Tourism has become a central pillar of global economic and social development, yet its sustainability and governance remain contested. This paper examines India’s tourism sector through an analytical lens that integrates policy evolution, institutional governance, and sustainability practices. Drawing on secondary data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, World Travel & Tourism Council, and the Ministry of Tourism, as well as theoretical frameworks from Butler, Hall, Bramwell_and_Lane, and Sharpley, the study situates India’s experience within global debates on tourism governance. Findings indicate that India’s tourism industry has demonstrated resilience and growth, contributing nearly 7% to national Gross Domestic Product and supporting over 43 million jobs by 2024. Policy initiatives such as the National Tourism Policy (2024), Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive, and Dekho Apna Desh/Swadesh Darshan (See Your Own Country) have strengthened infrastructure, branding, and international positioning. At the same time, challenges persist in budgetary allocations, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and uneven sustainability outcomes across regions. The paper argues that India’s tourism trajectory exemplifies a hybrid governance model that balances growth imperatives with sustainability commitments, though deeper reforms are required to ensure equitable and long-term benefits. By offering a governance sustainability framework, the study contributes to comparative scholarship and provides strategic insights for emerging economies seeking to align tourism development with sustainable growth. Importantly, the analysis underscores the role of adaptive governance in responding to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, while highlighting the need for community participation, digital transformation, and regional diversification. The Indian case demonstrates how resilience can be institutionalized through integrated policy frameworks, offering lessons for countries navigating similar developmental and sustainability challenges.