1. India’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector: 2023–2025
 

Between 2023 and 2025, India’s tourism and hospitality industry experienced a robust revival following the global pandemic. As one of the fastest-growing travel markets, India focused on both infrastructure modernization and experience enhancement to reposition itself as a top global tourism destination.

Key developments during this period included:

• A strong rebound in domestic tourism, supported by rising disposable income, improved connectivity, and a growing culture of travel among young Indians.

• Gradual return of international tourists, driven by focused marketing campaigns, simplified visa procedures, and heritage-focused destination branding.

• Increased investment in hospitality infrastructure, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, spiritual circuits, and ecotourism regions.

• Rapid digitization across the travel value chain, with hotels, travel platforms, and local services leveraging data, AI, and contactless technologies.

• Expansion of medical, wellness, and spiritual tourism as high-value, niche segments with significant growth potential.

Tourism became a key lever for job creation, soft power, and regional economic development in India’s post-pandemic recovery strategy.

2. Key Trends and Sector Shifts
 

• Domestic Travel Surge: Indian travelers increasingly explored offbeat, culturally rich, and sustainable destinations, with weekend getaways and short-haul travel gaining popularity.

• Experience-Driven Hospitality: Demand grew for experiential stays—eco-lodges, heritage properties, boutique resorts, and homestays—with an emphasis on authenticity and local immersion.

• Luxury and Wellness Tourism: Premium travelers prioritized wellness resorts, Ayurveda retreats, and high-end hospitality experiences catering to relaxation, rejuvenation, and exclusivity.

• Digital Transformation: Online bookings, AI-driven personalization, digital concierge services, and real-time reviews became standard features across the industry.

• Sustainable Tourism: Conscious tourism gained momentum, with increasing attention to carbon footprint, community-based tourism, and green building certifications.

India’s travel and hospitality sector evolved from volume-driven growth to value-driven experiences and ecosystem sustainability.

3. France–India Cooperation in Tourism and Hospitality
 

France and India enjoy deep cultural connections and increasing collaboration in tourism, cultural heritage, and hospitality services:

• Tourism Promotion and Exchanges: Tourism boards and travel operators from both countries actively promoted bilateral travel through co-marketing, language programs, and themed circuits (e.g., art, gastronomy, spirituality).

• Hospitality Investment: French hospitality groups expanded operations in India, with projects in urban hotels, boutique resorts, and serviced residences across metros and emerging cities.

• Culinary and Cultural Collaboration: French gastronomy, wine, and design were integrated into Indian hospitality offerings, enriching guest experiences and promoting cross-cultural appreciation.

• Education and Training: Indian hospitality institutions collaborated with French schools for curriculum development, faculty exchange, and training in luxury hospitality and culinary arts.

• Smart Tourism and Sustainability: Collaboration on eco-certification, smart destination planning, and sustainable tourism practices opened new avenues for innovation.

This partnership supported both inbound and outbound tourism flows while fostering high standards in guest experience, design, and service delivery.

4. Outlook Beyond 2025
 

India’s tourism and hospitality sector is expected to expand significantly in the coming years, driven by infrastructure, technology, and market diversification:

• International Tourist Arrivals: India aims to substantially increase its share in global tourist arrivals through better airport infrastructure, visa facilitation, and brand positioning.

• Hospitality Expansion: Growth in branded hotel inventory, service apartments, themed resorts, and alternative accommodations will accelerate, particularly in non-metro regions.

• Digital Travel Ecosystems: AI, AR/VR experiences, blockchain in ticketing, and integrated trip planning platforms will redefine travel convenience and personalization.

• MICE and Business Tourism: Growth in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) will boost demand for upscale hotels, convention centers, and urban tourism.

• Cultural and Heritage Tourism: Restoration of heritage sites, local storytelling, and immersive cultural experiences will deepen global engagement with India’s soft power.

• France–India Opportunities: Tourism-based startups, heritage restoration, and sustainable destination management will become key themes of bilateral cooperation.

Tourism will continue to play a vital role in India’s service economy, urban renewal, and international image-building.

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Strategic Relevance for FIBC

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• Enables French stakeholders to participate in India’s tourism boom through investment, consulting, and hospitality operations.

• Facilitates partnerships in areas like wellness tourism, boutique hotel design, culinary innovation, and heritage restoration.

• Enhances cultural diplomacy through joint events, creative collaborations, and people-to-people connectivity.

• Positions FIBC as a catalyst for tourism-led economic growth, destination marketing, and sustainable development cooperation.