The border’s open once again. The skies are clearing up. And if India plays its cards right, the return of Chinese tourists could launch the tourism sector into the stratosphere—in a good way. But it’s not just about visa stamps or ticket sales. It’s about restoring burnt bridges, building trust, and yes, a little commerce too.
Fast forward to 2019 (When Things Were Almost… Normal)
In 2019, more than 339,000 Chinese tourists made their way through India’s temples, markets, and palaces. In 2020? That number dropped to just under 40,000 as holiday visas were suspended. And in July 2025, the doors are swinging open again.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing released the news and it was music to the ears of the travel industry.
Good news? Yes. But not so fast…
While the announcement may sound good, some analysts in the Chinese travel industry are still sitting on the fence. Why? The visa process is still quite burdensome. Travelers will still have to appear in person in Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. Oh — and I hope they have six-months’ bank statements with a balance greater than 100,000 yuan (about $13,800). Not exactly a small ask when Thailand and Malaysia are welcoming tourists with open arms and no visa.
Industry feedback: hopeful, but cautious.
In the Indian tourism space, there is excitement. Jyoti Mayal, the chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, quotes the reopening, as the “domino of good will.” All faced with potential local artisans, shopkeepers, tour guides, hotel workers, and drivers will benefit.
Excited. Indian Hotel and Restaurant Federation? All in. Academics like Swaran Singh and Sreemati Chakrabarti? Think it is more than travel: it is people-to-people diplomacy.
“This is not just about taking selfies at the Taj Mahal,” states Sreemati. “It is about connections.”
What Is Stopping Tourists?
Felix Li Wei of Sichuan Travel Service states it clearly: yes, India is interesting. But no, it is not an easy sell.
A certain number of Chinese travelers still select a destination based on ease of travel, safety and convenience.
What they seem to be looking for is e-visas and bilingual signage, staff fluent in Mandarin and perhaps some TikTok-friendly marketing to go with it.
To re-employ the metaphor: it is still like a dam of tourists is about to burst.
“For last five years we have held back a potential flood of tourists and now with crack starting in the dam we should all be ready.”
Flights. Food. Hotels. Guides. Language impediments. They all need to be aligned. If we do this right, India will not only grow back; it will develop immensely.
India is back on the travel map to China; but the road ahead is long.
