India’s tourism success goes beyond just the increasing number of people traveling. The country is investing substantial sums of money into its aviation industry to establish itself as a major travel hub. The government has set forth ambitious plans to spend $11.9 billion by 2025 to modernize and build airports across the country. One noteworthy project is the upcoming Noida International Airport, which is expected to be the largest airport in Asia upon its completion in 2024. These infrastructure developments, including airports and terminals, have played a pivotal role in driving India’s tourism growth. The growth of India’s outbound tourism is the result of a combination of private airline initiatives and government investments. The government’s commitment to enhancing airports, coupled with bold moves by airlines to expand their capacity, has propelled this growth. However, some airlines, particularly low-budget carriers like Go First, have encountered challenges due to intense competition and slim profit margins. Nevertheless, other airlines, such as Air India, owned by Tata Sons, have been able to provide affordable options and expand their services. As a result, Air India has become the second-largest domestic airline and the largest international carrier in India.

Indian travelers are exploring a wider range of countries, according to Agoda. While Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia were popular in 2019, more Indians are now visiting Europe, including France and Switzerland. Southeast Asia remains a top choice, with growing numbers of Indian tourists in Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. However, fewer Indians are traveling to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, possibly due to distance and limited awareness.