Sept 28: Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in India surged to nearly 4.78 million in the first six months of 2024, with Bangladesh and the United States emerging as the top two source countries, according to the Ministry of Tourism. While inbound tourism is showing signs of recovery, it still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, casting a shadow over India's bid to reclaim its position as a global travel hotspot.
The ministry released the data on World Tourism Day, offering insights into tourism trends for June and the January-June period. FTAs for June 2024 reached 706,045, marking a 9 per cent increase over June 2023 but a 2.8 per cent dip from the same month in 2019. The January-June total stood at 4.78 million, a 9.1 cent rise over the same period in 2023 but still 9.8 cent below 2019's pre-pandemic numbers.
Bangladesh and the US were the largest contributors, accounting for 21.55 per cent and 17.56 per cent of total FTAs, respectively. The UK (9.82 per cent), Canada (4.5 per cent), and Australia (4.32 per cent) rounded out the top five. In June, Bangladesh maintained its lead with a 28.49 per cent share, followed by the US at 22.59 per cent.
Despite a marked improvement in tourism numbers, India's recovery trails the global average. A report by Crisil Market Intelligence revealed that FTAs globally had reached 96 per cent of pre-pandemic levels by mid-2024, while India stood at about 90 per cent. With 10.93 million FTAs recorded in 2019, India still has ground to cover to reach full recovery.
Foreign exchange earnings (FEE) tell a brighter story, with a notable rise in revenue from tourism. In the January-June period, India earned $15.33 billion, up from $13.04 billion in 2023, and surpassing the $14.53 billion mark of 2019.
While inbound tourism recovers slowly, Indian outbound travel has surged. The Ministry of Tourism reported that 15 million Indians travelled abroad in the first half of 2024, a 13.7 per cent increase over the same period in 2023. Rising disposable incomes and improved airline connectivity have made international travel more accessible for Indians, who now represent 2.4 per cent of the global outbound market.
On World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism also celebrated 36 villages across India in the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024, recognising their contributions to sustainable and diverse tourism. Winners included Aru in Jammu and Kashmir for adventure tourism, Kumarakom in Kerala for agri-tourism, and Pranpur in Madhya Pradesh for craftsmanship.
To enhance tourist experience and engagement, the ministry plans to introduce feedback mechanisms at airports and railway stations across the country, allowing visitors to share their thoughts on India's tourist destinations.
Despite optimism from tourism experts, concerns persist. Former Union Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh acknowledged the impact of geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East, which could hinder a full recovery by the end of 2024. Yet, as international travel returns to normalcy, India remains poised for a stronger comeback, driven by its unique attractions and growing tourism initiatives.
—Financial Express (India)
