## India’s Wedding Tourism: A Booming Industry Fueled by Modi’s Initiatives and PHDCCI Efforts
India’s wedding tourism industry is set for a major surge, fueled by a confluence of factors – a burgeoning middle class, a young population, and strategic initiatives spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The country is witnessing a remarkable economic shift, with an estimated 25-30 crore people rising from poverty to the middle class in recent years. This economic uplift, coupled with India’s youthful demographics, has created a golden opportunity for the wedding industry, a sector deeply intertwined with Indian culture and tradition.
With around 54% of the population under the age of 30, weddings are a significant expenditure for many Indian households. And with a staggering 68 crore people aged 25 and under, the coming years will see a surge in wedding celebrations across the country. This trend was highlighted by Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during his address at the 1st Wedding Tourism Summit & Expo organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in October 2024.
Shekhawat lauded the PHDCCI’s efforts and congratulated Mr. Hemant Jain, the chamber’s newly appointed president, on his new role. He emphasized the immense potential of both the tourism and wedding industries, which are rapidly becoming key drivers of India’s economic growth. While India currently ranks 24th in the global tourism index, Shekhawat explained that this ranking primarily reflects data from organized sectors, such as hotels rated 3-stars and above. The contributions from India’s vast unorganized sectors and domestic tourism, which includes the millions of pilgrims visiting sacred sites like Kashi, Tirupati, and Ujjain every week, are often overlooked in global statistics.
Shekhawat also highlighted the significant contribution of India’s tourism sector to the national economy, accounting for roughly 7% of the country’s GDP and employing 10-12% of the workforce. The wedding industry, with its potential to utilize infrastructure beyond the traditional wedding season of 70-75 days per year, holds immense promise. By strategically integrating India’s geographical and cultural diversity with a flourishing wedding sector, the nation could witness a transformative economic impact, potentially propelling it towards the $1 trillion mark.
The rise of destination weddings has already established India as a sought-after location for both domestic and international celebrations. Shri Hemant Jain, President of PHDCCI, emphasized that the grandeur of Indian weddings, coupled with India’s unique landscapes, historical venues, and diverse cultures, has made the country an ideal wedding destination. He pointed out that India’s wedding market is currently valued at $50 billion, with an annual growth rate of 20-25%. On a global scale, the wedding industry is worth an astounding $300 billion, making it a significant contributor to various sectors like hospitality, aviation, and tourism.
The 1st Wedding Tourism Summit & Expo, a groundbreaking event organized by PHDCCI, aimed to tap into India’s potential to become a global wedding destination. This two-day event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders to discuss strategies for solidifying India’s position in the global wedding industry through strategic policies, infrastructure development, and international promotion.
Mr. Anil Parashar, a senior member of the PHDCCI Tourism & Hospitality Committee, highlighted the crucial role of India’s tourism industry in the overall economic framework. In 2023, the country welcomed over 15 million foreign tourists, generating over $30 billion in foreign exchange earnings. Domestic tourism is also thriving, with over 1.8 billion trips taken annually by Indian travelers. This dynamic industry supports inclusive growth, benefiting both urban and rural communities across the nation. He added that within this broader landscape, wedding tourism has emerged as a major driver of growth and diversification.
According to a report published by The Economist, the wedding industry is the fourth-largest industry in India, recording a huge spending of US$ 130 billion per year. Its substantial scale provides employment opportunities for millions, he added. Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, highlighted the positive impact of government initiatives such as streamlined visa processes, improved accessibility, and infrastructure development on tourism growth. He pointed out that places like Rajasthan are already established as top wedding destinations. India’s rich heritage, culture, and diverse states make it an attractive destination for tourism. Dr. Mehta emphasized the importance of active participation from the people, suggesting that increased focus on wedding tourism in the country would be beneficial.
Mr. Samit Garg, President of the Event & Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), outlined the private sector’s role in shaping India’s wedding tourism future. EEMA has played a pivotal role in the development of India’s wedding tourism strategy through initiatives like the “Incredible India” campaign. The association is also actively involved in drafting the comprehensive Wedding Tourism Strategy and participated in the 1st PHDCCI Wedding Tourism Summit & Expo to align policies and industry practices for the growth of this sector. Mr. Garg noted that this platform is crucial for fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector to unlock the true potential of India’s wedding tourism industry.
By leveraging the country’s cultural assets, scenic beauty, and rich heritage, India can emerge as a global leader in the wedding tourism market. The 1st Wedding Tourism Summit & Expo served as a launching pad for many exciting developments in India’s wedding industry. The event was supported by several government bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism, Gujarat Tourism, Madhya Pradesh Tourism, and Uttar Pradesh Tourism, as well as PHDCCI’s annual sponsors like DLF Ltd, Jindal Steel & Power, KLJ Group, and Radico Khaitan Ltd, among others. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Senior Member of the Tourism & Hospitality Committee at PHDCCI.
After the inaugural session, the Chief Guest inaugurated the exhibition, marking the beginning of a new chapter in India’s wedding tourism journey. With increasing support from the government, private sector stakeholders, and active collaboration across various sectors, India is on track to become one of the most coveted wedding destinations in the world.
India’s wedding tourism industry holds immense potential, driven by favorable demographic trends, strategic government initiatives, and the active participation of private sector stakeholders. The wedding industry, which blends cultural celebrations with tourism, offers a unique opportunity for India to showcase its diversity, heritage, and hospitality on a global stage. With continued focus on infrastructure, promotion, and policy alignment, India is poised to become a leading destination for weddings, contributing significantly to its overall tourism growth and economic development. The future of India’s wedding tourism industry is bright, promising significant opportunities for growth, job creation, and international recognition.