India recorded 9.2 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, representing a 9.4% decline from 2024 and standing 17% below the pre-pandemic high of 10.9 million visitors. This marks the second consecutive year of decreases in inbound tourism, according to estimates from the PHD Chamber of Commerce.
India Sets Ambitious 2047 Tourism Target
At the World Travel and Tourism Council summit held in Malta, Indian Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced a revised long-term target to attract 100 million international visitors by 2047. He outlined four strategic pillars for achieving this goal: political will, public spending, partnership, and people’s participation.
Iran War Disruptions Impact 2026 Tourism Outlook
Inbound tourism to India is expected to
face further declines in 2026, with potential drops of 15% to 20% projected by the PHD Chamber of Commerce. These decreases are attributed to disruptions caused by the Iran War, which has severed critical air corridors used by long-haul travelers to reach India.
Meeting the 2047 target will require sustained annual growth rates of 12% or higher, a significant increase relative to recent trends. The current trajectory poses challenges given the recent continuous decline in foreign tourist arrivals.
