promoting tourism in india

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Ways To Promote Tourism In India

We don’t need to sit back and substantiate the presence of an immense number of attractions and sights that adorn India. That would mean only to argue on what has been proved well! However, since introspection and criticism are sometimes the best ways of becoming better, we do need to sit and think about how we can make our "Incredible India” more of eye candy in the eyes of International tourism. With a number of visa and other policies that have boosted the tourism of India, this is the best time to decide how our nation can become better and more attractive for the travelers who come here:

1. Create traveling experiences for tourists rather than just attractions

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Traveling is an experience rather than just visiting attractions! In order to promote the tourism of India, we need to invest time and efforts in building traveling experiences for people brim with tour guides, activities for the children, culinary tours, interactivity for the tourist with the culture of the place, etc. Most of our attractions are left to themselves and are not built up as experiences and memories to take back home. Further ideas such as India on shoestring, India in luxury, royal India, urban India, the common man’s India, historical India and many more would help people in looking into attractions in a context rather than separate in themselves.

2. More of Hygiene and amenities for kids and disabled

Needless to say that we absolutely lack in these! Basic amenities such as restrooms near attractions, changing rooms at the beaches and garbage bins are what we lack presently. Further, even if some of our attractions might have those, they are left in horrible conditions enough to leave visitors puking. We need to learn a lot from the west in this case! Disabled access is something that we still need to explore and fix down. When it comes to traveling within the cities of India, public transport also need to be highlighted and informed so well that the travelers should not have any problem in exploring! What about Child-friendly destinations? We definitely need to come up with more.

3. Preserving Historical Monuments

Any other nation in this world can hardly match up the number of historical monuments that dot the landscape of India. But they can’t match up the kind of creativity and inscriptions that go into ruining those monuments! We seriously need to put punitive measures against anybody who does this. Further, our monuments also demand a lot of attention and resurrection to bring them out of obscurity.

4. Marketing Strategies for image formation

Believe it or not! When it comes to tourism, social media is the best recourse these days! Due to its phenomenal reception and quality, social media and marketing today are the giants in defining a tourist quotient of a city, state or a country. From broadcasting ‘Incredible India’ campaigns abroad, holding tourism seminars or offering Indian locations with facilities to promote foreign film productions in the country, social media is the best option. Apart from that, even our official tourist websites need to be updated to inform the readers and travelers well!

5. Friendly Reception

A friendly smile on the face of the host at times gives the best whiff to tourism. And this is one thing that we can implement at our own level to ensure a hospitable image of India before others. Security concerns also go alongside. A country that serves well, looks well.

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6. Promoting Festivals to enhance Indian tradition

We recognize Christmas with the west, Tomatina festival with Spain and Rio carnival with Brazil! But, a country like India has such a plethora of festivals that merely one would not be able, to sum up, our diversity of culture and tradition. These festivals do add a dash of color and light when it comes to defining tourism in India. So let us just make them more popular and tourist-friendly to offer a quintessential Indian experience to the travelers.

7. Adventure friendly infrastructure

India has yet to cover miles when it comes to offering secure adventure facilities to travelers. With more and more of people coalescing adventure and tourism, this is an essential infrastructure that we need to upgrade from its present sorry state.

8. Bollywood-The biggest storyteller of tourism in India

One of the Incredible India quotes states: "Its bit like a Bollywood dream sequence. Only, you are in it!” Since most of the nations know us through Bollywood, it is a great idea to use it as a beacon of our tourism!

Also, read 15 Bollywood Travel Movies That Will Inspire You To Go On A Voyage!

9. Revisit the Unseen and unexplored

We still need to explore the unseen and the unexplored in India. With so many virgin beaches and mountains gracing our land, there is still a lot to unravel before us and the world.

10. To understand how tourism can change the face of our nation

This should have been the first point! The day we understand how tourism can change the face of our nation, half of the battle will be won. It can definitely bring more value, income and an image to our nation and bring us in the top contenders for the list of travel destinations!

What do you think are the other ways to promote tourism in India? Let us know.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tourism

A. International tourism is important for economic, social, and cultural developments in any country. It helps in generating jobs and creates different income sources on the local level.

A. Mass tourism may damage natural landscapes and pose a hazard to the environment. It may also result in traffic jams and rising pollution levels. Local items usually become far more expensive due to an increase in demand. Tourism-based jobs are seasonal, creating a problem during the off-season.

A. The government needs to focus on building better roads and easier public transport. The need to maintain existing tourist attractions properly while creating newer points of interest in different cities should also be recognized. Most importantly, the safety of tourists visiting popular, as well as lesser-known destinations, should be guaranteed.

A. Promoting tourism helps in strengthening the position of the country on an international level and results in the development of different sectors. It creates a number of jobs on a local platform which, in turn, reduces poverty.

A. There are a number of ways to overcome tourism seasonality including the promotion of off-season tours, creating activities specifically for that period, organizing events after peak season, and offering packages or special deals that can attract budget-travelers.

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Development of Tourism in India, Current Landscape, Government Initiatives

Tourism in India holds immense potential as a significant contributor to country's economy, despite facing various challenges. Read this article for Opportunities for Development of Tourism in India.

Table of Contents

Development of Tourism in India

Tourism in India holds immense potential as a significant contributor to the country’s economy, despite facing various challenges. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical monuments, India has always been a magnet for travellers from around the globe. However, the development of this sector has been met with both successes and hurdles.

Current Landscape and Economic Impact of Tourism in India

Tourism in India contributes approximately 4.6% to the nation’s GDP, as per the Ministry of Tourism. Despite not being prioritized by the government, the sector plays a vital role in job creation, supporting over 32 million jobs in 2021. The World Travel and Tourism Council reported that in 2021, tourism generated ₹13.2 lakh crore (US$170 billion), accounting for 5.8% of India’s GDP.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted tourism, leading to a decline in foreign tourist arrivals by 44% in 2022 compared to 2019 figures. Nonetheless, India’s domestic tourism market remains robust, with over 1 billion domestic tourist visits recorded in 2012.

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Strengths and Challenges in India’s Tourism Sector

India possesses numerous strengths that bolster its tourism sector. The country’s cultural and natural resources, including historical monuments, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife, attract travellers worldwide. Additionally, India’s air transport infrastructure and natural resources are highly regarded globally.

However, the sector also faces several challenges. Infrastructure deficiencies, such as inadequate road networks and outdated facilities, hinder the tourist experience. Moreover, safety concerns, including issues related to women’s safety and petty crime, can deter potential visitors. Additionally, bureaucratic red tape and complex visa procedures have been cited as barriers to tourism growth.

Opportunities for Growth and Development of Tourism in India

Despite the challenges, India’s tourism sector offers ample opportunities for growth and development:

Diverse Attractions: From historical monuments and cultural festivals to scenic landscapes and adventure sports, India offers a wide range of tourist attractions. Leveraging these diverse offerings can attract travellers with varied interests and preferences.
Cultural Experiences: India’s rich cultural heritage and traditions provide unique experiences for tourists. Promoting cultural tourism, including heritage walks, culinary tours, and traditional art forms, can attract visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Medical Tourism: India has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourism, offering high-quality healthcare services at competitive prices. With state-of-the-art hospitals and skilled medical professionals, India attracts patients from around the world for treatments ranging from surgeries to wellness retreats.
Rural and Eco-Tourism: There is growing interest in experiential and sustainable tourism experiences, such as rural homestays, wildlife safaris, and initiatives. Encouraging community-based tourism initiatives can benefit rural economies while conserving natural resources.
Digital Transformation: Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the tourism experience, from online booking platforms and virtual tours to digital marketing strategies. Embracing digital innovations can improve accessibility, convenience, and connectivity for travellers.

Government Initiatives to Promote India’s Tourism Sector

The Government of India has taken several initiatives to promote tourism development:

Policy Support: The Ministry of Tourism formulates national policies and collaborates with stakeholders to develop and promote tourism. Efforts are underway to simplify regulations, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall tourism experience.
Incredible India Campaign: The Incredible India campaign showcases India’s tourism potential through multimedia campaigns, roadshows, and promotional events. It highlights the country’s cultural diversity, natural beauty, and hospitality to attract international travellers.
Niche Tourism Promotion: The government is focusing on promoting niche tourism products such as rural, cruise, medical, and eco-tourism. Specialized marketing campaigns and infrastructure development initiatives are aimed at tapping into niche markets and diversifying the tourism portfolio.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between the government, private sector, and local communities are essential for tourism development. Public-private partnerships facilitate investment, infrastructure development, and skill enhancement in the tourism sector.

Future Outlook For Tourism Development in India

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and other systemic issues, the outlook for tourism in India remains optimistic. With concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and other stakeholders, the sector is poised for growth. Forecasts suggest that tourism could contribute 7.2% of India’s GDP by 2031, underscoring its potential as a key driver of economic development.

In conclusion, tourism development in India presents challenges and opportunities. By addressing infrastructure deficiencies, promoting niche tourism products, and prioritizing safety and security, India can unlock the full potential of its tourism sector and emerge as a premier global destination for travellers.

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Development of Tourism in India FAQs

What is the current development of tourism in india.

Today tourism is the largest service industry in India, with a contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and providing 8.78% of the total employment.

What is the role of tourism in development?

In developing countries, tourism development has been used as an important strategy for increasing economic growth, alleviating poverty, creating jobs, and improving food security.

What is the importance of tourism in India?

Tourism in India has grown substantially. It promotes National Integration and provides support to local handicrafts and cultural pursuits.

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Boosting Tourism in India: PM Narendra Modi Ji’s Vision Unfolds

Post author By Mala Chandrashekhar
Post date September 29, 2023
No Comments on Boosting Tourism in India: PM Narendra Modi Ji’s Vision Unfolds

Introduction

India, with its rich cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes, has always been a magnet for travelers seeking to explore its wonders. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s tourism sector has experienced a remarkable transformation. His commitment to showcasing India’s cultural heritage to the world has yielded significant results, with a surge in tourism that has attracted millions of visitors eager to immerse themselves in the country’s traditions and treasures. Beyond the iconic Taj Mahal, tourists are now venturing into lesser-known cultural hubs, unraveling the beauty and diversity that India has to offer.

The Modi Effect on Indian Tourism

Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on tourism as a driver of economic growth and cultural diplomacy has brought about several strategic initiatives and policies aimed at boosting India’s tourism sector:

Incredible India 2.0 Campaign : Building upon the success of the first “Incredible India” campaign, the government launched “Incredible India 2.0,” a revamped promotional campaign. It leverages digital media, social networking, and a renewed focus on experiential tourism to reach a global audience.
E-Visa Facilitation : The introduction of e-visa facilities has simplified the process of obtaining a visa for tourists from several countries. This move has significantly increased tourist arrivals, making it easier for travelers to explore the diverse regions of India.
Development of Tourism Infrastructure : The government has invested heavily in the development of tourism infrastructure, including improving airports, railways, and road networks to ensure seamless travel experiences for tourists.
Promotion of Lesser-Known Destinations : PM Modi’s vision goes beyond the Taj Mahal and other well-known tourist spots. The government has actively promoted offbeat destinations, enabling tourists to explore the hidden gems of India’s cultural heritage.

Exploring India’s Hidden Cultural Gems

Tourists are no longer limiting their Indian experiences to the famous monuments and cities; they are now keen to explore the lesser-known cultural hubs, providing a much-needed boost to local economies and preserving cultural heritage.

Varanasi, the Spiritual Capital : Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganges, has always held immense spiritual significance. Its winding alleys, ancient temples, and the spiritual aura make it a top choice for travelers seeking spiritual and cultural immersion.
Jaipur’s Heritage : Jaipur, the Pink City, is renowned for its magnificent palaces, forts, and vibrant bazaars. Beyond the Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort, Jaipur offers a glimpse into the royal history and Rajasthani culture.
Mysore’s Grandeur : Mysore, with its opulent palaces, intricate silk sarees, and vibrant festivals, has become a favorite among tourists interested in exploring South India’s rich cultural heritage.
Kochi’s Maritime Legacy : Kochi, in Kerala, boasts a unique blend of cultures shaped by centuries of trade and influence. The historic fort area, ancient churches, and the famous Chinese fishing nets showcase the city’s maritime legacy.

Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Travel

In line with global trends, India under PM Modi’s leadership has also embraced sustainable tourism practices. The focus is on preserving the environment, respecting local cultures, and providing meaningful experiences for tourists while benefiting the local communities.

Eco-Tourism Initiatives : India is increasingly promoting eco-tourism, encouraging travelers to explore its rich biodiversity and natural beauty while contributing to conservation efforts.
Community-Based Tourism : Initiatives like homestays and community-based tourism programs are gaining popularity, allowing tourists to connect with local communities and gain a deeper understanding of Indian culture.
Cultural Exchange Programs : Cultural exchange programs, including traditional craft workshops and culinary experiences, enable tourists to actively participate in and contribute to the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.

Prime Minister Modi’s vision to showcase India’s rich cultural tapestry to the world has brought about a transformation in the country’s tourism sector. India is no longer just a tourist destination but a diverse and immersive experience that invites travelers to explore its hidden cultural gems, embrace sustainable practices, and engage with local communities. As India continues to welcome millions of tourists from around the world, it is poised to emerge as a global cultural and tourism hub, fulfilling PM Modi’s vision for the nation.

Through strategic initiatives, responsible tourism practices, and a commitment to preserving India’s heritage, the country is well on its way to becoming an incredible destination that leaves an indelible mark on every traveler’s heart.

By Mala Chandrashekhar

Introducing Blogger Mala Chandrashekhar - A specialist academically trained in modern Western sciences, yet deeply enamored with India's timeless ethnic arts, crafts, and textiles. Her heart beats for the rich and glorious cultural and spiritual heritage of India, and she has dedicated her entire blog to spreading the immortal glories of ancient India worldwide. Through her simple yet impactful blog posts, Mala aims to reach every nook and corner of the globe, sharing India's beauty and wisdom with the world.

But Mala doesn't stop at just sharing her own thoughts and ideas. She welcomes constructive criticisms and suggestions to improve her blog and make it even more impactful. And if you share her passion for India's culture and heritage, she extends a warm invitation for high-quality guest blog posts.

Ready to dive into the world of India's ageless beauty? Follow Mala on LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook and join her in spreading the magic of ancient India to the world.

LinkedIn Profile: https://in.linkedin.com/in/mala-chandrashekhar-04095917a Twitter Handle: @MalaCShekhar Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mala.chandrashekhar

Cultural Tourism in India

Last updated on October 3, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

What is Cultural tourism? Why Cultural tourism is significant in India? What is being done to promote cultural tourism in India? Read further to know more

India has a wide variety of attractions that showcase its extensive cultural heritage. India attracts tourists from all over the world because of its abundance of spectacular heritage monuments.

As a result of cultural tourism in India, people have visited historic temples, regal palaces, scenic beaches, and attractive hills.

Table of Contents

Present scenario of the tourism sector in India

With 1.52 million foreign visitors anticipated in 2021, India is one of the top tourism destinations in the globe. India’s foreign exchange revenues increased by roughly $8.8 billion as a result of this. There were also about 680 million domestic travellers.

India is a much-liked tourist destination thanks in large part to its distinct culture, history, and position as one of the world’s oldest civilizations, as well as its plethora of breathtaking natural attractions. As a result, there are 40 UNESCO world heritage sites (32 cultural, 7 natural & 1 mixed). With towns, forts, tombs, tunnels, rock shelters, and churches, India has a lot to offer tourists.

What is Cultural tourism?

Cultural tourism is a kind of tourism that enables visitors to take part in local cultural celebrations like festivals and traditions. The traveller can thus have genuine cultural contact with the people.

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Furthermore, because cultural tourism is a significant development engine, it enables local societies to embrace their culture. Communities, therefore, make a point of praising and supporting their culture since it sets them apart from other communities.

As nations recognise the value of cultural tourism and how it can boost local economies, they are focusing on developing cities and villages that will captivate tourists from across the world to experience and observe the culture in a way that has never been possible before.

Why Cultural tourism is significant in India?

Tourists travel to India to experience it for themselves because of the country’s well-known rich cultural legacy and mysticism.
Some of the most important civilizations and faiths in the world have their roots in India and were nurtured there. India is a popular travel destination because of its numerous World Heritage Sites and unparalleled cultural vibrancy.
Since time immemorial, India has been regarded as the land of ancient history, legacy, and culture, which is the main reason for its current stratospheric ascent in the tourism sector.
Over the years, India has had numerous kings, and each of them had an impact on Indian culture. Different cultures have left their mark on dance, music, celebrations, architecture, traditional customs, food, and languages.
The richness and diversity of India’s heritage and culture can be attributed to the influence of all these different cultures. This cultural wealth helps to project India as the top destination for cultural tourism, boosting that industry in India.
To promote cultural tourism in India, the Indian government established the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The ministry recently launched the “Incredible India!” campaign, which has contributed to the expansion of India’s cultural tourism industry.

Various sites of cultural tourism centres in India

India’s diversity is a result of the country’s mixture of religious and cultural traditions. The nation is home to a large number of world historic monuments that have an enticing influence and have long drawn visitors from around the world. We would be delighted to familiarise ourselves with the many customs and civilizations that make up India’s cultural heritage.

The Pushkar fair (Rajasthan), Taj Mahotsav (Uttar Pradesh), and Suraj Kund mela are just a few of the fairs and festivals that travellers can attend in India (Haryana). sites include the Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh), the Hawa Mahal (Uttar Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), the Ajanta & Ellora caves (Maharashtra), and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) (Rajasthan).

Rajasthan is the most popular state in India for cultural tourism among the several states. Rajasthan is known for having a rich cultural legacy, which is the reason behind this. The state is well known for its numerous exquisite palaces and forts that highlight Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy is also reflected in the numerous folk songs and music. Rajasthan has many festivals and fairs, including the camel festival, the Marwar festival, and the Pushkar festival. All of these draw a lot of people to Rajasthan since they allow them to experience the state’s vibrant culture.

Tamil Nadu is renowned for cultural tourism in India as well because it exhibits Dravidian customs and culture. Its numerous temples reflect India’s rich cultural heritage. Numerous tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh attest to the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The Taj Mahal in Agra is the most well-known structure. Many tourists also go to Uttar Pradesh cities like Varanasi, Allahabad, Vrindavan, and Ayodhya because they capture exquisite scenes from India.

In India, Uttaranchal is renowned for its cultural tourism industry. The Himalayas, known as the “abode of the Gods,” are located in this state. The Kumaon and Garhwal regions of the state are home to numerous historic temples.

Government initiatives to boost India’s cultural tourism

Some of the government initiatives to boost cultural tourism in India are:

PRASHAD Scheme

The Ministry of Tourism introduced the “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD)” in 2014–15 with the goal of holistically developing recognised pilgrimage places.
In October 2017, the program’s name, which had previously been PRASAD, was changed to “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)”.
The respective State/Union Territory Government shall implement the initiatives listed under this scheme through the designated agencies.
Under its provisions, the Ministry of Tourism offers State Governments Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for boosting tourism at predetermined locations.
The Central Government will contribute 100% of the funds needed for components covered by public funding under this programme.
It also tries to incorporate corporate social responsibility (CSR) and public-private partnerships (PPP) for the project’s increased sustainability.

HRIDAY scheme

The National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana, an HRIDAY programme, was introduced on January 21, 2015, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The goal of this programme is to protect and promote the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The HRIDAY programme seeks to preserve cultural assets while also promoting urban planning and historic cities’ economic development.
The National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana places a strong emphasis on the heritage cities’ accessibility, security, safety, way of life, cleanliness, and quick service delivery.
Buddhist Tourism Circuit
The Buddhist circuit is a route that follows in the footsteps of the Buddha from Lumbini in Nepal where he was born, through Bihar in India where he attained enlightenment, to Sarnath and Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh in India, where he gave his first teachings and his final resting place.
Kushinagar is the centre of the Buddhist circuit, which consists of pilgrimage sites at Lumbini, Sarnath, and Gaya.

Palace on Wheels

A luxurious tourist train is called The Palace on Wheels. To promote tourism in Rajasthan, it was started by the Indian Railways in collaboration with the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. The name has since changed to Heritage Palace on Wheels.
In August 2009, the train service underwent renovations and was reopened with new furnishings, itineraries, and menus.
The idea for the Palace on Wheels came from the historical royal significance of the coaches, which were designed to serve as the private trains for the former kings of Rajputana, Baroda, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and primarily the Viceroy of British India.
Each saloon showcases the state’s cultural character through the use of furnishings, handicrafts, paintings, and other decorations. The interior of the train was designed by Rashmi Gupta, an architect from Jaipur.

What is being done to promote cultural tourism in India?

The tourist industry has been growing as a result of numerous causes. Let’s look at them now:

Hospitality and food

The Indian hospitality industry is a major contributor to this expansion. The public and commercial hospitality sectors have developed adequate resorts and hotels that offer excellent conventional and delectable options to tourists to accommodate and feed them.
Additionally, eating has given visitors to India another reason to go. This nation provides a wide variety of culinary delicacies that are practically unmatched.

Activities and events

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and MCT (Ministry of Culture & Tourism) have worked together to promote Indian culture throughout the world. To accomplish this, several Indian Cultural Centers on both the national and international levels organise a variety of programmes and events, including yoga coaching, music, dance, and language classes in Hindi and Sanskrit.
To promote the culture and variety of the nation, there are various activities like festival celebrations and art exhibitions. Through a Global Engagement Scheme, the Ministry of Culture also promotes Indian culture abroad. In this programme, Indian festivals are promoted and various cultural organisations abroad receive financial and infrastructural assistance.

Creation of world-class tourism infrastructure

The Swadesh Darshan programme , which was introduced by the Indian Tourism Ministry, has been another step done by the Indian government. It aided in the creation of theme-based circuits that cater to both mainstream tourist and specialist markets.
Under this programme, world-class infrastructure has been built to promote Indian culture and history. 27 projects totalling 2261.50 crores have been approved for 21 states and Union Territories since 2015.

Generation of tourism markets abroad

Through a marketing strategy and integrated campaigns using international media, the Indian Tourism Ministry has been pushing India as a top travel destination.
Since October 2021, the top 20 source markets abroad have seen all of these promotional activities carried out by the synergized combination of all the tourism offices abroad.
For instance, proposals for organising events with themes like Spirit of Gujarat in nations with a Gujarati Diaspora have been sent to the Indian government. Gujarat’s culture and heritage will be the main focus of this event.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is another festival with a distinct subject that would be promoted on Independence Day and Republic Day of India. It would foster a sense of pride in one’s country and emphasise how the people contributed significantly to India’s independence.
Another instance of this project is the International Buddhist Conclave, which takes place every two years. This gathering celebrates Buddhist heritage .

Additional initiatives are taken by the Government of India

Issuing the Tourist e-Visa to a chosen few nations is another effective government measure that would help India’s tourism grow. Teams have been chosen by the Indian government to take part in significant travel shows and international tourism expos. Several roadshows have also been held to advertise India as a tourist destination.
In addition to all these activities, the government is also setting up training courses and workshops to attract qualified people to this profession. Here, providing a better experience is the goal.

Easy setup of tourism businesses

The Indian Ministry of Tourism has made conducting business easier and assisted in establishing Web-based Delivery Systems for the general population. To make the process of submitting business applications for government approval transparent, it recognises the Trade and Travel Service Providers and aids hotels and resorts in classifying under a single directory. With effect from January 2016, this was done online along with the integration of payment gateways.

Development of a mobile app

The Indian Tourism Ministry introduced the Swachh Paryatan mobile application in February 2016. This enables citizens to report any problems with sanitation and hygienic conditions at different national tourist attractions.

Scaling greater heights

The government’s measures will be essential moving ahead to build a sustainable system that will attract new participants to the cultural tourism sector while bolstering the performance of the current ones.
However, there is still much to learn about the enormous potential of India’s cultural tourism sector. If properly developed, this industry can increase its GDP contribution to India and increase employment possibilities there. To do this, it is necessary to stimulate related industries including transportation, infrastructure, lodging, and hospitality.

The government is paying attention to India’s expanding cultural tourism industry and taking the necessary steps to support it in maintaining this development. The industry, however, still has a lot of unrealized potentials. If appropriately utilised, this can increase the industry’s contribution to India’s GDP and provide job possibilities there.

By bringing revenue to historic sites, ruins and mausoleums, tourism has the potential to enhance and safeguard heritage and culture.

Riverine-Based Religious Tourism Circuit
Tourism Sector

Article written by Aseem Muhammed

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Schemes announced by the Ministry of Finance for augmenting tourism in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic

Aug 03, 2021, 09:40

Introduction India is one of the largest travel & tourism markets in the world. It offers diverse tourism options such as cruises, adventure, medical, wellness, sports, MICE, eco-tourism, film, rural and religious travel. India has been recognised as a spiritual tourist destination by domestic and international visitors. India ranked 34 in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 published by the World Economic Forum.

In World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Economic Impact 2020 report, India’s travel & tourism sector contributed US$121.9 billion or 4.7% to the total GDP. India ranked 10 in the world in terms of the travel & tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP. The sector provides employment to 31,785,200 people and accounted for 7.3% of the total jobs in 2020. Despite the pandemic, in 2020, international visitors spent Rs. 890.7 billion, while domestic visitors spent Rs. 7,201.4 billion on travel.

The dip was mainly due to international and domestic travel restrictions, lockdowns and social distancing measures implemented by the Govt. of India. In 2020, the sector also recorded a 20.8% decline in employment.

In terms of visitor spending, the decline was more prominent in the international visitor segment—a 61% or US$18.8 billion decrease over 2019. In the domestic visitor segment, the decline was 30.7% or US$42.9 billion.

Govt. Measures to Support the Tourism Sector

New Policies To boost the domestic travel and tourism sector , the Govt. of India has launched several schemes through various ministries from 2020 to 2021. The Ministry of Tourism has outlined policies to support new tourism products such as development and promotion of caravans and caravan camping parks. On January 25, 2021, the Union Tourism and Culture Minister, Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel, announced plan to develop an international-level infrastructure in Kargil (Ladakh) to promote adventure tourism and winter sports.

Further, to support the travel and tourism sector, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a new scheme—All India Tourist Vehicles Authorisation and Permit Rules, 2021. Through this scheme, a tourist vehicle operator can receive an ‘All India Tourist Authorisation/Permit’ online within 30 days of submitting an application.

By 2028, direct contribution of the tourism & hospitality sector to the GDP is expected to reach Rs. 12.68 trillion and International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 30.5 billion by 2028. To support this growth, India is offering e-Visa facility to 171 countries (as of March 2021). Financial Support On June 28, 2021, the Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, announced relief packages to revive tourism in the country. Some of the key schemes are as follows:

Financial Support for Travel and Tourism Stakeholders (TTS) and Registered Tourist Guides The scheme is to be administered by the Ministry of Tourism through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC). Under the scheme, over 11,000 registered tourist guides and other travel and tourism stakeholders will receive financial support in the form of loans from various nationalised and private banks. Under this scheme, working capital/personal loans will be provided to people operating in the tourism sector to take care of liabilities and restart (after being impacted due to COVID-19).

The scheme covers 10,700 regional tourist guides and 904 Travel and Tourism Stakeholders (TTS) recognised by the Ministry of Tourism or State Governments.

Following incentives are included in the scheme:

A loan up to Rs. 10 lakh can be received by the eligible TTS
A loan up to Rs. 1 lakh can be availed by licensed tourist guides

Key benefit of the scheme is that there will be no processing charges, foreclosure/prepayment charges and no requirement for additional collaterals. The central government will be providing guarantees for these loans.

Free Tourist Visas to 5 Lakh Tourists Once the visa issuance restarts, the Indian govt. will provide free visas to the first 5 lakh tourists. The benefit of free of charge visas will be available only once per tourist and the scheme will be applicable until March 31, 2022 or until issuance of 500,000 visas (whichever target is achieved earlier).

The scheme is expected to be a huge incentive for tourists on short-term visits (people who come in for a month). The total financial implications of this scheme would be Rs. 1 billion and once the scheme expires, regular fees for applying visas will be applicable.

Approval to Release Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) Scrips On June 16, 2021, the Ministry of Finance has approved release of the SEIS scrips. Considering the circumstances after COVID-19, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has agreed to the proposal of the Department of Commerce for continuation of SEIS for 2019-20 with a financial allocation of Rs. 2,061 crore.

The SEIS offers incentives to registered service providers with transferable duty credit scrips as a percentage of their net foreign exchange earnings. These SEIS scrips can be used by service providers to pay several central duties and taxes, including the basic customs duty. SEIS scrips are currently given to tour operators on their forex earnings (at a rate of 7%).

Conclusion Travel and tourism sector is one of the key contributors to Indian economy , and govt. of India is taking proactive measures to help the industry navigate the COVID-led challenges.

Measures taken by the Govt. of India and Ministry of Finance are expected to significantly help stakeholders in the sector. These measures are expected to infuse the required liquidity to support in operations in near-term. It will also support government-approved tourist guides, who have been hit by the ongoing slowdown in the sector amid the pandemic and will help the sector to achieve the projected GDP contribution of Rs. 12.68 trillion by 2028.

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Stay up to date:, travel and tourism.

What do toilets have to do with tourism? For the more than 7 million travellers who come to India each year, this is an important question.

After taking charge in May this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide “Clean India” campaign, personally wielding a broom to promote better sanitation.

Swinging the broom in the streets is doing more than improving hygiene in public spaces, it also spruces up the image of India. Visitors who are enchanted by the culture and cuisine of the country are simultaneously dismayed by its shabby streets and monuments.

In cleaning up India, Modi is trying to make sure the country is ready to welcome many more tourists. Despite its vast beaches, Himalayan peaks, dense forests and palatial hotels, India attracts only a tiny fraction of the world’s tourists – just over 0.5%. The new government wants a stratospheric surge in this number.

India is now preparing an electronic system that will make it easier for tourists to apply for visas online. Currently, tourists have to wait for days, often weeks. Tourism-friendly countries such as Indonesia and Sri Lanka have already benefited from a relaxation of visa rules, so India can see the advantage.

In a phased launch of the new regime, citizens in a dozen countries (soon to expand to 180) can apply online and collect their visas when they arrive in India, at 26 of country’s international airports.

India began the visa-on-arrival scheme in January 2010 for Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore. In recent months this was extended to South Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar. Confidence has been boosted along with tourist arrival figures, which have doubled in only one year.

Once more countries are included in the online visa scheme and more visitors are able to travel to India, the country can expect a huge boost in tourism. It can expect its foreign exchange earnings to rise sharply from the annual figure of $18 billion.

Here the role of state government is critical. Tourism is a state subject in federal India and, as a result, the national government can’t do much beyond frame policies. All implementation must be done by state tourism bodies, and here the track record is uneven. Some states have done well, others less so. Regional Indian governments will have to work together to create a seamless and uniform ecosystem that allows tourists to experience India with ease.

Travelling around India is problematic, despite several attempts to improve transfers between airlines, railways and buses. The problem is that each of these transport systems works independently. An integrated approach, as perfected by more tourism-focused countries, is essential.

Additionally, the cost of travel and accommodation in India is often higher than flying to a neighbouring country. India needs more hotel rooms and lower taxes on flying. A limited supply of hotels and excessive taxation in aviation means that an increasing number of Indians prefer to go abroad for their holidays. About 17 million Indians travel out of the country each year, more than double the number of inbound tourists.

India is terribly underserved by the hotel industry. The whole country has just over 100,000 hotel rooms while the greater New York area has almost 80,000, according to industry estimates. India will need to double this capacity if it is to meet the demands of new tourists, and this is where the state governments should be proactive.

Prime Minister Modi has caught the attention of the world with his mission to clean up India. Now, he’ll have to ensure that the broom also sweeps away archaic laws and poor policies, to set tourism free in India.

More on India India needs a total system reset Three innovations for India’s growth What if Ebola spreads to India?

Author: Pranjal Sharma is consulting editor of Businessworld, India. Follow him on Twitter at @pranjalsharma

Image: Tourists visit the Taj Mahal in the tourist city of Agra, September 16, 2004. REUTERS/Kamal Kishore

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Initiatives Implemented to Enhance Tourism Promotion

The Ministry of Tourism has taken several steps/measures under various schemes/initiatives over the years for development and promotion of tourism sector in the country as per details given below:

Development of tourism related infrastructure is done through projects sanctioned under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’, ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’ Schemes.
The Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach.
Financial assistance has been provided to the State Governments/UTs for organizing fairs/festivals & tourism related events under Domestic Promotion & Publicity including Hospitality (DPPH) Scheme.
Dekho Apna Desh initiative launched with the objective to encourage citizens to travel within the country.
Thematic tourism like wellness tourism, culinary tourism, rural, eco-tourism etc., amongst other niche subjects are vigorously promoted so as to expand the scope of tourism into other sectors as well.
Providing facility of e-Visa for 7 sub-categories i.e. e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa, e-Conference Visa, e-Ayush Visa and e-Ayush Attendant Visa for the nationals of 167 countries.
E-Visa has been further liberalized and the visa fee has been substantially reduced.
Lowering of GST on hotels rooms with tariffs of ₹1,001 to ₹7,500/night to 12%; those above ₹7,501 to 18% to increase India’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
Ministry of Tourism has collaborated with Ministry of Civil Aviation under their RCS-UDAN Scheme. As on date, 53 tourism routes have been operationalized to improve air connectivity to tourist destinations.
Ministry of Tourism is running Pan-India Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Program, a digital initiative that aims at creating an Online learning platform with the objective of creating a pool of well trained and professional Tourist Facilitators/Guides across the country and generating employment opportunities at local level.
Conducting Programmes under the ‘Capacity Building for Service Providers’ (CBSP) Scheme to train and up-grade manpower to provide better service standards.
The National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI) is a technology driven system, which is to facilitate digitalization and promote ease of doing business for hospitality & tourism sector. This initiative has been upgraded as NIDHI+ to have more inclusivity, that is, of not only Accommodation Units, but also Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Tourist Transport Operators, Food & Beverage Units, Online Travel Aggregators, Convention Centres and Tourist Facilitators.

Details of Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) and Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) during the period of 2018 to 2022 in India is given below:

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER Shri G. Kishan Reddy in Lok Sabha today.

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Indian govt boosts tourism sector with initiatives, offers: Report

Updated On Feb 28, 2022 at 02:11 PM IST

Tourism Ministry holds meeting of Tourism Officers in Indian missions on promotion strategies

The meeting, second in the series, was chaired by the Additional Secretary, Rakesh Kumar Verma, and attended by the 20 designated tourism officers in Indian embassies abroad. Besides, representatives of industry confederations like CII, FICCI, and trade associations of the travel and tourism sector attended the virtual meeting.

Published On Feb 28, 2022 at 02:10 PM IST

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Sustainable Tourism

20 Sustainable Tourism Practices and Destinations in India to Visit Now

Sustainable Tourism in India: India is a country of diverse landscapes, cultures, and traditions, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and bustling cities, India has much to offer to travelers seeking unique experiences. However, with the growth of tourism, the country has also witnessed an increase in environmental and social issues, such as waste management, carbon emissions, and exploitation of local communities. To address these concerns, sustainable tourism practices and initiatives have been developed across the country to promote responsible tourism. In this article, we will highlight 20 sustainable tourism practices and destinations in India that travelers can visit to support sustainable tourism.

20 Sustainable Tourism Practices and Destinations in India

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh : Nestled in the Himalayas, Spiti Valley is a remote and pristine destination that offers travelers a chance to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Spiti people. The valley is home to several eco-tourism initiatives, such as the Spiti Ecosphere, which supports the conservation of the region’s natural resources, and provides economic opportunities for local communities.
Chilika Lake, Odisha : Chilika Lake is the largest saltwater lake in Asia and home to a variety of bird species and aquatic life. The lake is a popular destination for bird watching and eco-tourism, with several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting the conservation of the lake’s ecology and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
Kabini, Karnataka : Kabini is a wildlife sanctuary located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. The region has several eco-friendly resorts that promote responsible tourism practices, such as the Kabini River Lodge, which supports conservation efforts and provides economic benefits to local communities.
Sikkim : Sikkim is a small state in northeastern India that is known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices and supporting local communities. For instance, the state has banned the use of plastic bags and promotes the use of eco-friendly products.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands : The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal. The islands are home to several unique wildlife species and pristine beaches. The islands have several eco-tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices, such as the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which supports the conservation of the region’s marine ecology.
Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir : Ladakh is a high-altitude desert region located in the northernmost part of India. The region is known for its unique culture and stunning natural beauty, such as the Pangong Lake, which is a popular destination for eco-tourism. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices, such as the Ladakh Ecological Development Group, which supports the conservation of the region’s natural resources and provides economic benefits to local communities.
Mawphlang, Meghalaya : Mawphlang is a small village located in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya. The village is home to a sacred forest that is protected by local communities. The forest is a popular destination for eco-tourism, with several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices, such as the Mawphlang Sacred Forest Conservation Project.
Wayanad, Kerala : Wayanad is a district located in the southern Indian state of Kerala that is known for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. The region has several eco-friendly resorts that promote responsible tourism practices and support local communities,
Sunderbans, West Bengal : Sunderbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Indian state of West Bengal. The region is known for its unique mangrove forests and wildlife species, such as the Royal Bengal Tiger. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the conservation of the region’s natural resources, such as the Sunderban Tiger Trail, which offers travelers a chance to experience the unique wildlife and culture of the region.
Coorg, Karnataka : Coorg is a popular hill station located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty and coffee plantations. The region has several eco-friendly resorts that promote responsible tourism practices and support the conservation of the region’s natural resources, such as the Eco Habitat Resort, which provides economic opportunities for local communities and supports conservation efforts.
Hampi, Karnataka : Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The region is known for its stunning ruins and unique cultural heritage. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the conservation of the region’s cultural and natural resources, such as the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority.
Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh : Maheshwar is a small town located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh that is known for its stunning textiles and cultural heritage. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the conservation of the region’s cultural and natural resources, such as the Rehwa Society, which supports the preservation of the region’s traditional textile practices and provides economic opportunities for local communities.
Khonoma, Nagaland : Khonoma is a small village located in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland that is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. The village has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the conservation of the region’s natural and cultural resources, such as the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary.
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh : Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh that is known for its stunning temple architecture and unique cultural heritage. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the conservation of the region’s cultural and natural resources, such as the Khajuraho Management Authority.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu : Coonoor is a popular hill station located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty and tea plantations. The region has several eco-friendly resorts that promote responsible tourism practices and support the conservation of the region’s natural resources, such as the Tea Nest.
Manas National Park, Assam : Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. The region is known for its unique biodiversity and wildlife species, such as the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the conservation of the region’s natural resources, such as the Manas Jungle Camp.
Kutch, Gujarat : Kutch is a region located in the Indian state of Gujarat that is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the conservation of the region’s cultural and natural resources, such as the Kutch Adventures India.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh : Araku Valley is a popular hill station located in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty and coffee plantations. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the conservation of the region’s natural resources, such as the Araku Tribal Museum and Coffee House, which promotes the region’s unique tribal culture and provides economic opportunities for local communities.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh : Spiti Valley is a region located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh that is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the conservation of the region’s cultural and natural resources, such as the Spiti Ecosphere, which promotes sustainable tourism practices and supports the conservation of the region’s natural resources.
Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh : Panna National Park is a region located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh that is known for its unique biodiversity and wildlife species, such as the Bengal tiger. The region has several sustainable tourism initiatives aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and supporting the conservation of the region’s natural resources, such as the Ken River Lodge, which promotes eco-tourism and supports the conservation of the region’s natural resources.

In recent years, sustainable tourism has gained significant momentum in India, with the government, private sector, and local communities all taking steps to promote responsible tourism practices and support the conservation of the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

One of the key challenges faced by sustainable tourism initiatives in India is the lack of awareness and understanding of sustainable tourism practices among tourists, as well as among local communities and stakeholders. As a result, there is a need for more education and awareness programs aimed at promoting sustainable tourism practices and raising awareness about the benefits of responsible tourism.

Another challenge is the need to balance the demands of tourism with the need to protect the environment and support local communities. This requires the implementation of policies and programs that promote sustainable tourism practices while also supporting the economic development of local communities.

Despite these challenges, there are many examples of sustainable tourism practices and destinations in India that demonstrate the potential of sustainable tourism to support economic development, promote cultural exchange, and conserve natural and cultural resources.

One of the most promising areas of sustainable tourism in India is community-based tourism, which involves the development of tourism activities and services that are owned and operated by local communities. This approach not only provides economic opportunities for local communities but also promotes the conservation of natural and cultural resources, as local communities are often the custodians of these resources.

Another promising area of sustainable tourism in India is ecotourism, which involves the development of tourism activities and services that focus on the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment. This approach not only supports the conservation of natural resources but also provides tourists with a unique and memorable travel experience that is focused on the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the region.

In addition to community-based tourism and ecotourism, there are many other sustainable tourism practices and destinations in India that promote responsible tourism practices and support the conservation of natural and cultural resources. These include sustainable resorts and hotels, sustainable transportation options, and cultural and heritage tourism initiatives.

Overall, sustainable tourism is an important and promising area of tourism in India that has the potential to support economic development, promote cultural exchange, and conserve natural and cultural resources. By supporting sustainable tourism practices and initiatives in India, travelers can not only have a memorable travel experience but also contribute to the conservation and sustainable development of the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

Sustainable Tourism Practices and Destinations: Examples from Around the World

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What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Tourism in India?

By Alice Nichols

Tourism is an industry that has been steadily growing in India over the past few decades. With its rich cultural diversity, breathtaking scenery, and historical significance, India has become a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.

However, like any industry, tourism has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore both sides of the coin.

Economic Growth: One of the most significant advantages of tourism is its contribution to economic growth. Tourism generates revenue for the country by creating jobs, attracting foreign exchange and boosting local businesses. The hospitality industry is a significant contributor to employment in India.

Cultural Exchange: Tourism promotes cultural exchange between countries. When tourists visit India, they get to learn about Indian culture, food habits, traditions and customs. This exchange fosters mutual understanding and respect for different cultures.

Promotion of Local Products: The tourism industry can promote local products by showcasing them to tourists. For example, Indian handicrafts have gained worldwide recognition because of their uniqueness and quality.

Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development is essential for any industry to thrive. The government invests in developing infrastructure like airports, roads and hotels to cater to tourists’ needs.

Disadvantages

Cultural Dilution: With the influx of foreign tourists comes the potential dilution of local culture. Tourists may not respect or follow local customs and traditions which could lead to a loss of traditional values.

Environmental Impact: Tourism can have a significant impact on the environment. Tourists may not follow responsible tourism practices leading to littering and degradation of natural resources.

Social Issues: The rise in tourism can cause social issues such as overcrowding or gentrification which could lead to displacement of locals from their homes or increase in prices making it unaffordable for the locals.

Dependency on Tourism: Over-dependence on tourism could lead to neglect of other industries. If there is a downturn in the tourism industry, it could have a significant impact on the economy.

9 Related Question Answers Found

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Recently ,The National Conference of State Tourism Ministers ended with the adoption of the “Dharamshala Declaration” which affirms commitment toward developing “sustainable and responsible tourism” and positions India as a “global leader in the tourism sector by 2047”.

Potential of Tourism Sector In India

Tourism and Hospitality sector is one of the largest employment g enerating sectors in India and has been contributing towards generating a major chunk of Foreign Exchange Earning (FEE).
India is an experiential destination with its kaleidoscope of ancient culture and heritage, ancient systems of healing like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Naturopathy , natural beauty including 70% of the Himalayas and over 7500 km long coastline, rich flora and fauna, world class medical facilities a nd many other aspects make India the favoured destination for the discerning traveller.
The percentage of Foreign Tourist Arrivals visiting India for Medical Treatment has been increasing over the years and growing rapidly.
Over the past few months, all the major tourism indices such as domestic air passenger traffic, hotel occupancy and tourist footfalls have shown signs of recovery and are going back to pre-pandemic levels.
By 2030, India is estimated to grow at 7%-9% compounded annual growth rate and we expect the enabling policy framework to bring in $250 billion in GDP contribution from tourism, 140 million jobs in the tourism sector and $56 billion in foreign exchange earnings with more than 25 million foreign arrivals.

Challenges

Lack of Infrastructure – It is a major challenge for the Indian tourism sector. This includes hotels, connectivity with other cities, health facilities, and transportation etc.
Attacks on foreign tourists, especially on women tourists have raised this question.
COVID-19 pandemic: The Indian tourism and hospitality sector were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and saw substantial job loss.
Business Hurdles, Lack of Hygiene and Comfortable accommodation
Lack of integrated tourism promotion

Governments Initiatives

Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme: The Government of India’s Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme was recently enhanced by ?50,000 crore, from ?4.5 lakh crore to ?5 lakh crore to benefit enterprises in hospitality and related sectors such as hotels and restaurants, marriage halls, travel agents, tour operators, adventure and heritage facilities.
The guiding principles include promoting sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism in line with our civilisational ethos.
The policy also aims to give impetus to digitalisation, innovation and technology through the National Digital Tourism Mission and skilling through the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Mission
Theme based schemes for the integrated development of circuits for improvement of infrastructure in the country have been launched by the Ministry of Tourism to enable tourists to experience the destination fully.
The Ministry has also been working with the Ministry of External Affairs to identify 20 Indian missions abroad with the highest tourist footfalls to India and build country-specific strategies to attract foreign tourists.
Central Sector Scheme
Aim: Integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
Focus on identifying and developing pilgrim sites across the country to promote religious tourism.
Organises webinars, quiz, pledge, discussions to keep people connected with the stakeholders and to encourage citizens to travel within the country.
It envisages the development and maintenance of tourist amenities at heritage sites and making them tourist-friendly.
The event highlights various potentials like eco-tourism, culture, heritage and business of the North East Region.
Gati Shakti Master Plan: It is a project for developing ‘holistic infrastructure’.
It will incorporate the infrastructure schemes of various Ministries and State Governments like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, UDAN etc.

What Lies Ahead ?

Tourism creates jobs and provides jobs in the tertiary sector. It is now high time for us to work for the betterment of this sector so that from the upcoming years the number of foreign tourists may increase, and more people will be able to know about our culture.
The Startup India initiative has boosted entrepreneurship. However, the travel and tourism startups need a bigger push. Innovative startups should be encouraged. Support from the government for ideation and access to finance are required.
The growth in this sector has multiplier effects on income generation as it is employment-intensive with less capital investment
There is a need to highlight the significance of public-private partnership to improve infrastructure and tackle the problem of end connectivity, which negatively affects the experiences of international travellers.
India’s age-old dictum of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ will come to the fore as it welcomes delegates from the 20 countries/European Union.

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India’s Travel Sector Has Recovered, But International Is Still a Pain Point

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

July 4th, 2024 at 12:01 AM EDT

India is cementing its position as a significant source market for travel across the world. However, on its own turf, all is not well.

Bulbul Dhawan

India’s travel and tourism sector has recovered significantly, according to a new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), but international travel spend in India continues to remain below pre-Covid levels.

The WTTC report revealed:

The travel and tourism sector’s contribution to Indian GDP stood at INR 19.13 trillion ($230 billion) in 2023, nearly 10% increase over 2019 levels.
Employment in the industry increased 8% to 43 million.
Domestic tourist spending was INR 14.64 trillion ($175 billion) last year, up 15% from pre-Covid levels.
International visitor spending was over 14% behind the 2019 levels.

Key Role of Domestic Tourism

Consulting firm McKinsey and Company had earlier projected that India will become the fourth-largest domestic travel market in terms of spending by 2030.

Online travel agency EaseMyTrip co-founder Rikant Pittie agreed with the WTTC report. He said, “Domestic travel and the tourism sector, in recent times, has become the backbone of India’s economic growth, especially with the government’s focus on promoting India as an equivalent to a global destination.”

According to recent data from aviation analytics firm OAG, India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market, after the U.S. and China. India’s domestic air passenger traffic in 2023-24 also surpassed pre-Covid levels ,

Earlier this year, Hyatt Hotels CEO Mark Hoplamazian also spoke about his company’s focus on India, specifically its domestic travelers. “The country’s leisure travel market is primarily driven by Indians traveling within India and discovering the country,” he said .

“The Indian market started seeing a rebound since the end of last year with the leisure hotel segment leading the way. Especially post Covid, India inbound became the buzzword. Indian travelers also started finding India more appealing due to the joint effect of increased marketing efforts and high international airfares,” said Arindam C Bahel, general manager of The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie.

2024 Outlook for Tourism in India

According to the WTTC report, the tourism industry in India is projected to be ahead of 2019 by the end of this year across four metrics: Contribution to Indian economy, employment, domestic visitor spending, and international visitor spending.

It estimates that:

The sector will contribute almost INR 21.15 trillion ($253 billion) to India’s GDP in 2024.
Jobs in the industry will increase by 2.45 million this year, equaling one in 11 jobs in India.
International visitor spending will grow more than 17%.
Domestic visitor spending will increase by nearly 10%.

There are risks to these projections, however: During the peak domestic travel period in summer, a record number of travelers left due to the heatwave in North India . The extreme weather condition also led to a nearly 40% decline in sale of inbound flights in May from April 2024.

Pain Points

Despite these strong projections from WTTC, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts managing director Ajay Bakaya has shared a different perspective.

“2023 was a phenomenal year. Our domestic tourists went up everywhere we were operating. We have seen changes in 2024. We had a really good first quarter from January to March, and April witnessed reasonable growth. But we have some places that have seen a decline in May and June. It could be the elections, but the results were far below expectations and budgets,” he said, adding that he hopes for it to be a short-term blip.

Bakaya also shared that while the overall tourism sector in India has been performing well, the picture is not so favorable for hill stations. “All across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, tourism this year has been below 2022 and 2023 levels. The reason is that our outbound travel is now healthier and stronger due to more options, easier visas, and more economical flights.”

He believes that in the long-term hill stations will go back to pre-Covid levels of reasonable business, but won’t witness a booming business. Goa, he explained, is also not seeing the growth that it should as probably the top tourism destination in India. “So, the picture is very good and very positive, but it is not all hunky dory. We’ll have some challenges before we scale the peak,” he said.

Meanwhile, international inbound is lagging. And India has slashed its global tourism promotion budget by 97% .

Bakaya said, “We’re all pinning our hopes on what happens starting October 2024 (the inbound tourism season in India), but so far we have seen very little inbound travel. It has been disappointing.”

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Tags: domestic tourism , easemytrip , Hyatt Hotels , india , india outbound , india travel , international tourism , international travel , mark hoplamazian , sarovar hotels , tourism , Travel industry , Travel Trends , wttc

Photo credit: According to the WTTC report, the tourism industry in India will be ahead of 2019 by the end of 2024. Godson Bright / Pexels

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Sansad TV: Perspective- Promoting Tourism

Introduction:

Tourism sector in India is a significant economic multiplier and is becoming increasingly important as the country strives for rapid economic growth and employment creation. Despite the tourism sector being severely affected by COVID, India witnessed a jump in Foreign Tourist Arrivals in 2022. The Draft National Tourism Policy formulated by the Ministry of Tourism is a holistic framework for sustainable and responsible growth of the tourism sector in the country. The Policy aims at improving framework conditions for tourism development in the country and supporting tourism industries. India is observing ‘Visit India Year 2023’ on in order to develop tourism in mission mode and to accelerate India’s rise towards world leadership in tourism sector. The Ministry of Tourism is also organizing 1st Global Tourism Investors’ Summit in May this year to showcase investible projects and opportunities in tourism and hospitality sector in India to domestic and international investors.

Measures needed: Tourist Police Scheme

As many as 29 foreigners were murdered in the last three years. While 14 foreigners fell victim to rape last year, 16 were raped in 2020 and 12 in 2019.
As many as 15 cases of assault to outraging modesty of foreign women were registered last year across the country, apart from 14 complaints of cheating.
Booklet on the tourist police scheme and tourist police stations: The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has brought out a booklet on the tourist police scheme detailing the mode of setting up of tourist police stations and control rooms, outposts, uniforms, recruitment, qualifications, training and logistics requirements for tourist police stations.
Identified tourist spots : As many as 25 popular tourist spots have been identified in the country where the tourist police necessarily need to be deployed to help foreigners. As an incentive, 30% deputation allowance has been recommended for the police personnel who joins the tourist police on deputation.
Identified Criminals in and around tourists’ spots need to be kept on constant surveillance
Fast track courts should be set immediately to try cases of crimes against tourists
States that have tourist police: Though the concept of ‘tourist police’ has been in vogue for the past few years, it has not been given the kind of attention it deserves. The States that have tourist police are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Rajasthan and Kerala.
Delhi a neglected state is gearing up for tourist police wing: In view of the forthcoming G20 Summit, the Delhi police is gearing up its tourist police wing, which was hitherto in a neglected state and so are other States which will see a huge influx of foreigners.

Potential and prospects :-

Tourism in India has emerged as an instrument of income and employment generation, poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. It contributes 6.23% to the national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India. Almost 20 million people are now working in the India’s tourism industry.
Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange earnings in India. This has favourable impact on the balance of payment of the country. The tourism industry in India generated about US$100 billion in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate.
The sector also has the potential to create micro-entrepreneurs who in turn can employ more people. The multiplier effect it delivers is high.
In fact, tourism helped Spain which receives over 68 million international tourists annually fight its recent economic downturn.
According to the World Tourism Organisation, the sector provides for 10 per cent of the world’s GDP, 7 per cent of the global trade and creates one in every 11 jobs worldwide.
Travel and tourism sector in India has the potential to grow much faster and support 46 million jobs by 2025, provided the right investments and policies continue to be implemented
Tourism in a place will put the local culture, handicraft sector in the limelight and increase the standard of living of these people.
It can help develop rural areas which are tourist spots providing better facilities there itself and can lead to less migration which will further reduce pressure on cities.
Indian Tourism offers a potpourri of different cultures, traditions, festivals, and places of interest. There are a lot of options for the tourists. India is a country with rich cultural and traditional diversity. This aspect is even reflected in its tourism. The different parts of the country offer wide variety of interesting places to visit.
With optimistic predictions of about 13.34 million foreign tourists arriving by 2024, there is a pressing need to upgrade our security systems specially to provide a flawless security blanket cover to foreign tourists.
Safety assumes utmost importance to draw tourists in hordes.
If the goal of positioning of India as one of the world’s best tourism destinations by 2047 , there is need to integrate various schemes of different ministries.

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Rajasthan tourism ministry inks pact to promote weddings, conferences

Stakeholders are keen to develop tourism in rajasthan, a key revenue generator for the state. the ministry of tourism has signed a memorandum of understanding (mou) with the federation of hospitality and tourism of rajasthan (fhtr)..

Listen to Story

Celebrity weddings in Rajasthan boost state's tourism sector
Ministry of Tourism signs MoU with Federation of Hospitality and Tourism
Over 7 crore tourists visited Rajasthan in 2024

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif, and Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha all share a common thread: they chose Rajasthan's scenic and exotic locales for their weddings. These high-profile destination weddings have significantly boosted the state's tourism sector.

Recognising the potential, various stakeholders are keen to further develop tourism in Rajasthan, a key revenue generator for the state. The Ministry of Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR).

"More than 7 crore tourists visited Rajasthan in 2024, showcasing its global and national appeal. The state government has implemented several initiatives to promote tourism, such as granting industry status to tourism, encouraging rural tourism, and revising heritage policies," stated Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department.

To enhance the tourism-related economy, the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) will be held in Jaipur from September 13-15, with the theme 'Wedding, Incentive, Conference and Event'. The event will be organised by the FHTR and the Rajasthan Tourism Department.

A stakeholders' meeting was held this week at Jaipur's Rambagh Palace in preparation for the RDTM event. Attendees included Principal Secretary Gayatri Rathore, Tourism Department Director Rashmi Sharma, FHTR President Kuldeep Singh Chandela, and FHTR General Secretary CA Virendra Singh Shekhawat.

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Switzerland aims to avoid excessive tourism by highlighting the off seasons, promoting offbeat destinations

Officials said in a press conference in zurich that they wanted to direct holidaymakers to “the right places, at the right time” and avoid excessive tourism..

Switzerland's tourism agency said Thursday that it was trying to even out the flow of holidaymakers throughout the year to protect the Alpine country from the risks of excessive tourism. (Also Read | World Chocolate Day: 10 best cities for chocolate lovers )

Switzerland Tourism said it would seek to highlight the off seasons and promote destinations off the beaten track.

Officials told a press conference in Zurich the agency wanted to direct holidaymakers to "the right places, at the right time".

Switzerland tries protect the country from the risks of excessive tourism

There is "no problem of general over-tourism in Switzerland", said the agency's chief Martin Nydegger, though there are "temporary and localised bottlenecks, well known to the industry".

The village of Iseltwald in central Switzerland, for example, suddenly saw Asian tourists flocking to the shores of Lake Brienz last year after the huge success of the South Korean Netflix series "Crash Landing on You".

The village of around 400 inhabitants decided to impose a fee of five Swiss francs ($5.55) on tourists wanting to go on the pontoon for a picture where a romantic scene was filmed.

Nydegger said the Swiss generally had a positive opinion of the industry. According to a survey carried out by the agency, only five percent are concerned about tourism.

"The strength of the Swiss franc is already one defence, because it limits access to mass tourism," Damian Constantin, head of the conference of directors of regional tourist offices, told AFP.

Along with the strong currency, the high cost of living also makes Switzerland an expensive destination to visit, further curbing the risk of over-tourism, he said.

Switzerland Tourism nonetheless wants to be proactive in protecting a sector that generates 43 billion francs ($48 billion) a year and 4.5 percent of the country's GDP, according to Nydegger.

The agency intends to work with tour operators to offer packages off the beaten track, like hiking trails and electric bike tours at the luxury winter ski resort of Davos-Klosters, promoted with the help of Chinese online content creators.

It has also launched campaigns to promote tourism during the autumn to extend the summer season.

"The diversity of Switzerland is highlighted worldwide so that travellers can spread out better, immerse themselves deeper and stay longer," the agency said.

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