NEW DELHI, Oct 16: India has been ranked as the international destination with the greatest tourism potential in the 2025 edition of GlobalData’s Tourism Potential Index. The country led the ranking due to its rich cultural heritage, robust infrastructure development, and strong growth in both tourist arrivals and spending.

The index evaluates 60 major global destinations, assessing their prospects across multiple pillars. Nicholas Wyatt, Global Head of Travel and Tourism Research at GlobalData, highlighted India’s strengths: “India performed strongly in multiple pillars that helped it cement top spot overall. Impressive forecast growth in both tourism flows and spending provide the building blocks. This is then supplemented by a strong attractiveness score as the country’s rich and diverse culture translates into the presence of many UNESCO Heritage Sites that attract international and domestic travelers alike.”

Wyatt further emphasized India’s high marks in infrastructure and development, driven by an extensive national infrastructure program and success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the tourism sector.

Despite its top ranking, India scored below average in risk management and sustainability pillars—areas where Japan outperformed the country. Japan, ranked third, benefited from record-breaking international visitation in 2024 and secured the second-highest score in tourism activity, reflecting strong demand momentum.

China ranked high in infrastructure and development, achieving maximum scores in tourism construction projects, FDI, and capital investment within the macroeconomics pillar. Wyatt noted China’s rapid government and private sector development, coupled with a strong domestic tourism market and increasing foreign investment, which underpin its high ranking.

The Tourism Potential Index provides a comprehensive look at the future prospects of global destinations, highlighting how cultural assets, infrastructure, investment, and market dynamics shape tourism growth.