Domestic tourism surges past 2.1 billion visits in 2024-25

Mumbai: India’s domestic tourism sector hit a major milestone in 2024–25, recording over 2.1 billion visits, according to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025. This marks a sharp increase from the previous year and reflects how travel habits are changing across the country – especially among younger people and families from smaller cities and towns.

Several factors are driving this growth. Rising incomes, better road and rail networks, and the rise of digital platforms have made travel easier and more affordable. The government’s 'Dekho Apna Desh' campaign has also encouraged people to explore lesser-known destinations, expanding travel beyond the usual hotspots.

States like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Rajasthan remained top choices, but places such as Meghalaya, Odisha and Chhattisgarh saw strong growth. In Odisha, events like the Konark Dance Festival and eco-tourism around Chilika Lake drew large crowds. Meghalaya attracted younger travellers with its living root bridges and adventure trails. Chhattisgarh, often overlooked in the past, saw more visitors interested in heritage sites like Sirpur and tribal cultural circuits.

The travel boom is also being fuelled by affordable options. Budget airlines, homestays and app-based booking platforms have made tourism more accessible to middle-class families and first-time travellers. Weekend trips from smaller towns are becoming more common, showing that travel is no longer limited to big-city residents.

Pilgrimage tourism remains a major driver. The Char Dham circuit in Uttarakhand, the Kashi Vishwanath corridor in Varanasi and the Ram temple in Ayodhya all saw record footfalls. Many travellers are now combining spiritual journeys with leisure activities – for example, adding visits to Sarnath or nearby wildlife sanctuaries while in Varanasi.

Adventure and leisure travel are also on the rise. Hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand were packed during summer, while Goa and Kerala remained popular year-round. Activities like trekking in Ladakh, rafting in Rishikesh and wildlife safaris in Madhya Pradesh are attracting younger travellers looking for more than just sightseeing.

This surge in travel is boosting local economies. Transport operators, craft sellers and small businesses are seeing more demand. In Jaipur, artisans reported higher sales of block-printed textiles, while homestay owners in Kerala saw more bookings from domestic tourists looking for authentic cultural experiences. Travellers are spending more on local food and crafts, directly supporting communities.

However, the rapid growth has brought challenges. Popular destinations like Shimla and Manali faced traffic jams and waste management issues during peak seasons. Fragile ecosystems, especially in the Himalayas, are under pressure. Without proper infrastructure and environmental safeguards, the benefits of tourism could be short-lived.

To tackle these issues, the Ministry of Tourism is investing in responsible travel initiatives. Plans include expanding eco-tourism, improving sanitation at pilgrimage sites, and promoting community-based tourism in rural areas. The goal is to make sure tourism helps local communities while protecting India’s cultural and natural heritage.

Domestic tourism is also reflecting broader social changes. Travel is increasingly seen as a way to relax, explore and express oneself – not just a luxury. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are influencing where people go and what they do, with many travellers seeking experiences they can share online.

Looking ahead, domestic tourism is expected to remain a key part of India’s travel economy. With international travel still expensive for many, exploring within the country offers both value and variety. The compendium concludes that domestic tourism is not only growing in numbers but also evolving in character – setting the stage for long-term, inclusive growth.

Digitalisation reshapes tourism services in India

Mumbai: India’s tourism sector is undergoing a strategic digital overhaul, with over 65 per cent of bookings now made online in 2024–25, according to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025. This shift underscores the growing centrality of technology in how travellers -- both domestic and international -- plan, book and experience their journeys.

The transformation is being driven by mobile apps, aggregator platforms and AI-powered recommendation engines that are redefining consumer behaviour. Travel technology start-ups are scaling rapidly, offering personalised itineraries, dynamic pricing models and frictionless payment systems. Government initiatives promoting digital literacy and cashless transactions have further accelerated adoption, positioning online booking as the default mode across the sector.

Even small operators in remote regions are now able to reach customers directly through digital platforms, signalling a democratisation of access and visibility. In Kerala, homestay owners in Alleppey and Wayanad report that the majority of bookings now originate from online channels, particularly from urban travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences. In Rajasthan, artisans have leveraged e-commerce integrations with tourism portals to extend sales beyond the physical visit. Goa’s hospitality sector has embraced digital payments, reducing cash dependency and enhancing operational transparency.

Industry leaders note that digitalisation has significantly improved convenience and efficiency. Today’s traveller expects a seamless experience -- from booking flights and hotels to arranging local guides and activities. The ability to compare options instantly and transact securely has fundamentally altered travel decision-making.

The impact spans age groups and geographies. Younger travellers rely heavily on mobile apps and social media for trip planning, while families increasingly opt for bundled deals via aggregator platforms. International visitors benefit from streamlined e-visa processes and multilingual information portals that reduce uncertainty and improve pre-arrival planning.

However, the transition is not without challenges. Experts caution that rural and elderly travellers may face barriers to adoption, and cybersecurity risks -- such as phishing scams and fraudulent booking sites -- remain a concern. Safeguards are essential to maintain trust and ensure the continued growth of digital platforms.

In response, the government has pledged to strengthen consumer protections. Measures include public awareness campaigns on safe digital practices, enhanced grievance redressal mechanisms, and tighter regulation of aggregator platforms. The objective is to ensure that digitalisation delivers equitable benefits to both travellers and service providers.

Sustainability is another emerging frontier. In Uttarakhand, online booking systems for trekking routes are helping manage footfall and reduce overcrowding. Madhya Pradesh has introduced digital ticketing for wildlife sanctuaries, improving monitoring and cutting paper waste. Museums and heritage sites in Delhi now offer QR-based guides, eliminating the need for printed brochures.

From a policy and planning perspective, digitalisation is reshaping how tourism is managed. Data from online platforms provides granular insights into visitor preferences, enabling more targeted infrastructure development and marketing strategies. These digital footprints are helping policymakers design smarter, demand-responsive interventions.

Looking ahead, the compendium concludes that digitalisation will remain a key growth driver for India’s tourism sector. With global travel expected to rebound further in 2026, India is well positioned to consolidate its gains -- provided infrastructure and policy support continue apace. For businesses, governments and communities alike, technology is no longer a peripheral tool but a foundational pillar of tourism strategy.