AI and Digital Platforms Drive Growth in India Tourism

India's tourism sector is experiencing significant growth driven by the integration of artificial intelligence and digital platforms. Government data released on World Tourism Day shows the sector contributed 5.22% to India's GDP and supported 8.46 crore jobs during the 2023-24 period. Domestic tourist visits reached 428.55 crore in 2025, while foreign visits rose to 2.53 crore, generating Rs 2,76,831 crore in foreign exchange earnings.

To support this expansion, the Ministry of Tourism has implemented digital initiatives including e-Visa, the Incredible India Digital Platform, and NIDHI+, alongside infrastructure projects such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD.

Industry leaders from Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel advocate for a collaborative model where AI manages scale and efficiency while human expertise provides curation. They note that AI has evolved from a digital tool into a core part of the customer journey, enabling faster responses and deeper personalization for travelers seeking immersive, wellness, and premium experiences.