China & N Asia, massive inbound tourism opportunity for India

In 2017, India received 10.2 million foreign visitors, of which around 2 million were land border crossings from Bangladesh. A striking feature of the remaining 8 million foreign arrivals is the relatively small share of visitors from North Asia who represent a key driver of tourism in other Asian destinations.

The three largest markets in the region - China, Japan and South Korea - accounted for only around 7.5% of foreign arrivals (excluding Bangladesh) in India, compared with more than 35% in the case of Thailand.

However, simplified visa requirements, improved air connectivity, long haul low cost airlines and an increased focus on promotion and product development could stimulate tourism flows.