India’s music scene is bursting with energy, and it’s not coming just from the stage or behind the console. Music tourism in India is booming. But beneath the glitter of sold-out shows and Instagrammable stages lies a more critical question: strong data-end=”849″ data-start=”779″>Is this momentum truly justifying the local investment it demands?/strong> India’s music tourism is on the rise. But underneath the glitter of sold-out shows and Instagram-able stages lies a more important question: Does this momentum justify the local investment that it requires?

I’m a music professional who navigates both the commercial and cultural sides of the industry. As such, I can attest to the transformative power a well-executed event in the music world has on a local economy. The influx of people creates jobs, upgrades infrastructure, and benefits entire ecosystems, from hospitality to transportation. Festivals such as Ziro or Mahindra Blues are not only annual highlights but also economic stimulants in their respective regions.

Are we creating something that will last, or are we a bunch of hyped-up products?

Truthfully, India’s music tourism is heavily reliant on ticketing campaigns, brand partnerships and social buzz. This isn’t inherently wrong, but it often leaves local stakeholders–artists, technicians, vendors, and even municipalities–without a long-term stake or return. Some venues are built for one-time events and then abandoned after the event.

We need to change our perspective in order to justify the local investment. The focus shouldn’t just be on attracting tourists for a single weekend but on embedding music culture in a place’s identity year-round. Think of residencies and public music education. Also, think about rehearsal spaces and supporting local talent, as well as infrastructure that can accommodate not only an international DJ set but also a regional folk concert on a weekday during the off-season.

We’ve begun promoting “community first music tourism” at Dharma Cornerstone. This is where the number of people attending does not measure the impact of a concert or event but rather by how much energy that event generates in the area. Who is hired? Whose stories will be told on the stage? Who is the owner of the narrative?

Smarter Collaboration Between Private Players and Local Government is also required. Music-led tourism should not be a matter of anonymously distributing funds. Instead, it requires strategic planning, including evaluating the long-term benefits, establishing economic trails after events, and, most importantly, keeping the local creative community at the centre of the whole process.

India is at an intersection where our musical heritage meets with the aspirations and dreams of a global young culture. Music tourism is a great way to bridge the gap between these two cultures. If we want this bridge to be durable, it must be built with integrity and inclusivity.

We need to ask not only how many people attended the party but also who stayed and grew afterwards.