Overview of India’s Tourism Sector

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Overview of India’s Tourism Sector

Context:

The Ministry of Tourism’s initiatives for promoting sustainable tourism in India include several strategic pillars and specific programs.

 

More in news:

  • India’s tourism sector is experiencing robust growth post-pandemic, with significant increases in foreign tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings. 
  • The government has implemented several initiatives to promote sustainable tourism, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall tourist experience. 
  • The sector’s digital transformation and focus on hospitality improvements reflect ongoing efforts to boost India’s position in global tourism.

 

Tourism Statistics and Performance

  • Global Ranking: India is ranked 39th in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024.
  • Foreign Tourist Arrivals (2023): Over 92 lakh arrivals, a 43.5% YoY increase.
  • Foreign Exchange Earnings: Over ₹2.3 lakh crore, a 65.7% YoY increase.
  • Tourism Sector Growth: Significant growth in foreign exchange receipts, increasing India’s share in world tourism receipts from 1.38% in 2021 to 1.58% in 2022.

 

Strategic Pillars for Sustainable Tourism:

  • Promoting Environmental Sustainability.
  • Protecting Biodiversity.
  • Promoting Economic Sustainability.
  • Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability.
  • Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism.
  • IEC and Capacity Building.
  • Governance.

 

Initiatives for Tourism Development:

 

Travel for LiFE Initiative:

  • Encourages both tourists and businesses to adopt sustainable practices, focusing on mindful and deliberate use of tourism resources. It aims to foster sustainable tourism in the country by guiding tourists and tourism businesses to engage in mindful and deliberate actions in their consumption of tourism resources.

 

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0):

A revamped version of the Swadesh Darshan scheme aimed at developing responsible and sustainable tourist destinations with a focus on the needs of both tourists and destinations.

  • Objective: Develop sustainable and responsible tourist destinations with a destination-centric approach.
  • Details: 57 destinations across 32 States/UTs selected, 29 projects sanctioned with a total amount of ₹644 crore.

 

Challenge Based Destination Development:

  • Objective: Enhance tourist experience and develop sustainable destinations.
  • Details: 42 destinations selected in categories like Spiritual Tourism, Culture & Heritage, Vibrant Village Program, and Ecotourism.

 

National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme:

  • Objective: Develop tourism infrastructure and amenities at pilgrimage destinations.
  • Details: 29 new sites identified, 12 inaugurated.
  • Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Programme:
  • Objective: The programme aims at enhancing the overall experience of tourists by making available a pool of local, trained professionals at tourist sites across the country. A Pan-India online learning program accessible on various digital devices.

 

Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN):

  • Objective: Improve air connectivity to important tourist places.
  • Details: 53 tourism routes operationalised for better access.

 

Amrit Dharohar Initiative:

  • Objective: Promote nature tourism in Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of international importance.

 

Other Initiatives:

  • E-Marketplace: Facilitates interactions between tourists and certified facilitators through web and mobile apps.
  • National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI): Aims to register accommodation units nationwide.
  • SAATHI (System for Assessment, Awareness and Training for Hospitality Industry): Educates the hospitality sector on COVID regulations and hygiene practices.
  • Integrated Marketing Strategy: Promotes tourism destinations and products both domestically and internationally.

 

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