Indian Tourism Sector
Source : Indian Express
GS III : Indian Economy

What is discussed under Indian Tourism Sector?

1. Indian Tourism Sector overview
2. Government initiatives to boost tourism sector in India
3. Draft National Tourism Policy

Why in News ?

Recently a report was released titled ‘Outbound Travel and Tourism – An Opportunity Untapped‘, which shows India’s outbound tourism will surpass USD 42 billion by 2024.

Key Facts

• • The report highlights the up-and-coming Indian travel market.
  • It outlines a framework for creating a more value for money experience for Indian tourists and travellers.
  • The Indian outbound travel market is among the fastest growing markets globally with approximately 80 million passport levels of purchasing power, especially among the middle class.
  • Europe sees 20 percent of the travellers from India’s outbound traffic.
  • 10 percent travel to Australia and New Zealand, while the rest of the traffic is towards Southeast Asia.
  • Indians spent approximately USD 12.6 billion in outbound trips, compared to USD 22.9 billion in 2019.
    • Reason for decrease in spending could be due to the pandemic.

Indian Tourism Sector overview

• • Indian Tourism is ranked at 10th position in terms of its contribution to World GDP in the World Travel and Tourism Council’s report in 2019.
  • Tourism is an integral pillar of the Make in India programme.

    

  • Travel and tourism sector is one of the largest employers, employing nearly 12.75% (including both direct and indirect employment) of employment share in 2018-19.
    • Tourism sector in India accounted for 39 million jobs, which was 8.0 % of the total employment in the country.
    • By 2029, it is expected to account for about 53 million jobs.
  • World Economic Forum (WEF) Travel and Tourism Competitive Index (TTCI) India is at 54.
  • India is a region having 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 668 protected areas that can attract significant tourism activity.

Importance of promotion of Tourism in India

• • Services and Economy
    • It gives a push to the service sector.
    • A large number of businesses engaged in the service sector such as airlines, hotel, surface transportation, etc. grows with the growth of the tourism industry.
  • Regional Development
    • Local communities get a livelihood by selling localised products.
    • Also will get recognition to their art and craft. 
  • Development and Infrastructure Projects
    • Need for development, gives a boost to the existing and planned infrastructure.
    • Preservation of National Heritage and Environment by bringing in focus the importance of sites and the need to preserve them.
  • Foreign Exchange
    • Travellers from out side India help in getting Foreign Exchange.
  • Cultural Recognition
    • India will get recognition and initiates cultural exchange.
    • Promoting cultural friendship and cooperation between India and other countries.

Major Areas of Focus

1. 1. World Heritage Sites
   2. Eco Tourism
   3. Medical Tourism: India is emerging as the most preferred destination for Medical Tourism.

What are the challenges in Tourism in India?

1. 1. Underutilization Potential
      • Tourism competitiveness ranking at 34 reveals that India has not monetized or marketed the precious assets embedded in its heritage to their full potential.
   2. Infrastructure and Connectivity
      • This negatively impact tourist visits to some heritage sites.
   3. Safety and Security
      • Safety and security of tourists, especially of the foreign tourists, is a major hurdle to tourism development.
      • Recent attacks on foreign nationals raise questions about India’s ability to welcome tourists from far away countries.
   4. Lack of Effective Policies
      • India lack in effective policies as compared other countries those who depend on tourism.
   5. Promotion
      • Marketing strategy is not proper Tourism like Medical Tourism, Adventure Tourism etc. to solve the problem of seasonality.

Government initiatives to boost tourism sector in India

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• • Launched by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT)
  • Central Sector scheme launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.
  • Scheme is envisioned to synergise with other schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, Make in India etc. with the idea of positioning the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation.

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

• • Announced in 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.
  • Aim: To enhance the bonding between the states and strengthen the unity and integrity of India.
  • The states carry out activities to promote a sustained and structured cultural connect in the areas of language learning, culture, traditions & music, tourism & cuisine, sports and sharing of best practices, etc.
  • It showcases the rich heritage, culture, customs and traditions of the paired states.
  • Through student exchange programs, it enables people to have a better understanding and appreciate the diversity of the nation.

Destination North East-2020

• • It is an annual event of the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region.
  •  Event gives you the chance to explore exuberant performances, speeches and exhibitions from all the states of North East.
  • Festival is being held Virtually, making it accessible to everyone who’s interested in being a part of the merriment.

Iconic Tourist Sites

• • The Tourism Ministry is the nodal ministry for the implementation of the initiative.
  • The government will develop 17 “Iconic Tourist Sites” in the country as a world class tourist destinations which in turn would serve as a model for other tourism sites.

PRASHAD Scheme

• • National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme Launched in 2015.
  • Focus on identifying and developing pilgrim sites across the country to promote religious tourism.

Adopt Heritage Project

• • Launched in 2017 as a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), State/UTs Governments.
  • It envisages the development and maintenance of tourist amenities at heritage sites and making them tourist-friendly.

Draft National Tourism Policy

A National Tourism Policy (NTP) was formulated in 2002. However, taking into account the widespread, interrelated global developments and advancements, which have had a strong bearing on the Tourism sector new draft National Tourism Policy has been formulated and the same is yet to be approved.

Salient features

• • Policy on employment generation and community participation in tourism development.
  • Development of tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner.
  • Development and promotion of varied tourism products including the rich Culture and Heritage of the country
    • Also niche products such as Medical &Wellness, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), Adventure, Wildlife, etc. 
  • Emphasis on technology enabled development in tourism.
  • Development of core infrastructure (airways, railways, roadways, waterways, etc.) as well as Tourism Infrastructure.
  • Focus on domestic tourism as a major driver of tourism growth.

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