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Record Tourist Spending Masks India's Infrastructure Gaps
11 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Persistent bottlenecks like slow evisa processing hinder tourism.
- International tourist spending reached a record ₹3.1 trillion.
- Inadequate connectivity and poor sanitation affect global competitiveness.
India's tourism sector is experiencing a paradox, with record spending by international visitors contrasting sharply with persistent operational challenges. Despite a significant surge in spending to ₹3.1 trillion, actual arrival numbers are facing limitations due to ongoing bottlenecks. These include slow evisa processing times, restricted visa-on-arrival facilities, and insufficient international flight connectivity, all of which actively dampen inbound growth.
The nation's potential as a premier global tourist destination is further undermined by infrastructural shortcomings. Weak last-mile connectivity to attractions, inadequate sanitation facilities, and a limited availability of quality lodging options are significant deterrents. These issues collectively hinder India's capacity to attract and cater to a larger international tourist base.
Looking ahead, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects a substantial contribution to the economy, anticipating tourism could add ₹42 trillion to GDP and generate 64 million jobs by 2035. However, realizing this ambitious future hinges on effectively addressing the current infrastructure and processing inefficiencies.
