Airbnb contributed an estimated INR 113 billion to India’s GDP in 2024, supporting nearly 111,000 jobs and INR 24 billion in wages, according to a new report by Oxford Economics commissioned by the platform.
The study shows that domestic travellers drove over 90% of Airbnb stays in India last year, reflecting a sharp rise from 79% in 2019. This surge in homegrown tourism has positioned India among Airbnb’s fastest-growing markets.
Spending by Airbnb guests in India totaled INR 112 billion in 2024, with the average traveller staying two nights and spending about INR 11,000 per day on essentials like dining, shopping, and transport. Restaurants alone accounted for 38% of in-destination spending.
“India’s tourism sector is powered by its domestic travellers. From big cities to small towns, travellers are rediscovering the country’s diversity,” said James Lambert, Director of Economic Consulting Asia at Oxford Economics, adding that platforms like Airbnb are “broadening access and dispersing benefits across local communities.”
The report also highlights Airbnb’s wider economic footprint, accounting for 0.5% of India’s tourism GDP and 0.2% of tourism-related jobs in 2024. Beyond accommodation, the activity generated INR 31 billion for transport and storage, INR 15 billion for agriculture, INR 13 billion for real estate, and INR 12 billion for manufacturing.
Airbnb-supported tourism sustained about 38,000 jobs in transport, 19,600 in food services, 16,800 in retail trade, and 10,700 in manufacturing, delivering wage benefits across multiple sectors.
Rural and non-urban tourism also saw strong momentum. Non-urban gross booking value (GBV) rose to 16% in 2024 and tripled since 2019, reflecting growing demand for stays in lesser-known destinations.
“Domestic travel continues to be the engine of tourism in India, fueling micro-entrepreneurship and small businesses,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Head – Airbnb India and Southeast Asia. “We remain committed to supporting inclusive and sustainable growth in partnership with governments and communities.”
