29 Sep 2022 Prospects of Tourism Industry in India
Source: The Hindu
News: Government prepared ‘The Dharamshala Declaration’ on occasion of World Tourism Day(27th September) in wake of dip in foreign tourists’ arrival in 2021.
Key findings from India Tourism Statistics 2022:
- Dip in foreign tourist arrivals in India by 44.5% in 2021 due to restrictions imposed by COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 2021, arrival of NRIs increased by 52.6% compared to 2020.
- In 2021, the top 15 countries including the U.S, the U.K., Bangladesh, Canada, Nepal, Afghanistan and Australia accounted for approximately 81% of foreign tourist arrivals in India.
- A 7.3% increase in departure of Indian nationals from the country compared to 2020.
- Top destination for Indians in 2021 was UAE followed by the U.S., Qatar, Oman and the U.K.
- Minor revival in domestic tourism in India i.e. an increase of 11.05% in 2021 compared to 2020.
Importance of tourism: Driver of economic growth and income generation
- Helps in earning foreign exchange for the country. In 2021, foreign exchange earnings from tourism witnessed growth of 26.4% compared to 2020.
- Pave way for sustainable infrastructure: Development of the tourism sector helps in creation of sustainable and world-class infrastructure development.
- Tourism provides an opportunity to showcase the diverse culture of a country.
- Promotion of civilisational ethos such as living harmoniously with nature and within our means through tourism.
Government initiative to promote tourism:
- Modi government is using the ‘Whole of Government’ approach to promote tourism. This approach helps in breaking down silos and encourages synergies across various government departments.
- Conception of ‘The Dharamshala Declaration’ on World Tourism Day to recognise India’s role in contributing towards recovery of global tourism and promoting domestic tourism.
- Building country-specific strategies to attract foreign tourists: Tourism ministry is working with the Ministry of External Affairs to identify 20 Indian missions abroad with the highest tourist footfalls to India.
- The Government of India has enhanced the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme to help hospitality and related sectors.
- Formation of National Green Tourism Mission to promote sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism.
Way forward: All-round development of the tourism sector
- Leverage immense potential of medical tourism: As there is growing global interest in ancient healing practices such as ayurveda and yoga.
- Finalize National Tourism policy keeping in mind tradition as well as modernization.
- Public-private-partnerships (PPP) for transformation of the tourism industry and for bringing in private investments.
- Skilling of workforce in tourism and hospitality industry through Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Mission.
- Introduction of National Digital Tourism Mission in National Tourism policy for digitalisation, innovation and technology of the tourism industry.
- India should make use of the presidency of the G20 to position itself as a major tourism destination in accordance with the age-old tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’.
Article: Arrival of foreign tourists took a big hit in 2021, data shows; Pitching India as a signature destination (G. Kishan Reddy)
Article Link:
1.https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/pitching-india-as-a-signature-destination/article65938881.ece
2.https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/arrival-of-foreign-tourists-took-big-hit-in-2021-data-show/article65943049.ece
Yojna IAS Daily Current affairs eng med 29th Sep
No Comments