By Priyanka Saxena Ray
India continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s priority tourism markets, with visitor numbers expected to rise sharply over the coming years. Speaking at the interaction, Lindy Cameron highlighted the enduring cultural and economic ties between the two countries, backed by a vibrant Indian diaspora of over 1.9 million people in the UK and strong bilateral business presence, with more than 1,000 Indian-owned companies in Britain and over 650 UK firms operating in India.
Tourism, she noted, plays a powerful role in deepening these connections while supporting jobs and regional prosperity across the UK. “India is a priority market for Britain, and the story ahead is a confident one,” Cameron said, adding that Indian travellers are increasingly exploring destinations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, not just London.
VisitBritain shared strong forward-looking projections, forecasting that Indian visitor numbers will grow from around 650,000 in 2025 to nearly one million by 2030. Visitor spending is also expected to cross the £1 billion mark by 2026, rising further to £1.6 billion by 2030, representing growth of nearly 74 per cent.
A key driver of this expansion is enhanced air connectivity, with over 170 weekly flights between India and the UK, including increasing access to regional gateways such as Manchester and Birmingham.
Gary Robson emphasised tourism’s vital economic role, noting that the sector contributes £147 billion to the UK economy, accounting for nearly 5 percent of GDP. “India is becoming one of the most valuable contributors to that story,” Robson said. He added that Indian travellers are staying longer, spending more on premium experiences, and seeking personalised journeys rather than standard itineraries.
The discussion also highlighted changing traveller preferences, with rising demand for luxury, cultural immersion, weddings, and experience-led travel. More than 56 percent of Indian visitors now spend nights outside London, reflecting the success of efforts to promote regional Britain.
Ritu Varma said that the focus remains on working closely with the travel trade to curate experiences that match evolving Indian expectations. “Indian travellers are looking for meaningful, memorable journeys, and we are committed to ensuring the UK remains welcoming, inspiring and relevant for them,” she said.
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