Adventure Trails Boost India’s Tourism
New Delhi: Picture arriving in India for world-class medical treatment in bustling cities like Ahmedabad, or setting out to trek the misty trails of Himachal Pradesh. These diverse draws—healthcare and adventure—are putting India’s tourism industry on the global map.
India’s tourism industry is thriving with global patients flocking to its medical hubs and adventurers exploring its rugged trails, supported by digital innovation and local empowerment programmes.
As reported by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Rajya Sabha replies on August 7, 2025, medical tourism welcomed 1,31,856 Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in 2025 (up to April), making up 4.1% of total FTAs, according to the Bureau of Immigration. The sector has grown steadily, from 1,82,945 medical FTAs in 2020 to 6,44,387 in 2024, led by Bangladesh with 4,82,336 visitors, followed by Iraq, Somalia, Oman, and Uzbekistan.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s ‘Heal in India’ initiative, backed by Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and e-medical visas for 171 countries, is driving this surge. Gujarat stands out, promoting wellness retreats through its Tourism Department website, hosting Familiarisation (FAM) trips for industry stakeholders, and showcasing its healthcare at global expos while training paramedical staff to cater to international patients. This blend of medical expertise and hospitality is making India a go-to destination for health seekers.
Adventure tourism is equally vibrant, with thrill-seekers drawn to India’s mountains, rivers, and forests. The Ministry of Tourism, working with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), has rolled out Adventure Safety Guidelines to State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations to ensure safe experiences. States are tasked with enforcing operator licensing norms, aiming to keep treks and rafting trips secure.
The industry’s broader impact is striking. In 2024, 294.76 crore Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) brought historic forts, serene beaches, and sacred sites to life, marking a 17.36% rise from 2023. The sector contributed ₹15.73 lakh crore to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023–24, or 5.22% of the economy, per provisional estimates from the National Account Statistics 2025. The Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP), powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), has drawn 26 lakh visitors by July 2025, offering virtual glimpses of India’s cultural and natural treasures.
Government claims its initiatives are fueling this growth. Schemes like Swadesh Darshan, National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), and Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) fund infrastructure upgrades through States, UTs, and Central Agencies. The Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) scheme, with programmes like Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi, trains locals and women to enhance visitor experiences. The Swachhta Action Plan (SAP), in collaboration with the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, promotes clean tourist sites through campaigns and plastic bans via the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), and Food Craft Institutes (FCIs).
Campaigns like Dekho Apna Desh, Chalo India, International Tourism Mart, and Bharat Parv spotlight India’s diversity, while Tourism Police in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Uttar Pradesh bolster safety. Total FTAs reached 99,51,722 in 2024, nearing 2019’s 1,09,30,355, led by the United States, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom. Indian Nationals’ Departures (INDs) hit 3,08,85,048, with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia as top destinations.
From medical hubs to mountain trails, India’s tourism industry is emerging as a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, drawing millions with its diverse appeal.
– global bihari bureau
