India has been recognised as the international destination with the greatest tourism potential, according to the 2025 edition of GlobalData’s Tourism Potential Index.
The report highlights India’s exceptional performance, driven by its cultural richness, large-scale infrastructure development, and remarkable growth in both visitor arrivals and tourism spending. The index evaluates 60 major global destinations based on factors such as attractiveness, development, sustainability, and risk.
Nicholas Wyatt, Global Head of Travel and Tourism Research at GlobalData, said, “India performed strongly across multiple pillars that helped it secure the top position overall. Impressive forecast growth in both tourism flows and spending provides a solid foundation. This is complemented by India’s rich and diverse culture, reflected in the presence of numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites that attract both domestic and international travellers. The country’s high score in infrastructure and development, supported by an extensive national infrastructure programme and strong foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, further cements its leadership.”
While India topped the index, the report notes opportunities for improvement in the risk and sustainability pillars—areas where countries like Japan have shown progress.
Japan secured third place in the index, benefiting from record-breaking international visitor numbers in 2024, which are expected to continue rising. It achieved the second-highest score in the tourism activity pillar, just behind India.
China also delivered a strong performance, particularly in infrastructure and development, registering maximum scores in tourism construction projects, FDI, and capital investment sub-pillars. Wyatt added, “China’s rapid progress, driven by both government and private sector initiatives, continues to enhance its global standing. With a vast domestic tourism market and increasing foreign investment, China remains a key player in the global tourism landscape.”
The findings of the report reaffirm India’s growing influence and potential in the global travel and tourism industry, supported by strong policy direction, investment, and cultural appeal.
