Welcome to India
According to the UN World Tourism Organisation’s Barometer, India is on 29th rank for International Tourist Arrivals (ITA), as shared by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Loksabha session. The total footfall to the country has been over 18.89 million ITAs in 2023, with a 31% hike compared to 2022.
There are multiple reasons for the hike and curiosity for this position. Following are the few ones that really worked
1. Key government measures include financial assistance to states, union territories, and central agencies under schemes such as 'Swadesh Darshan' and ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) to enhance services and facilities
2. Campaigns like "Dekho Apna Desh" and "Chalo India"
3. Ever accessible "Incredible India" digital content hub containing a range of high-quality images, films, brochures, and newsletters.
4. Booming of other niche segments such as wellness, culinary, rural, Religious, Astro, and eco-tourism to diversify tourism options
5. Efforts to improve service standards feature capacity-building programs and skill-development initiatives for tour operators and guides
6. Improved connectivity is another priority as the Ministry of Tourism working with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the RCS-UDAN scheme to operationalize 53 tourism routes
7. The e-Visa scheme extends to visitors from 168 countries, covering tourist, business, medical, conference, and specialized categories like e-Ayush visas
