Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, is set to launch a groundbreaking White Paper titled “India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative” at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai on May 3. Commissioned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and prepared by EventFAQs Media, a knowledge partner for WAVES, the document offers an in-depth analysis of India’s rapidly growing live entertainment industry, outlining its trends, growth potential, and strategic roadmap.
The White Paper highlights the transformation of India’s live events sector from a fragmented industry to a vital pillar of the nation’s cultural and creative economy. With a 15% growth in 2024, the organized live events segment generated an additional ₹13 billion in revenue, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing verticals in India’s media and entertainment ecosystem. The period from 2024 to 2025 marks a pivotal moment, with global acts like Coldplay performing in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, signaling India’s readiness to host world-class events.
Key trends include the rise of event tourism, with nearly half a million attendees traveling for live music events, fueling a burgeoning music-tourism economy. Premium ticketing segments, such as VIP experiences and luxury hospitality, have seen over 100% year-on-year growth, reflecting a shift toward experience-driven consumption. Participation from Tier-2 cities is also surging, driven by multi-city tours and regional festivals. Additionally, large-scale events are creating significant economic impact, generating 2,000 to 5,000 temporary jobs per event and bolstering employment and skill development.
The White Paper projects that with targeted investments, supportive policies, and infrastructure upgrades, India is poised to become one of the top five global live entertainment destinations by 2030. This growth is expected to drive economic development, job creation, tourism, and enhance India’s global cultural influence.
