• Several important initiatives have been taken by the Government to promote tourism in the country : Minister of State (I/C) for Culture & Tourism, Prahlad Singh Patel.
The tourism sector contributed an estimated (direct + indirect) 5.06% to the Gross Domestic Product of the country during 2016-17. The estimated share (direct + indirect) of jobs due to tourism was 12.38% during 2017-18. An estimated additional 13.92 million jobs (direct + indirect) were created due to tourism during the years from 2014-15 to 2017-18.
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India spent Rs. 1687.06 crore and Rs. 1986.04 crore during the years 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively under its plan scheme on tourism sector. The Budget Estimate under the plan scheme for the sector during the financial year 2019-20 is Rs. 2075.12 crore.
Development and promotion of tourist places is primarily the responsibility of concerned State Government/ UT Administration. However, the Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination covering its various tourism destinations and products across different States/Union Territories in the country.
Ministry has taken several initiatives to boost tourism in the country with the objective of increasing tourist arrivals, which inter-alia include:
- Central Financial Assistance to States/UTs under the schemes of Swadesh Darshan, National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) and Assistance to Central Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure in the country.
- Extension of e- visa facility to citizens of 167 countries.
- Launch of the Incredible India 2.0 campaign with market specific promotional plans and content creation.
- Revamping of Incredible India website with the aim to provide more information about India as a tourist destination.
- Launch of 24×7 toll free multi-lingual tourist helpline in 12 International languages including Hindi and English.
- Organisation of annual Global Tourism Mart for India in line with major international travel marts being held in countries across the world. It provides a platform for all stakeholders in tourism and hospitality industries to interact and transact business opportunities.
- Organisation of biennial International Buddhist Conclave.
- Organisation of Annual International Tourism Mart for promotion of tourism in North Eastern States.
- Promotional activities in tourist generating markets overseas through the India Tourism Offices abroad with active participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising Road Shows, “Know India” seminars & workshops.
