The tourism and travel industry is on the rises in India right now. With options available to fit any budget or sense of adventure, India is a “must see” for many travelers. A study completed in 2007, indicated that India was ranked third highest in the world for money spent by inbound tourism. Yet India is not yet a top ranking tourism country. Currently ranked 62nd, India has room for growth, and growth is happening, jumping three places from 2008.

A large focus has been placed on hotel accommodations and amenities, designed to appeal to more of the “main-stream” traveler. However, many tourists are looking for more of an immersion into the culture of India. For this type of traveler, staying with host families in and around the major cities, as well as in some of the more obscure locations of the country, has become a favored choice in accommodations.

With the majority of tourists looking for more of a main stream introduction to the life and culture of India, guided tours are the best option. According to the Country Brand Index (CBI), India has some powerhouse rankings that are sure to draw tourists in: ranking in the top 25 for both “natural resource travel destination” as well as “cultural resources.” Most notably, India ranked in the top five for long term growth and is expected to jump to second in the near future.

With focus placed on the right areas, travel to and while visiting India will continue to grow.