This report profiles India’s tourism industry, discussing market trends through 2014 and outlook for 2015 and beyond. The report also highlights leading players in the sector including Indian Hotels Company Ltd, EIH Ltd and Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.

During the last decade, the Indian tourism industry went through a period of high growth with rapid increase in foreign tourist arrivals. Tourism has played an important role in the development of the country’s economy. It is a service-oriented sector which not only generates foreign exchange earnings for the government, but creates substantial job opportunities and is a means of livelihood for millions of Indians. The industry involves a plethora of service providers in both organized and unorganized sectors which include travel agents, tour operators, guides, hotels, guest houses, inns, restaurants and other allied services.

2014 was a good year for the Indian tourism industry. After a slow growth in 2013, the industry revived, witnessing a growth in both foreign tourist arrivals and foreign exchange receipts. The growth picked up particularly due to increased activity in the second and third quarters which are generally lean. Domestic tourism continued its growth trend while outbound tourism also saw an increase in 2014. The outlook is bright as India’s growing young population and rising per capita consumption, coupled with the improvement in infrastructure and facilities, bode well for the tourism sector.

Key Points:

• Though it is one of the core sectors of the economy, the full potential of Indian tourism is yet to be tapped. In 2014, India only received 0.68% of the world’s international tourist arrivals.

• During 2006-13, foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) from tourism grew at a CAGR of 11%. In FY14, it grew by 6.6% y/y.

• During 2006-13, domestic tourist visits grew at a CAGR of 14%. The number of domestic tourists exceeded 1bn in 2012.

• During 2008-14, the number of foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in the country grew at a CAGR of 8% to reach 7.6mn in 2014. FTAs grew by 10% y/y in 2014, higher than the historic growth rate.