India's tourism industry has demonstrated a powerful resurgence, with the United States emerging as the single largest source of foreign visitors for the financial year 2024-25. According to the latest India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 released by the Ministry of Tourism, the nation welcomed a significant influx of international travellers, solidifying its position as the world's eighth-largest tourism economy as per WTTC Economic Impact Research.
Top 10 Source Nations for India's Tourism Boom
The data reveals a dynamic list of countries driving foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs). The United States surged to the top spot with a remarkable 1.8 million (over 18 lakh) arrivals, constituting 18.13% of the total FTAs. This represents a climb from its second-place ranking in the previous year.
Bangladesh, which held the number one position in 2023, moved to second place with 1.75 million arrivals. The United Kingdom maintained a strong third position, bringing in 1.02 million visitors. Australia and Canada held steady at fourth and fifth places with 0.52 million and 0.48 million arrivals, respectively.
A notable shift was observed in the middle of the rankings. Malaysia advanced to the sixth position, while France and Singapore made significant gains, with Singapore entering the top ten list. Sri Lanka, Germany, France, and Singapore rounded out the top ten sources for foreign tourists in India.
Recovery and Growth Trajectory Post-Pandemic
The report highlights a compelling story of recovery for India's tourism sector. After a devastating drop of 74.93% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing arrivals down to 2.74 lakh, the industry has rebounded strongly.
Foreign tourist arrivals witnessed a sharp increase to 64.4 lakh in 2022, marking a 323.68% year-on-year growth. The momentum continued into 2024, with the country welcoming a total of 99.5 lakh (9.95 million) foreign tourists. This impressive figure translates to an average of more than 27,000 international visitors arriving in India every single day.
Broader Geographic Contributions and Global Standing
Beyond the top ten, the compendium notes that the top 15 source countries collectively contributed 77.07% of the total FTAs in 2024. This group includes nations like Nepal, Japan, and the Russian Federation. The remaining 22.93% of visitors originated from other countries across the globe, indicating a wide and diverse appeal.
The sustained growth underscores India's enduring attraction, powered by its rich cultural heritage and incredibly varied natural landscapes. From historical monuments and spiritual sites to beaches and mountain ranges, the country's offerings continue to draw millions, cementing its status as a premier global tourism destination. The data signifies not just a return to pre-pandemic levels but a robust forward march for the industry.
