September 27th 2025.
The majestic Taj Mahal in Agra continues to hold its position as the most-visited monument in India, both for domestic and foreign tourists. The latest India Tourism Data Compendium 2025, released by the Ministry of Tourism on World Tourism Day, revealed this interesting fact. The financial year 2024-25 saw a record number of visitors to this iconic monument, making it a top choice for travelers from all over the world.
The data compiled also showed a steady increase in foreign tourist arrivals in India, with a 4.52% growth in 2024 compared to the previous year. The Taj Mahal was the clear favorite among ticketed monuments, welcoming a staggering 6.26 million domestic tourists and 0.645 million foreign tourists. Other popular sites for domestic visitors included the Sun Temple in Konark and the historic Qutub Minar in Delhi. Foreign tourists also showed a preference for these two sites, with 0.22 million visitors each, right after the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Its mesmerizing beauty and rich history continue to attract millions of visitors each year.
The compendium also revealed a significant increase in Non-Resident Indian (NRI) arrivals, with a whopping 13.22% growth in 2024 compared to the previous year. This reflects the growing confidence of the Indian diaspora in travelling to India post-pandemic. International tourist arrivals also saw a noteworthy increase of 8.89%, totaling 20.57 million, clearly indicating the popularity of India as a travel destination.
The event for the release of the compendium was graced by the presence of Suman Bery, vice chairperson of NITI Aayog, and Union Tourism Minister Suresh Gopi. Bery, in his speech, emphasized the importance of tourism for economic growth, environmental conservation, and social inclusion. He also stressed the need for sustainability to be at the core of India's tourism strategy.
The report also highlighted the impact of the pandemic on foreign tourist arrivals, with a sharp decline in 2020, followed by a rebound in the following years. Interestingly, the age-wise data showed that the 35-44 and 45-54 age groups accounted for the largest shares of visitors, while senior travelers showed a growing interest in wellness, heritage, and spiritual tourism. The 0-14 age group saw a slight decline, but it still remains a significant segment for family tourism. In terms of gender distribution, 57.7% of foreign visitors were male, while 42.3% were female.
The compendium also revealed a rise in outbound travel from India, with a 10.79% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. The top destinations for Indian travelers were the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the US, Thailand, Singapore, the UK, Qatar, Canada, Kuwait, and Oman. Air travel dominated, accounting for 98% of departures.
The travel and tourism sector remains a vital contributor to India's economy, supporting around 84.63 million jobs and contributing 5.22% to the country's GDP. This highlights the significant role of this sector in driving economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 provides valuable insights into the trends and patterns of tourism in the country. It also serves as a reminder of the immense potential of this sector in promoting economic prosperity and cultural exchange. As we navigate through these challenging times, it is crucial to embed sustainability at the core of our tourism strategy, ensuring a responsible and inclusive approach towards promoting and preserving the beauty and diversity of India.
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