Tourism Soars in India: Growth, Employment, and Sustainability Take Center Stage

Record-breaking tourist arrivals, foreign exchange earnings, and revamped tourism schemes drive India’s growth as a global tourism hub.

New Delhi, December 25: India’s tourism sector witnessed remarkable growth in 2023, recording 18.89 million international tourist arrivals and generating ₹231,927 crore in foreign exchange earnings (FEEs), according to the Ministry of Tourism’s year-end report released on Wednesday.

Additionally, 2,509 million domestic tourists traveled across the country, showcasing a strong appetite for domestic exploration and travel.

Key Tourism Development Initiatives

The Ministry of Tourism has been actively investing in infrastructure and sustainable tourism initiatives to boost employment, enhance visitor experiences, and attract foreign exchange.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• 76 projects worth ₹5,287.90 crore have been sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with 75 projects already completed.
• The scheme has been upgraded to Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), emphasizing sustainable and responsible tourism with a destination-centric approach.
• 34 new projects worth ₹793.20 crore have been sanctioned under SD2.0.

PRASHAD Scheme

• A total of 48 projects worth ₹1,646.99 crore have been approved under the PRASHAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive), with 23 projects completed.

Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme

• 65 projects worth ₹937.56 crore have been approved, with 38 projects completed to date.

Special Assistance for Iconic Tourist Centers

Under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) initiative:

• 40 projects across 23 states have been sanctioned, amounting to ₹3,295.76 crore.
• These projects focus on developing iconic tourist centers to global standards and promoting them internationally.

Focus on Responsible Tourism

On World Tourism Day 2024 (September 27), the Ministry launched the ‘Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi’ initiative to:

• Promote social inclusion and employment.
• Ensure tourists interact with local ambassadors and storytellers who enhance their travel experience.

Strengthening Hospitality Education

The Ministry also facilitated MoUs between eight leading hospitality chains and 21 Institutes of Hotel Management to:

• Provide students with industry exposure and best practices.
• Enhance employability skills.
• Ensure high-quality services for tourists visiting India.

Government Commitment to Tourism Development

The Prime Minister’s Office emphasized the government’s dedication to improving facilities for both domestic and international tourists, ensuring India remains a preferred global travel destination.

Conclusion

India’s tourism sector is poised for a transformative decade, with an emphasis on sustainability, employment generation, and international promotion. The comprehensive initiatives under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, and SASCI are set to redefine India’s tourism landscape, making it more accessible, inclusive, and globally competitive.