India’s Tourism Story in 2025: A Year of Growth, Innovation, and Global Appeal

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

India entered 2025 with a tourism sector experiencing remarkable revival, supported by a blend of heritage conservation, modern infrastructure expansion and forward-looking policymaking. By August 2025, India recorded a combined total of over 3 billion tourist visits— domestic and foreign together— reflecting both strong internal demand and steadily rising international interest.

This momentum was reinforced by major initiatives such as Swadesh Darshan and Swadesh Darshan 2.0, which completed more than 100 projects across cultural, spiritual, coastal and tribal tourism circuits. Spiritual tourism also saw significant enhancement under the PRASHAD Scheme, which upgraded pilgrimage centres and improved accessibility for millions of visitors.

Domestic tourism remained a powerful driver of growth, encouraged by campaigns such as Dekho Apna Desh, which promoted lesser-known destinations through digital outreach, events and public engagement. India’s global appeal continued to be shaped by its 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites from architectural icons like the Taj Mahal and Sun Temple of Konark to natural treasures such as the Western Ghats and Kaziranga National Park. As India’s tourism sector strengthened its global standing, tourism diplomacy emerged as a crucial pillar of international engagement, and in this larger context, the Embassy of India in Bahrain played a pivotal role in deepening cultural and travel ties throughout the year.

Deepening Tourism Ties Through Cultural Diplomacy

The year 2025 was especially significant for the Embassy of India in Bahrain, which undertook a series of impactful initiatives to promote India’s tourism potential and bring the cultural richness of its States and Union Territories directly to Bahraini audiences. These efforts reflected a broader national strategy to strengthen people-to-people connections and expand the presence of Indian cultural and travel opportunities in the Gulf region.

A central pillar of the Embassy’s outreach was the Focus State/Union Territory Initiative, through which different Indian States and Union Territories were promoted across the year. The initiative also showcased the tourism attractions and One District One Product (ODOP) offerings of States and UTs such as Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Haryana. Through the inauguration of tourism and ODOP walls, the display of artisanal products, cultural programmes, digital campaigns and widespread public engagement, the Embassy transformed into a vibrant platform presenting India’s diverse traditions, landscapes, craftsmanship and cuisines.

A major milestone in 2025 was India’s decision to extend the electronic Visa (e-Visa) facility to Bahraini nationals across 14 categories. This policy shift significantly simplified travel for Bahraini visitors, whether for leisure, medical treatment, business engagements, cultural exploration or participation in conferences and events. The Embassy played a vital role in effectively communicating the expanded options, ensuring broad public awareness and easy access to the enhanced visa system.

As part of these wider efforts, the Embassy also facilitated the Goa Tourism Roadshow in Bahrain, during which Ambassador Jacob highlighted India’s readiness to welcome Bahraini travellers and noted the positive impact of the expanded eVisa facility reflected in a nearly 30% rise in visa issuances within four months of its introduction in July 2025. Building on this momentum, the Embassy will extend the Focus State initiative by promoting the tourism potential and ODOP offerings of Maharashtra and Goa in February–March 2026.

Youth engagement has became one of the Embassy’s most meaningful achievements. The Visit Embassy Programme, which began in 2023, continued to flourish as a platform for cultural and educational exchange. Nearly six hundred students from more than thirty schools visited the Embassy, participating in interactive sessions that introduced them to India’s tourism circuits, ODOP craftsmanship, Ayurveda and wellness traditions, and opportunities in higher education, as well as India’s technological capabilities. The programme sparked curiosity among young Bahrainis and expatriate students alike, strengthening cultural understanding and encouraging long-term engagement with India.

Together, these efforts made 2025 a year of meaningful, people-centred tourism diplomacy for the Embassy of India in Bahrain. Through cultural showcases, industry partnerships, youth outreach, and visa facilitation, the Embassy worked tirelessly to bring India closer to Bahrain and deepen bonds of friendship and mutual appreciation.

A Shared Road Ahead

As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day in January 2026, the achievements of the previous year offer ample reason for pride. The growth of India’s tourism sector and the Embassy’s dynamic outreach in Bahrain reflect a shared spirit of cooperation, cultural exchange and openness. With strengthened partnerships, expanded travel opportunities and continued engagement, India looks forward to welcoming even more visitors from Bahrain to experience its extraordinary diversity where ancient heritage, modern innovation and heartfelt hospitality await.