An editorial published on February 13, 2026, highlights tourism as a major yet underutilized growth engine for India’s economy. Contributing 6.7% to GDP and employing nearly 48 million people, the sector has high job-multiplier potential but faces infrastructure, sustainability, taxation and safety challenges. Strategic reforms in connectivity, digital integration, skill development and green regulation are needed to unlock its projected $1-trillion potential by 2035.

BulletsIn

• Tourism contributes 6.7% to GDP; employs ~48 million people
• ₹1 invested creates 3.5x more jobs than economy average
• Only 10 million foreign tourists despite 44 UNESCO sites
• 2024 forex earnings from tourism: USD 35.016 billion
• Infrastructure gaps, weak last-mile connectivity persist
• Overtourism stressing hill stations, fragile ecosystems
• High GST on luxury hotels impacts global competitiveness
• Safety concerns, waste crisis hurt brand perception
• Skill gaps in hospitality; thousands of training seats vacant
• Reforms needed: digital integration, GST rationalization, tourist police, sustainable capacity-based regulation