In search of spiritual salvation, adventure sports, heritage sites or even some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches in a country balancing tradition and modernity? Or even elephant spotting? Head India-wise - but you may not be alone.

A new report, Indian Tourism Industry Analysis, finds that in just three years India will see a doubling in the number of international tourists visiting the country.

The report specifies that India is expected to see an influx of 10 million international tourists by 2010, up from just five million in 2007.

The pace of expansion in the Indian tourism industry has been a result of several factors including government support, rising income levels and scheduled international sporting events such as the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the capital, New Delhi.
The report identifies Indian states Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Rajasthan are the leading tourism destinations in India in terms of total tourist arrivals.

It also finds that the development of healthcare tourism in these states has contributed to the growth of the entire tourism industry. Indian Tourism Industry Analysis predicts that the total market for medical tourism will reach US$ two billion by 2012, representing a CAGR of 60.69%.

Other causes promoting both domestic and international tourism include a growth in disposable income which showed a CAGR of 14.16% from 2002-2007. Indian outbound tourist flow is expected to increase at a CAGR of 13.30% over the five-year period spanning 2008 - 2012. Newspaper reports show that since Indians travelling abroad are pressured for time by work, entrepreneurs in the tourist industry are going all out to create specialised ‘short-haul’ packages which do not follow the usual pattern of cramming holiday intineraries with sightseeing in shopping. Instead they are following the maxim, ‘freedom, flexibility, relaxation and space.’

India’s share in the global tourism is expected to reach 1.5% by 2010.