IndiGo CEO Calls for Visa Reforms, Better Travel Experience to Boost India’s Inbound Tourism

India must streamline its visa process and make travel smoother for foreign visitors to unlock its vast tourism potential, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said on Wednesday, noting that the country still draws only a “handful” of overseas travellers compared with neighbours like Thailand.

Speaking at a tourism conclave organised by the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH), Elbers highlighted India’s rich attractions — from its 44 UNESCO heritage sites, diverse landscapes and cultural festivals to its cuisine and music — yet underwhelming foreign tourist numbers.

In 2024, India welcomed about 9.95 million foreign tourists, up from 9.52 million in 2023 but still below the 2019 pre-pandemic high of 10.93 million. Thailand, in contrast, saw 35.55 million visitors last year, up 26.3% from 2023.

Elbers stressed that easing visa norms should be the first priority. While citizens from about 90 countries can travel visa-free to Thailand and 70 to China, India offers visa-free entry to only three — Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives. He noted that even India’s low-cost e-visa system remains cumbersome, with glitches in payment and documentation.

“It’s not the money, it’s the inconvenience,” he said, also criticising excessive hotel documentation requirements for foreign guests.

He identified two other key issues: making it easier for tourists to navigate the country and reviving strong promotional campaigns like “Incredible India,” but only after fixing the basics.

IndiGo, he added, is expanding its flight network to connect destinations, but “the rest of the system” must improve to truly boost inbound tourism.