India not shining enough for int'l tourists

According to a report by the Economic Times, India’s foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) are facing significant headwinds, with industry insiders projecting flat growth for the current year. The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) has expressed concern over the sector's performance, citing global geopolitical instability and rising fuel costs as primary deterrents for international travelers.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism indicates that 9.15 million foreign tourists visited India in 2025, representing an 8.1% decline from the previous year and a 16.3% drop compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The downward trend appears to have continued into the current fiscal year, with April arrivals reaching approximately 534,000—a 14.3% decrease compared to the same period last year and a 31% drop from April 2019 figures.

Aashish Gupta, consulting chief executive of FAITH, pointed to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East as major factors driving up global oil prices, which in turn has increased the cost of international air travel. Industry leaders are now calling for a renewed focus on government-backed marketing and promotional campaigns abroad to revitalize India's appeal as a premier travel destination. FAITH estimates that, without significant intervention, arrivals for 2026 will likely remain in the range of 8 to 9 million.