Despite geopolitical tensions, India anticipates a surge of over 10% in inbound tourism this year, fuelled by conflicts in the Middle East and a post-pandemic shift in tourists from China. Recent data shows a remarkable 305.4% growth in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in 2023, reaching 9.23 million visitors. While still shy of the pre-pandemic level of 10.93 million in 2019, experts foresee crossing this milestone in 2024.
According to the 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects, India has more than 50% of its population below the age of 25 and more than 65% below the age of 35. That makes India one of the biggest countries in the world with a large young population. This young population is all set to turn the tide this year in the General Elections, using their power to vote and elect the leader of the country. India’s political landscape and rapidly developing economy, fulled by scientific innovation has a promising ground to make tourism and travel a major category that would contribute to the rise of the nation as one of the top destinations for travelling.
A cornerstone of India's tourism appeal lies in its cultural diversity, epitomised by its myriad religions, languages, and traditions. This diversity creates a tapestry of experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant customs and rituals of different regions. The inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is poised to significantly elevate temple tourism in India, with projections suggesting that at least 100 million visitors will flock to the site annually, as per Jefferies analysts. This forecast places Ayodhya on par with renowned global religious centers like the Vatican City, drawing comparisons to its annual visitation figures. Similarly, Mecca, a significant pilgrimage destination for Muslims, attracts approximately 20 million visitors each year.
According to recent statistics, India has emerged as the top destination for UK patients seeking affordable healthcare abroad, accounting for over 10% of all medical tourism cases from the UK. In the UK, lengthy waiting times for non-emergency treatments drive patients to seek quicker solutions through medical tourism in India.
Patients gain timely access to healthcare, choosing treatment dates and bypassing waiting lists. The Covid-19 pandemic boosted telemedicine adoption, enabling remote consultations with Indian doctors. UK-India hospital collaborations enhance patient care continuity, with customised packages offering comprehensive services. Positive patient testimonials amplify India's reputation for medical tourism, driving demand through word-of-mouth and online platforms. This trend underscores the growing appeal and accessibility of Indian healthcare services for UK patients.
India's tourism industry set to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024
Dipak Diva, MD of Travel Corporation of India, predicts sustained double-digit growth for the next few years, citing the recent surge in inbound tourism and robust hotel performance. The acquisition of over 1000 aircraft by Indian airlines and the doubling of airports in the last decade are expected to further bolster the tourism sector, providing increased accessibility and connectivity for foreign tourists.
New and emerging destinations like Varanasi and Ayodhya are witnessing a surge in foreign tourist arrivals, with attractions like the construction of the Ram temple drawing international visitors. India's diverse offerings, from cultural heritage to scenic beaches and delectable cuisine, contribute to its growing popularity among global travellers.
China's declining tourism demand has also presented an opportunity for India to attract more tourists, further enhancing its appeal as a preferred destination. With the government's initiatives like the Visit India Year 2023 and participation in international travel exhibitions, India aims to position itself as a holistic destination in major global markets.
Projections indicate a bright future for India's tourism industry, with revenue expected to surpass $59 billion by 2028 and FTAs estimated to reach 30.5 million. As stakeholders gear up for this transformative period, strategic investments and initiatives like the "Incredible India" campaign are poised to elevate India's tourism landscape on the global stage.
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with overseas Indian missions, has actively participated in major international travel exhibitions like FITUR and served as a partner country for events like the JATA Tourism Expo. These efforts aim to showcase India's tourism potential and attract visitors from key international markets.
By 2028, India's tourism and hospitality industry is projected to generate revenue exceeding $59 billion, with Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) anticipated to reach 30.5 million. In 2023 alone, foreign exchange earnings amounted to USD 28.07 billion, underscoring the significant economic impact of tourism.
With high expectations, industry stakeholders are gearing up for a transformative period in India's tourism landscape. Strategic investments, combined with initiatives such as the "Incredible India" campaign, are poised to elevate the country's profile as a premier travel destination. As India continues to capitalise on its diverse attractions and cultural richness, the tourism sector is set to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering international exchange and cooperation.
India's rising status in medical tourism amid global healthcare challenges
The NHS in the UK faces issues like ageing populations, digitalisation needs, resource constraints, and staff retention difficulties, worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic. In contrast, India's healthcare infrastructure shines, offering world-class facilities, trained medical professionals, and cost-effective services. Government initiatives and technological advancements further bolster India's position in medical tourism, promising growth in specialised healthcare services and enhanced patient care delivery. For instance, in the UK, residents in Knowsley don’t have dentists to reach out to for their dental care. The NHS is under extreme strain and many people are going without the care they need. In July 2023, the waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England had grown to nearly 7.7 million – an all-time high – with almost 390,000 people waiting more than a year.
More than a third of cancer patients in England are facing potentially deadly delays, leading doctors have said, with thousands of people forced to wait months to begin treatment.
There has also been a significant surge in people experiencing long waits in A&E, though the overall NHS waiting list continues to fall, according to the latest performance data for England. An estimated total 7.6m health treatments were waiting to be carried out in England at the end of December, relating to 6.37 million patients, down slightly from 7.61m treatments and 6.39 million patients at the end of November.
In 2022, India's travel healthcare sector was valued at $9 billion, with around 2 million patients from 78 countries visiting for medical, wellness, and IVF treatments, contributing $6 billion annually. With government initiatives like Heal in India, this figure is expected to reach $13 billion by 2026. India attracts medical tourists from various countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Russia, the UK, and the US.
Speaking to Asian Voice, R Venkatesh, Senior Management Executive at Narayana Health, “India's healthcare infrastructure is a cornerstone of its success, renowned for world-class facilities specialising in areas like cardiology, orthopaedics, and organ transplants. These establishments adhere to international standards, earning accreditations that inspire confidence in patients seeking treatment abroad.
“Government initiatives such as 'Heal in India' and 'Advantage Healthcare India' have been instrumental in nurturing the growth of the medical tourism sector. These initiatives streamline visa processes, promote the industry globally, and provide reliable platforms for patients to access information.”
While India's medical tourism sector has made significant strides, challenges remain, including infrastructure improvements and policy support. Despite these hurdles, India's medical prowess and affordability continue to attract patients worldwide, signalling a promising future for the country's healthcare landscape.
Transforming healthcare: The impact of medical tourism agencies
Medical tourism has witnessed remarkable growth, with India emerging as a leading destination due to its superior medical facilities, skilled healthcare professionals, and cost-effective treatment options. Specialised medical tourism agencies play a crucial role in promoting India's healthcare services globally and ensuring a seamless experience for international patients.
Annu Puri, co-founder and director at IndiCure spoke the newsweekly and emphasised transparency and clear communication throughout the medical tourism process. She routes for offering comprehensive information on procedures, costs, and outcomes, IndiCure prioritises informed decision-making for clients.
Similarly, Anurag Singh, founder & CEO of Yapita Health, highlighted their AI-driven services that expedite treatment plans and provide second medical opinions from top global doctors. Leveraging India's reputation for high-quality care at lower costs, Yapita Health facilitates personalised and affordable healthcare solutions for international patients.
India's allure as a medical tourism hub stems from its advanced medical facilities, skilled professionals, and cost-effectiveness, attracting patients seeking world-class healthcare without the financial burden. As more individuals opt for treatment in countries like India, Turkey, and the UAE, the future of medical tourism appears promising, driven by the pursuit of quality care and affordability.
Ayodhya new religious tourist hub
According to analysts cited by Reuters, the establishment of Ayodhya as a new religious tourist hub, coupled with enhanced connectivity and infrastructure, is expected to yield substantial economic benefits. Currently, India's tourism sector contributes $200 billion to the economy, accounting for 7% of the nation's GDP. The government's financial backing of pilgrimage sites across the country is anticipated to further propel tourism growth.
The transformative impact of such initiatives is exemplified by the resurgence of Varanasi following the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. Government data cited by Reuters indicates that over 130 million tourists have visited Varanasi since the corridor's unveiling, marking a significant surge from the city's previous annual footfall of 7 million. Moreover, local businesses and hotels in Varanasi have experienced a notable uptick in revenue, with some witnessing an increase of up to 65%, underscoring the positive ripple effects of infrastructure development on tourism and the local economy.
However, India faces challenges on its path to tourism excellence, including infrastructure deficiencies, safety concerns, and sustainability issues. To fully harness its tourism potential, India must prioritise infrastructure development, implement safety measures, promote sustainable practices, and streamline visa procedures.
India holds immense promise as a global tourism powerhouse, with its cultural richness, historical landmarks, adventure offerings, and warm hospitality attracting travelers from far and wide. By addressing challenges and embracing sustainable tourism practices, India can cement its position as a top-tier destination on the world tourism map.
India has always been renowned for its cultural depth and historical splendour, and is now being recognised for its progressive healthcare services. As a leading destination for medical tourism, India attracts hundreds of thousands of medical tourists annually. The country's healthcare system uniquely blends its rich traditional practices with modern medical innovations. Read our special feature on Health and Tourism from P14-17.
