“Incredible India” was built to attract outsiders, but the center of gravity in Indian travel has shifted from selling the country abroad to building for travelers at home.
India's current tourism revenue makes one thing crystal clear: Just talking about the importance of tourism without an actionable strategy is a short-sighted move, and the country doesn't seem to get beyond rhetoric.
The 2026 World Cup promises a $30.5 billion economic boost, yet it faces significant headwinds from a tourism sector currently contracting, with inbound volumes down and continued political and trade tensions.
The U.S. travel sector is slowing down due to a drop in international visitors, especially from Canada, while Canada's industry is surging because of a boom in domestic tourism.
The changes in the taxation system have made one thing clear: India wants to make travel accessible to everyone, but it will not be subsidizing premium travel experiences.