and other tourism-related services.

Setbacks Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

However, the tourism industry faced an unprecedented setback in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The global health crisis led to travel restrictions, lockdowns, and a sharp decline in international travel. India’s tourism sector was not immune to the effects of the pandemic, and Foreign Tourist Arrivals plummeted by a staggering 74.93 percent, falling from 10.9 million in 2019 to just 2.74 million in 2020.

This massive decline was a direct result of the global aviation shutdown, border closures, and the halt in international tourism caused by the pandemic. The travel and hospitality industries were severely impacted, with hotels, tour operators, airlines, and other tourism-related businesses struggling to stay afloat during this period of uncertainty.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, India’s tourism sector showed remarkable resilience and adaptability. As restrictions gradually eased, the industry began to see signs of recovery, with government initiatives aimed at promoting domestic tourism and supporting the travel and hospitality sectors. This helped to maintain a steady flow of domestic visitors and created a foundation for international tourism to return in the post-pandemic era.

Recovery and Future Growth

India’s tourism sector began to rebound in 2021, and the recovery has been nothing short of impressive. By 2022, Foreign Tourist Arrivals had surged to 6.44 million, marking a 323.68 percent increase from the previous year. This dramatic recovery highlights the pent-up demand for travel and the resilience of the tourism industry in overcoming the challenges of the pandemic.

Looking forward, the country is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with the Ministry of Tourism projecting that FTAs will reach 9.95 million in 2024. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the ongoing rollout of vaccination programs, the easing of travel restrictions globally, and the increasing desire for international travel after years of uncertainty.

India’s government is also actively working to further boost the tourism industry by introducing new policies, increasing promotional efforts, and investing in the development of infrastructure to make the country more accessible and appealing to tourists. These initiatives are expected to attract even more visitors from key markets such as the United States, Europe, and other parts of Asia.

India’s tourism industry has come a long way, and while it faced significant challenges during the pandemic, the sector is on a strong path to recovery. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere, India remains an attractive destination for international travelers. The continued growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals is a testament to the country’s global appeal, and the future of India’s tourism sector looks bright, with expectations of even more international visitors in the years to come.

In 2024-25, the US, UK, Canada, Nepal, Japan, and Russia are leading foreign tourism to India, driven by the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, improved travel accessibility, and strong international connections. These nations are contributing significantly to India’s tourism boom, enhancing its global appeal.

As India continues to position itself as a top global tourism destination, it is clear that the country’s tourism economy will remain a vital contributor to its growth and prosperity, bringing in tourists from around the world and offering them unforgettable experiences.