India has made a remarkable leap, securing the 8th spot among global tourism economies in the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report, announced on July 16, 2025. With a whopping $231.6 billion contribution to the global economy in 2023, India’s tourism sector is a powerhouse, climbing from its previous 10th position. For UPSC aspirants, this is a goldmine for GS Paper 3 (Economy) and Prelims, given the frequent questions on reports and indices like the Multidimensional Poverty Index (2012) and Global Competitiveness Report (2019).
- Global Ranking: India jumps to 8th in WTTC’s 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report, up from 10th.
- Economic Impact: Contributes $231.6 billion to global GDP in 2023.
- Job Creation: Supports 32.1 million jobs, per WTTC 2021 data.
TTDI 2024: India’s Competitive Edge
- TTDI Ranking: India ranks 39th among 119 countries, up from 54th in 2021.
- Strengths: 18th in price competitiveness, 26th in air transport, 25th in ground/port infrastructure.
- Cultural Appeal: Ranks 8th globally for cultural resources and business travel.
The Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, published by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the University of Surrey, places India at 39th out of 119 countries, a significant jump from 54th in 2021. India shines as the top lower-middle-income economy in Southeast Asia, excelling in price competitiveness (18th), air transport infrastructure (26th), and ground/port infrastructure (25th). Its cultural resources and business travel rank 8th globally, drawing travelers to iconic sites like Rajasthan’s forts and Varanasi’s spiritual ghats. For UPSC, this data is crucial for questions on sustainable tourism and economic development, often tested in Mains GS 3.
Why India’s Tourism Sector is Thriving
- Economic Contribution: Tourism accounts for 4.6–5.8% of India’s GDP ($160–231.6 billion).
- Medical Tourism: 5th largest global healthcare travel destination, worth $9 billion in 2019.
- Government Push: Initiatives like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 boost infrastructure.
India’s tourism sector is a vibrant economic multiplier, contributing 4.6–5.8% to GDP ($160–231.6 billion) and supporting 32.1 million jobs in 2021, per WTTC. The medical tourism market, valued at $9 billion in 2019, ranks India 5th globally, with 184,298 foreign patients visiting in 2014. The government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, backed by ₹3,295.76 crore for 40 projects across 23 states, is transforming lesser-known sites into global attractions, easing pressure on overcrowded destinations like Goa. X users highlight India’s cultural diversity and adventure tourism as key drivers, making this a hot topic for UPSC essays on sustainable growth.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0
- Objective: Develop lesser-known tourism sites for sustainable growth.
- Funding: ₹3,295.76 crore for 40 projects across 23 states.
- Impact: Promotes local economies and balanced tourist distribution.
Launched under the Ministry of Tourism, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 aims to enhance tourism infrastructure at lesser-known destinations, aligning with the SASCI scheme for sustainable development. With ₹3,295.76 crore allocated, these projects focus on balanced tourist distribution, boosting local economies and reducing strain on popular sites. For UPSC Mains, this initiative is key for discussing inclusive growth and SDG-aligned tourism, especially in GS Paper 3 (Economy and Infrastructure). The scheme’s use of AI-powered platforms and Augmented Reality for virtual monument tours also ties into science and technology questions.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Challenges: Infrastructure gaps, safety concerns, and seasonal fluctuations.
- Opportunities: 7.8% annual growth projected to reach $400 billion by 2031.
- Global Context: US tops TTDI, followed by Spain, Japan, France, and Australia.
Despite its rise, India’s tourism sector faces hurdles like infrastructure gaps and safety concerns, as noted in X posts and web sources. However, with a projected 7.8% annual growth rate, the sector could hit $400 billion by 2031, per WTTC. The TTDI 2024 highlights India’s edge over peers like the Maldives (66th), but the US, Spain, and Japan lead globally. For UPSC Prelims, memorize India’s 39th TTDI rank and 8th WTTC position, and for Mains, analyze how NEP 2020 and schemes like PRASHAD complement tourism growth.
Must-Know for UPSC Aspirants
- Exam Relevance: Reports like WTTC and TTDI are frequent in Prelims and Mains.
- Key Stats: India’s 39th TTDI rank, 8th in WTTC, $231.6 billion contribution.
- Action Plan: Study Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD for essay fodder.
For UPSC CSE 2025-26, India’s tourism surge is a critical topic. Past papers have tested indices like the Multidimensional Poverty Index (2012) and Global Competitiveness Report (2019), making WTTC and TTDI prime candidates for Prelims MCQs and Mains essays. Focus on price competitiveness (18th), job creation (32.1 million), and initiatives like Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
