Lok Sabha Question No. 3593 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Leisure Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Khagen Murmu, Shri Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†3593 ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## LEISURE TOURISM

†3593. SHRI CHHATRAPAL SINGH GANGWAR: SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  there  has  been  an  increase  or  decrease  in  the  number  of tourist  arrivals  in  the  country,  particularly  in  the  leisure  tourism sector during the last five years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the key factors influencing these trends, State/UT-wise;
- (c) whether the Government has set any long-term targets for attracting foreign tourists in the country; and
- (d) if so, the details of the initiatives and schemes being implemented to achieve these goals?

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (d): The  details  of  Foreign  Tourist  Arrivals  (FTAs)  in  India  and percentage  share  of  leisure  tourists  during  the  last  five  years  is  given below:

|   Year | FTAs (in lakh)   | % of Leisure Holiday and Recreation   |
|--------|------------------|---------------------------------------|
|   2020 | 27.45 58.4       |                                       |
|   2021 | 15.27 5.8        |                                       |
|   2022 | 64.37 36.5       |                                       |
|   2023 |                  | 95.21 46.2                            |
|   2024 | 99.52            | 45.0                                  |

Source: Bureau of Immigration

The growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) is mainly driven by the postpandemic revival of global travel and increasing confidence in India as a diverse  and  culturally  rich  destination.  Enhanced  air  connectivity  has improved accessibility to key tourist spots, while continuous development of tourism infrastructure has elevated the visitor experience. Additionally, have strengthened India's global appeal, positioning it as a premier destination

targeted domestic and international marketing campaigns for travelers worldwide.

Ministry of Tourism has taken several measures/initiatives over the years to increase tourist arrivals in the country, details of which are:

-  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  under  the  schemes  of  'Swadesh  Darshan', 'National  Mission  on  Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual  Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)' and 'Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development' provides financial assistance to State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations/Central Agencies  for  the  development  of  tourism  related  infrastructure  and facilities at various tourism destinations in the country.
-  Ministry of Tourism through its various campaigns  and events promotes  various  tourism  destinations  and  products  of  India  in domestic and international markets. Some of the initiatives are Dekho Apna Desh campaign, International Tourism Mart, Bharat Parv etc.
-  Thematic tourism like wellness tourism, culinary tourism, rural, ecotourism,  etc.  amongst  other  niche  subjects  are  promoted  so  as  to expand the scope of tourism into other sectors as well.
-  Enhance the overall quality and visitor experience through initiatives focused  on  capacity  building,  skill  development  such  as  'Capacity Building  for  Service  Providers',  'Incredible  India  Tourist  Facilitator' (IITF), 'Paryatan Mitra' and 'Paryatan Didi'.
-  e-Visa scheme is now available to 171 countries and it is available for 9 sub-categories:
- i. e-Tourist Visa
- ii. e-Business Visa
- iii. e-Medical Visa
- iv. e-Conference Visa
- v. e-Medical Attendant Visa
- vi. e-Ayush Visa
- vii. e-Ayush Attendant Visa
- viii. e- Student Visa
- ix. e-Student X Visa

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