As the entertainment industry continues to boom in India, driven by digital innovation and a growing consumer base, the country is poised to emerge among the top five global entertainment destinations by 2030. The Indian government has commissioned a white paper, commissioned by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, to be released during the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai, highlighting emerging trends, growth trajectories, and strategic recommendations for the sector’s continued evolution.
Key Trends in the Live Events Sector
- Event tourism: With nearly half a million attendees traveling specifically for live music events, the emergence of a robust music-tourism economy is evident.
- Premium ticketing segments: Witnessed over 100 per cent year-on-year growth, these segments point to an increasingly experience-driven audience.
- Participation from Tier-2 cities: Driven by multi-city tours and the growing popularity of regional festivals, this trend is expected to continue.
A Comprehensive Analysis of India’s Live Events Landscape
India’s live events landscape is undergoing a transformation, evolving from a fragmented sector to a structured and influential pillar of the country’s cultural and creative economy. The period from 2024 to 2025 marks a defining inflection point, with international acts such as ‘Coldplay’ performing in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, signaling India’s readiness to host global-scale events.
The Impact on Employment and Economy
| Year | Revenue (in Rs Billion) | Employment (in thousands) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | 15 |
| 2025 | 20 | 30 |
Large-scale events typically generate 2,000 to 5,000 temporary jobs each, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to employment and skill development.
Unlocking New Avenues for Growth
With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030. This will unlock new avenues for economic growth, employment generation, tourism, and enhanced global cultural presence.
“The live events economy is a vital component of India’s cultural and creative ecosystem. By 2030, we aim to position India as a world-class destination for live entertainment, creating new opportunities for economic growth, employment, and cultural exchange.”
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, L Murugan, is set to unveil ‘India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative’ on May 3, highlighting the strategic recommendations for the sector’s continued evolution.
As the entertainment industry continues to boom in India, driven by digital innovation and a growing consumer base, the country is poised to emerge among the top five global entertainment destinations by 2030.
