Snapshot

Unlock the Marvels of Incredible India

Powerhouse of Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism and Hospitality, as one of India's largest service industries, plays an extraordinary role in driving the nation's growth and prosperity. 

The Tourism and Hospitality sector is an integral part of the Make in India initiative, serving as a vital economic catalyst that fuels job creation and rapid development. 

It acts as a stimulant for the growth of multi-use infrastructure, including world-class hotels, resorts, exquisite restaurants, efficient transportation networks (aviation, roads, shipping, and railways), and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. 

India proudly boasts a tapestry of geographical diversity, encompassing awe-inspiring world heritage sites and niche tourism offerings such as captivating cruise tourism, exhilarating adventure tourism, renowned medical tourism, and mesmerizing eco-tourism. These unique offerings have resulted in an exponential increase in tourist arrivals, opening up vast employment opportunities. 

The recently announced 2023 Union Budget has firmly placed tourism as a key sector in the spotlight. The Ministry of Tourism, in its mission mode, is dedicated to promoting the industry through active participation from all States, the convergence of Government Programs, and the establishment of impactful Public-Private Partnerships. This visionary approach will facilitate comprehensive development in at least 50 selected destinations through a challenge mode process. 

Recognizing the importance of diversity and gender empowerment, the tourism industry stands as a leading employer of women. The government proactively collaborates with industry stakeholders to create a conducive work environment that fosters equal opportunities and celebrates the contributions of female employees. 

The Ministry of Tourism has also designated the Year 2023 as the 'Visit India' year, an invitation to the world to witness the splendor and magnificence that our nation has to offer. 

Embracing a progressive outlook, India welcomes 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the tourism industry under the automatic route.  

Additionally, 100% FDI is permitted for tourism construction projects, including the development of exquisite hotels, resorts, and unparalleled recreational facilities. 

For comprehensive details, please refer to the FDI Policy, which highlights the investment opportunities and guidelines in the tourism sector. 

India's tourism industry stands as a beacon of boundless possibilities, with its rich heritage, cultural tapestry, and captivating destinations. We invite you to embark on an extraordinary journey of investment and partnership, where your vision aligns with the immense potential India holds

 

  • Mn

    Foreign Tourist Arrivals (till Sept 2023)

  • Bn

    Domestic Tourist Visits to all States/UTs (2022)

  • %

    Annual Growth Rate of FTAs in India (2022)

  • $ Bn

    Foreign exchange earnings (FEE) from tourism (2022)

  • %

    Share of India in International Tourism Receipts (ITRs) in World

6th in terms of Travel & Tourism total contribution to GDP, WTTC (2021)

2nd in terms of Travel & Tourism Employment, WTTC (2021)

54th on the World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Development Index (2022)

Industry Scenario

Government of India envisions $56 Bn forex, creating around 140 Mn jobs in tourism by 2030 through inclusive growth and  particularly focusing on cruise tourism, ecotourism and adventure tourism.   

The Indian Tourism sector ranks among the fastest-growing economic sectors in the country. The industry significantly impacts employment and drives regional development, while also creating a multiplier effect on the performance of related industries.

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.

In light of India's G20 Presidency and the India@75 Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the Ministry of Tourism has designated 2023 as the 'Visit India Year' to promote inbound travel.

The Honorable Prime Minister has envisioned a mission mode approach to develop tourism during Amrit Kaal, with a strategic roadmap for the next 25 years. The objective is to position India as the foremost travel destination globally by the time we celebrate India@100 in 2047, creating unparalleled appeal for visitors from around the world. 

Ministry of Tourism is planning to organize a Global Tourism Investors Summit along with Central Ministries and State/UT Governments to showcase opportunities for investment and trade. The event will allow global investors to explore Indian Tourism products and services.

Union Budget 2023 Highlights:

  • 50 tourist destinations will be selected through challenge mode to be developed as a whole package for domestic and international tourism
  • Sector-specific skilling and entrepreneurship development to be dovetailed to achieve the objectives of the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative
  • Tourism infrastructure and amenities to be facilitated in border villages through the Vibrant Villages Programme
  • Unity Malls to be set up in State Capitals or prominent tourist centres

GROWTH DRIVERS

  • Infrastructure development

    More than half of the Ministry of Tourism’s budget is channelised for funding the development of destinations, circuits, mega projects as well as rural tourism infrastructure projects.

  • Hotels & Accommodation

    Revenue is projected at $7.66 Bn in 2023. CAGR of 8.29% between 2023-27. 61.3 Mn potential customers by 2027

  • Adventure Tourism

    India has 70% of the Himalayas, a 7,000+ Km of coastline, ranks 10th in total area under forest cover, and is one of the three countries in the world with both hot and cold deserts.

  • Medical tourism

    Medical tourism and wellness retreats attract 21% of international travelers, leveraging world-class healthcare facilities and traditional healing practices.

  • Cruise Tourism

    Cruise passenger traffic expected to increase from 0.4 Mn to 4 Mn by 2032. Increase in economic potential from $110 Mn to $5.5 Bn.

  • Eco-Tourism

    Expected to grow at 15.7% between 2019-27 & reach $4.55 Bn. India offers unique destinations, exploration of wildlife, and pristine undisturbed natural areas.

  • Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions

    The Indian MICE market has less than 1% share currently, but with initiatives such as ‘Meet in India’, National Advisory Council for Mice, India Mice Board, MICE Tourism is projected to double in next 5 years.

  • Entrepreneurial Opportunities

    The tourism sector has 1,300+ DPIIT recognized startups.

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    FAQs

    Frequently
    Asked Questions

    What effort is the Ministry of Tourism making to increase investment into the sector?

    The Ministry of Tourism is set to host the First Global Tourism Investors Summit in 2023 in collaboration with Central Ministries and State/UT Governments. 

    This mega event aims to highlight investment and trade opportunities while providing a platform for international investors to discover India's diverse tourism products and services.
     

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    What are the initiatives taken by the Union Government to develop rural tourism in India?

    Recognising the potential of rural tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has identified Rural Circuit as one of the fifteen thematic circuits for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and is aimed at leveraging tourism as a force multiple for revitalizing the rural economy and for giving both domestic and international tourists a glimpse of rural aspect of the country.

    Further, Ministry of Tourism has formulated a Draft 'National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India - An initiative towards Atmanirbhar Bharat', which, inter alia, focuses on generating income and jobs in rural areas and empower local communities, youth and women, fulfilling the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

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    What are the government's initiatives under Lighthouses Tourism in India?

    The GOI has identified 78 lighthouses in the country as centres of tourism, which are in the first phase under Public Private Partnership (PPP). The identified lighthouses are in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The GOI has kick started the ‘lighthouse tourism’ project by inviting initial qualification bids to develop eight lighthouses in the first phase, at a cost of INR 128 crore, under the public-private-partnership model for 7 lighthouses.

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    What are the key features of the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme?

    The goal of the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme is to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country. The scheme is aimed at 360-degree holistic development with a focus on increasing self-employment, youth skilling, private sector investments, and preserving local cultures.

    The strategic objectives of the Scheme are:
    (i) To enhance the contribution of tourism to the local economies
    (ii) To create jobs including self-employment for local communities
    (iii) To enhance the skills of local youth in tourism and hospitality
    (iv) To increase private sector investment in tourism and hospitality
    (v) To preserve and enhance the local cultural and natural resources
     

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    What is Prasad Scheme?

    Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience. It aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritised, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience. As on date, total number of destinations/sites identified for development under the scheme at present are 68 in 30 states/UTs.

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