Tourism in India Is Booming. So Why Is Everyone So Worried?
Domestic travel is driving a surge in visitors—and trash—on the subcontinent.
Mountains in the northern part of India.
Photographer: Alongkot Sumritjearapol/Moment RFThe travel habits of Chinese citizens are changing the world. Taking about 145 million overseas trips a year, the Middle Kingdom’s middle class is moving—and spending—more than that of any other nation: In 2016 they accounted for $261 billion overseas, a fifth of all sales by international tourists, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
To the south, India’s own swelling, monied middle class—250 million smartphone-toting young professionals out of a population of 1.3 billion—is starting to emulate its regional rival. In less than 10 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council expects India to become the fourth-largest travel and tourism economy behind China, the U.S., and Germany.