Tourism Sector in India

General Studies Paper -3

Context: According to the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India is ranked 39th among 119 countries.

About

• In the previous index published in 2021, India was ranked 54th.
• India’s scores have improved in three areas: Prioritization of Travel & Tourism, Safety & Security, and Health & Hygiene.
• There were 975 million International Tourist arrivals around the world in 2022, wherein India recorded 14.3 million International Tourist Arrivals that represented 1.47% of the international inbound tourism market share.
  • The share of India’s International Tourist Arrivals in Asia & Pacific is 15.66% in 2022.

Types of Tourism offered in India

• Bounded by the Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a coastline surrounded by three seas, India has magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, rich cultures and festivities.
• Adventure tourism: This involves exploration of remote areas and exotic locales and engaging in various activities.
  • For adventure tourism in India, tourists prefer to go trekking to places like Ladakh, Sikkim, and Himalaya.
• Spiritual Tourism : The astounding diversity of religions, cultures, and languages of India is unique and unparalleled.
• Beach Tourism: India’s vast coastline and islands provides ample opportunities for tourism.
  • Kerala, Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep islands attract tourists in large numbers all around the year.
• Cultural tourism: India is known for its rich cultural heritage and an element of mysticism, which is why tourists come to India to experience it for themselves.
• The various fairs and festivals that tourists can visit in India are the Pushkar fair (Rajasthan), Taj Mahotsav (Uttar Pradesh), and Suraj Kund mela (Haryana).
• Wildlife tourism: India has a rich forest cover which has exotic species of wildlife – some of which are even endangered and very rare. This has boosted wildlife tourism in India.
• Medical tourism: Tourists from all over the world come to India to avail themselves of cost-effective but superior quality healthcare in terms of surgical procedures and general medical attention.

Indian Tourism Sector

• The Indian Tourism sector ranks among the fastest-growing economic sectors in the country.
• International Tourist arrival is expected to reach 30.5 million by 2028.
• By 2028, India’s tourism and hospitality industry is projected to generate revenue of over $59 Bn.
  • Additionally, Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) are anticipated to reach 30.5 Mn by 2028.

Challenges

• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many tourist destinations in India suffer from inadequate infrastructure, including poor road conditions, insufficient public transportation, and inadequate facilities in popular tourist areas.
• Environmental Degradation: Increased tourism lead to environmental problems such as pollution, overuse of natural resources, and damage to wildlife and ecosystems. Sustainable tourism practices are often lacking.
• Lack of Standardization: There is a lack of standardized quality control across various services in the tourism sector, from hotels and restaurants to tour operators. This inconsistency affect the overall tourist experience.
• Seasonality: Many tourist destinations face seasonal fluctuations, with high tourist numbers during peak seasons and low numbers during off-seasons.
• Marketing and Promotion Challenges: Effective marketing strategies are often lacking, and there is a need for better promotion of lesser-known destinations.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Management: Managing cultural heritage responsibly while balancing tourism needs is challenging.
  • There are issues related to respecting local traditions and practices while catering to tourist demands.

Government Initiatives

• Incredible India Campaign: Launched in 2002, this ongoing campaign aims to position India as a premier tourist destination.
  • It focuses on highlighting India’s diverse culture, heritage, and attractions through various media and promotional activities.
• National Tourism Policy: The National Tourism Policy aims to promote sustainable tourism, improve infrastructure, and increase tourist arrivals.
• Swadesh Darshan Scheme: This scheme was launched to develop theme-based tourist circuits across the country.
  • It focuses on creating world-class infrastructure, including roads, amenities, and signage, to improve the tourist experience.
• Prasad Scheme: The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) aims to develop and beautify pilgrimage destinations across India, enhancing facilities and accessibility for spiritual tourism.
• Atithi Devo Bhava Campaign: This initiative promotes hospitality and the cultural ethos of treating guests with utmost respect and care.
  • It includes training programs for service providers in the tourism sector.
• Visa Reforms: The introduction of e-visa facilities for citizens of many countries has simplified the process for obtaining a visa to visit India. This move aims to attract more international tourists.
• Tourism Infrastructure Development: The government has invested in improving infrastructure, including the development of airports, roads, and railways, to make travel more convenient for tourists.
• Support for Sustainable Tourism: The government is promoting eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices through various schemes and guidelines, including the promotion of responsible tourism.