India tourism to double in 5 years

India tourism will double in the three years from 2007 to 2010, according to a major international study.

As the fastest growing tourism market in the world, India tourism is benefiting the from the success of the “Incredible India” marketing campaign launched a few years ago by the Indian Government.

This and other forms of government support, strong and sustained economic growth and rising incomes in India together with hosting major international sports events, including the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and the rise in medical tourism is forecast to maintain the rapid growth rate.

However, the industry may have to cope up with several challenges which will limit its growth.

Key findings of the 65-page report by Report Buyer include:
India is expected to see an influx of 10 million international tourists by 2010, up from 5 million in 2007.
Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Rajasthan are the leading tourism destinations in India, in terms of total tourist arrivals.
India has been promoting its healthcare tourism by providing visitors with private healthcare facilities. It is expected that the total market for medical tourism will reach US$ 2 billion by 2012, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 60.69%.
Personal disposable income during 2002-2007 grew at 14.16%, driving domestic as well as outbound tourism.
Indian outbound tourist flow is expected to increase at 13.30% over the five-year period spanning from 2008 to 2012.
India's share in the global tourism is expected to reach 1.5% by 2010.
The growth in India's tourism market is expected to serve as a boom, driving the growth of several associated sectors, including the hotel, medical and aviation industries.