Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal

Bhopal, Oct 12: Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday said that India’s tourism sector has emerged as a major economic driver, contributing over Rs 20 lakh crore to the national GDP and providing livelihood to more than 84 million people.

Speaking at the ‘MP Travel Mart’ organised by the Madhya Pradesh tourism department, Shekhawat said the sector is poised for rapid expansion. “Tourism now contributes over Rs 20 lakh crore to our national GDP. It provides livelihood to more than 84 million people. The tourism sector in India is estimated to grow at a CAGR of more than 25%,” he stated.

Highlighting the country’s growing appeal among travelers, the minister said India welcomed 20 million inbound tourists last year, while domestic travelers made 2.94 billion trips.

“These numbers tell a deeper story — a story of empowerment. Artisans are finding new markets, families are running homestays, women entrepreneurs are creating eco-retreats, and local youths are emerging as confident guides and hosts,” Shekhawat said.

Emphasizing that tourism is now seen as a national priority rather than an auxiliary sector, he noted that the government’s massive investments in highways, airports, inland waterways, and digital infrastructure have made travel across India more seamless than ever.