Tourism in India

Indian tourism and hospitality industry have emerged as one of the key drivers of growth among the services sector in India.

Tourism in India has significant potential considering the rich cultural and historical heritage, variety in ecology, terrains and places of natural beauty spread across the country.

Significance

  • Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange in India similar to many other countries.
  • In FY20, tourism sector in India accounted for 39 million jobs, which was 8.0 per cent of the total employment in the country. By 2029, it is expected to account for about 53 million jobs.
  • According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), India ranked 10th among 185 countries in terms of travel & tourism’s total contribution to GDP in 2019.
  • India was globally the third largest in terms of investment in travel and tourism with an inflow of US$ 45.7 billion in 2018, accounting for 5.9 per cent of the total investment in the country.

Challenges

  • Infrastructure
  • Investment
  • Promotion
  • Competitiveness
  • Sustainability

Government Initiatives

SWADESH DARSHAN

  • Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a Central Sector scheme launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits. The scheme aims to promote, develop and harness the potential of tourism in India.
  • Under the scheme fifteen thematic circuits have been identified for development, namely: Northeast India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Tirthankar Circuit and Sufi Circuit.
  • PRASHAD
  • The National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive PRASHAD has been launched by the Ministry of Tourism with the objective of holistic development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.

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