For the first time after COVID-19, foreign tourist arrivals decline in country

The deadly terrorist attack at a tourist spot at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir and the armed forces’ retaliation through Operation Sindhoor seem to have taken a toll on the foreign tourist arrivals in the country this calendar year. According to statistics released by the Union government, 69.80 lakh foreign tourists have arrived in India up to October 2025. The tourist inflow has posted a drop for the first time after the lull during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is a considerable decline when compared to the figures of the previous years (up to October). For instance, the number was 76.81 lakh in 2024 and 74.70 lakh in 2023, whereas it was 86.12 lakh in 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak. The drop in foreign tourist arrivals is expected to have a big impact on tourism in the State, which has been struggling to stay afloat after the pandemic.

The recovery of foreign tourist arrivals in Kerala was approximately around 62% in 2024, reaching 7.38 lakh arrivals, compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. On the other hand, the country as a whole recovered considerably in the last two years with 99.52 lakh foreign tourist arrivals in 2024 and 95.21 lakh arrivals in 2023, compared to 109.30 lakh arrivals in 2019.

Speaking to The Hindu, James Kodianthara, former chairperson of the Kerala chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Concord Exotic Voyages, said there was a 30% drop in business following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

The heightened warmongering from both sides dissuaded foreigners from coming to India in the months that followed. Plus, international issues, including the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine and glitches in processing online visa, also played a role, said Mr. Kodianthara. Though Kerala Tourism has not officially released the tourist arrival figures for 2025, as per primary estimate, the State has recorded close to 6 lakh arrivals up to October 1 this year. 

A change in the global scenario is expected to offset the shortfall to some extent. As the peak foreign tourist season begins in India by October-end and November, and it lasts till March, the industry is hopeful of good business in the changed atmosphere. Further, the devaluation of Indian currency is expected to attract more foreign tourists to the country.