India has set a goal to attract 100 million international visitors by 2047. Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced the target at the World Travel and Tourism Council summit in Malta. He outlined four pillars to reach the number: political will, public spending, partnership, and people’s participation.
The announcement comes as India faces a sharp decline in inbound tourism. The country recorded 9.2 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025. This figure represents a 9.4% drop from 2024. It is also 17% below the pre-pandemic peak of 10.9 million recorded in 2019.
India tourism target growth requirements
Reaching 100 million visitors over the next two decades requires an average annual growth rate of 12% or more. This target is significantly higher than the 7.6% average annual growth seen between 1999 and 2019. The current downward trend makes the goal appear difficult to achieve without major structural changes.
Arrivals have declined for two consecutive years. A report from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates that inbound tourism could drop another 15% to 20% in 2026. The report cites the Iran War as a primary cause. The conflict has severed air corridors that long-haul visitors typically use to reach India.
Budget cuts and visa challenges
Industry observers have pointed out a lack of financial support for the new target. The government has reduced its overseas tourism promotion budget by 97%. The new allocation stands at approximately $361,770. Industry leaders have called for a budget of at least INR 10 billion to effectively market the country.
Shekhawat highlighted the expansion of e-visas as a key enabler. Citizens of 177 countries can now apply for electronic visas. However, the government think tank NITI Aayog has reported that the visa process remains complex. Users face duplicate data entry requirements and technical issues on the portal.
Japan offers a contrasting example of how to grow arrivals. Japan missed its own 10 million visitor target in 2010. The country accelerated growth only after implementing visa relaxations, adding airport capacity, encouraging low-cost carriers, and benefiting from a weaker yen. Japan reached 42.7 million visitors in 2025. It now aims for 60 million by 2030.
India’s current strategy relies heavily on policy declarations rather than a published operational path. The gap between the 100 million goal and the current 9.2 million reality remains wide. The government must address budget constraints and visa friction to reverse the two-year decline.
Source: Skift
