India's live events economy gains focus as new white paper is launched

On May 3, 2025, Dr. L. Murugan, the Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, will launch a significant White Paper titled 'India's Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative' at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai. This document has been commissioned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and prepared by EventFAQs Media, which serves as a knowledge partner for the summit. The White Paper provides an extensive analysis of the evolving live entertainment industry in India, emphasizing key trends and strategic recommendations that showcase the country's growth potential in this sector. The report outlines how the live events sector in India has transformed from a previously fragmented industry into a crucial contributor to the nation's cultural and creative economy. In 2024, it recorded a remarkable growth rate of 15%, generating an additional ₹13 billion in revenue. This makes the organized live events segment one of the fastest-growing areas within India's media and entertainment ecosystem. The period from 2024 to 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the sector, highlighted by global acts such as Coldplay performing in major cities like Ahmedabad and Mumbai, indicating that India is ready to host world-class events and attract international attention. The White Paper identifies several key trends shaping the landscape of live events in India. One notable trend is the rise of event tourism, with approximately half a million attendees traveling specifically for live music events. This has contributed significantly to the burgeoning music-tourism economy. Additionally, there has been noteworthy growth in premium ticketing segments, such as VIP experiences and luxury hospitality, which have seen over 100% year-on-year increases. Another trend is the increasing participation from Tier-2 cities, driven by multi-city tours and regional festivals that diversify the audience base. The generation of employment opportunities is also significant, with large-scale events creating between 2,000 and 5,000 temporary jobs per event, thereby bolstering local economies, promoting skill development, and enhancing job creation. Looking ahead, the White Paper projects that India has the potential to become one of the top five global live entertainment destinations by 2030, provided there are targeted investments, favorable policies, and necessary infrastructure upgrades. This anticipated growth is expected to drive economic development further, enhance job creation, elevate tourism levels, and strengthen India’s influence on the global cultural stage. With the increasing importance of live events in shaping both culture and economy, the unveiling of this White Paper is expected to set a strategic roadmap for the sector's development and expansion over the coming years.