India has recorded a significant rise in foreign tourists this year. Between January and August 2024, about 61.91 lakh tourists visited the country, up from 59.71 lakh during the same period in 2023, according to Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Tourism Contribution to India’s Economy
In 2022-23, the tourism sector contributed 5% to India’s GDP, a notable increase from the 1.75% contribution in 2021-22. This highlights the growing importance of tourism in India’s economic recovery and expansion.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported that global export revenues from international tourism in 2023 reached $1.8 trillion. This figure includes earnings from tourism activities and passenger transport, emphasizing the importance of tourism in global trade.
Promotional Efforts: The Chalo India Initiative
To attract more tourists, the Ministry of Tourism launched the Chalo India initiative, encouraging the Indian diaspora to promote the country as an incredible travel destination. Each Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder can nominate five non-Indian friends for a visit. The initiative aims to grant one lakh free e-visas annually.
A dedicated Chalo India portal has been developed to facilitate diaspora registration and encourage tourism from international markets.
Enhancing Tourism Infrastructure
India is improving its tourism infrastructure through programs such as Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), and other schemes in collaboration with States, Union Territories, and private stakeholders.
The PRASHAD scheme provides financial support for developing tourism infrastructure in pilgrimage and heritage destinations, while the Swadesh Darshan scheme focuses on creating theme-based tourist circuits across the country.
Collaborations for Better Connectivity
To boost tourism, the Ministry of Tourism has partnered with the Ministries of Road Transport, Civil Aviation, Railways, and Ports and Shipping. These collaborations aim to improve accessibility to key tourist spots and enhance the overall travel experience for visitors.
India’s growing appeal as a tourist destination is supported by diverse cultural heritage, improved facilities, and targeted initiatives, ensuring a promising future for the tourism sector.
