India has achieved a significant milestone by securing the 39th position among 119 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) for 2024. This marks an improvement from its previous ranking of 54th in 2021. However, due to a revision in the WEF’s methodology, India’s 2021 rank was adjusted to 38th place.
The TTDI evaluates countries based on factors such as business environment, safety and security, health and hygiene, human resources and labor market, ICT readiness, prioritization of travel and tourism, international openness, price competitiveness, environmental sustainability, air transport infrastructure, ground and port infrastructure, tourist service infrastructure, natural resources, and cultural resources.
India’s ascent in the rankings can be attributed to several government initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure and services. The Ministry of Tourism has been instrumental in implementing schemes like ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and the ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’, which provide financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations for developing tourism-related infrastructure.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the Advantage Healthcare India portal, a “one-stop” platform designed to facilitate information for international patients seeking medical treatment in India. This initiative is expected to boost medical tourism by providing easy access to information and services.
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The government’s efforts to promote tourism have yielded positive results, with foreign tourist arrivals increasing to 9.5 million in 2023, up from 7.7 million in 2014, registering a growth of 23.96%. To attract more foreign tourists, the Ministry of Tourism has launched a pilot initiative offering visa-free travel to 100,000 tourists, which has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
These developments reflect India’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector, making it a more attractive destination for travelers worldwide.
