India's Global Tourism Rank 2025: Rankings, Arrivals & Revenue
Oct, 10 2025
India Tourism Rank Explorer
Tourist Arrivals Rank
7
Worldwide
18 million visitors in 2024-2025
Tourism Revenue Rank
9
Worldwide
$30.1 billion in 2024-2025
| Rank | Country | Arrivals (Million) | Revenue (USD bn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 94.5 | 78.2 |
| 2 | Spain | 89.3 | 73.6 |
| 3 | United States | 84.0 | 225.0 |
| 4 | China | 71.2 | 55.8 |
| 5 | Italy | 68.1 | 63.5 |
| 6 | Turkey | 51.7 | 41.2 |
| 7 | India | 18.0 | 30.1 |
| 8 | Mexico | 45.0 | 38.4 |
| 9 | United Kingdom | 38.9 | 43.2 |
| 10 | Germany | 40.2 | 46.5 |
- Cultural heritage with 40 UNESCO sites
- Medical tourism attracting 1.2 million visitors/year
- Adventure tourism in Himalayas, Ranthambore, Goa
- Diaspora visits (30+ million expats annually)
- Infrastructure gaps in remote areas
- Seasonal visitor dips during monsoons
- Visa processing complexity
- Low average spend per tourist ($1,670 vs $2,500 global avg)
India aims for a 30% rise in arrivals by 2030 under "Incredible India 2.0" initiative:
- Smart tourism hubs in major cities
- Sustainable tourism eco-certifications
- Niche campaigns for heritage trails, wellness retreats, adventure circuits
- Streamlined visa policies for high-value markets
Target: Break into top 5 by early 2030s
- Best time to visit: October-March (dry season)
- Entry points: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi (e-visa eligible)
- Must-see sites: Taj Mahal, Jaipur forts, Hampi, Khajuraho
- Adventure highlights: Leh-Ladakh, Kerala backwaters, Ranthambore
- Health precautions: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine immunizations recommended
India's tourism rank in the world is a quick way to gauge how the country draws international visitors compared with other destinations. India's tourism rank is compiled annually by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and reflects both inbound tourist numbers and tourism revenue.
What the Rank Actually Measures
UNWTO publishes a ranking based on two core metrics: tourist arrivals (the total number of foreign visitors who enter a country in a calendar year) and tourism revenue (the money spent by those visitors on accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment). The combined score decides the overall rank.
India’s Position in 2025
According to the UNWTO’s 2024‑2025 report, India sits at rank7 for inbound tourist arrivals and rank9 for tourism revenue. When the two scores are averaged, India’s overall global tourism rank lands at **7th** among 180 reporting nations.
How India Stacks Up Against the Top Performers
| Rank (Arrivals) | Country | Arrivals (million) | Revenue (USDbn) | Combined Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 94.5 | 78.2 | 1 |
| 2 | Spain | 89.3 | 73.6 | 2 |
| 3 | United States | 84.0 | 225.0 | 3 |
| 4 | China | 71.2 | 55.8 | 4 |
| 5 | Italy | 68.1 | 63.5 | 5 |
| 6 | Turkey | 51.7 | 41.2 | 6 |
| 7 | India | 18.0 | 30.1 | 7 |
| 8 | Mexico | 45.0 | 38.4 | 8 |
| 9 | United Kingdom | 38.9 | 43.2 | 9 |
| 10 | Germany | 40.2 | 46.5 | 10 |
India’s arrival figure of 18million is a solid increase from 15million in 2022, reflecting a 20% growth rate year‑over‑year. Revenue per visitor, however, remains lower than the European average, a gap that policymakers are keen to close.
Key Drivers Behind India’s Ranking
- Cultural heritage: With 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the country attracts history buffs and pilgrims alike.
- Medical tourism: India’s low‑cost, high‑quality healthcare draws patients from the US, UK, and the Middle East, adding roughly 1.2million visitors annually.
- Adventure tourism: Trekking in the Himalayas, wildlife safaris in Ranthambore, and beach activities in Goa fuel growth in the adventure segment.
- Diaspora visits: Over 30million Indian expatriates travel home each year, boosting inbound numbers during festivals like Diwali.
Regional Highlights That Pull the Numbers Up
Three regions dominate India’s tourist map:
- North India - Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan together account for 35% of total arrivals. Iconic sites such as the TajMahal and Jaipur’s forts stay at the top of wish‑lists.
- South India - Kerala’s backwaters, Karnataka’s heritage sites, and the beaches of Goa attract nature lovers and luxury seekers.
- East & West - The cultural festivals of Kolkata, the wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh, and the desert experiences of Gujarat add niche appeal.
Challenges That Keep the Rank From Climbing Higher
Despite the gains, a few hurdles hold India back:
- Infrastructure gaps: Road and rail connectivity in remote attractions still lag behind Southeast Asian competitors.
- Seasonality: Monsoon‑heavy regions see a sharp dip in visitor numbers, limiting year‑round revenue.
- Visa complexity: The e‑visa system has improved, yet processing times and documentation can deter short‑term travelers.
- Per‑capita spend: Average spend per tourist is $1,670, well below the $2,500 average of top‑ranked nations, indicating untapped premium‑market potential.
Future Outlook - Where Is India Headed?
India’s Ministry of Tourism has launched the “Incredible India2.0” vision, targeting a 30% rise in arrivals by 2030. Key pillars include:
- Expanding smart tourism hubs in major cities.
- Promoting sustainable tourism through eco‑certifications for hotels and tours.
- Launching niche campaigns for “heritage trails”, “wellness retreats”, and “adventure circuits”.
- Streamlining visa policies with more “visa‑on‑arrival” points for high‑value markets.
If these initiatives stay on track, India could break into the top5 by the early 2030s, especially as global travelers look for diverse, affordable experiences post‑pandemic.
Quick Reference Checklist for Travelers
- Best time to visit: October‑March (dry season) for most regions.
- Top entry points: Delhi (IGI), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), and Kochi (COK) for e‑visa eligibility.
- Must‑see heritage sites: TajMahal, Jaipur’s Amber Fort, Hampi, and Khajuraho.
- Adventure highlights: Leh-Ladakh road trip, Kerala backwaters houseboat stay, Ranthambore tiger safari.
- Health precautions: Recommended vaccinations include HepatitisA, Typhoid, and routine immunizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India’s current rank for tourist arrivals?
India ranks 7th globally for inbound tourist arrivals, with roughly 18million foreign visitors recorded in 2024‑2025.
How does India rank in tourism revenue?
In terms of revenue, India sits at 9th place, generating about USD30.1billion from international tourism.
Which countries receive the most tourists each year?
France, Spain, the United States, China and Italy are the top five destinations, collectively accounting for over 400million arrivals annually.
What are the biggest challenges for India’s tourism growth?
Key challenges include uneven infrastructure, seasonal visitor dips during monsoons, visa processing complexities and lower average spend per tourist compared with leading markets.
How can travelers make the most of a short trip to India?
Focus on a regional circuit-like the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) or South Coast (Bengaluru, Mysore, Kerala) - to minimize travel time and capture the country’s highlights.