India is known to be a land of incredible diversity, rich culture, fascinating history, varied art, music, languages, traditions, and dance forms. It is the seventh-largest country in the world, located in South Asia, and has different topography, ranging from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south.
India is also home to a diverse population of over 1.3 billion people. It’s renowned for delicious food, which differs from region to region and is influenced by a wide range of elements, including geography, climate, and culture. In addition to these advantages, India is also known for the love it has always offered to the globe. For the same reason, the tourism industry is seeing enormous growth.
According to Invest India, Indian tourism and hospitality are predicted to generate $50.9 billion by 2028, rising from $28.9 billion in 2018. By 2028, there will probably be 30.5 million foreign visitors. Indian outbound travel is anticipated to reach 29 million by 2025 and surpass $24 billion by 2024.
39 million jobs, or 8.0% of total employment nationwide, were created by the tourism sector in India in FY20. Around 53 million jobs are anticipated to be generated by 2029.
By 2030, it is projected that India would contribute 250 billion USD to the global economy through tourism, supporting 137 million employment, 56 billion USD in foreign exchange earnings, and 25 million international visitors.
Moreover, India has invested a significant amount of money in tourism infrastructure over the past 8.5 years, reaching over US $1 billion (INR 7,000 crores).
The tourism industry in India has a huge potential for growth and development. The factors contributing to it are its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and a variety of attractions that can appeal to a wide range of domestic and international tourists.
Some of the elements that may help the Indian tourism sector grow include:
Cultural heritage: Ancient temples, historical buildings, and UNESCO World Heritage sites are a few examples of India’s extensive cultural history. India’s rich history and cultural diversity will attract tourists to such destinations.
Nature: India has different terrain, including mountains, beaches, and forests, which offer a plethora of opportunities for ecotourism and adventure travel. Famous tourist sites with beautiful landscapes and distinctive experiences include Goa, Kerala, and the Himalayas.
Wellness tourism: Holistic therapeutic approaches like Ayurveda and yoga, which have a long history in India, are becoming more and more well-liked abroad. India is home to a substantial number of wellness facilities and spas that provide a variety of services and therapies to support both physical and mental well-being.
Hospitality industry: India has a flourishing hospitality sector that offers plenty of accommodation options, from five-star hotels to budget-friendly hostels. The sector has been gradually expanding and has the potential to boost the economy and employment growth.
Increasing tourism infrastructure: To improve connectivity and accessibility, the Indian government is investing in travel-related infrastructure, such as airports, roads, and trains. This is expected to attract more domestic and international tourists to the country.
Furthermore, the growth of the tourism industry would eventually boost India’s GDP. India’s tourism industry is a key contributor to the nation’s economy. It has the potential to significantly improve both the economic and social environment of the nation with ongoing expansion and development.
Some of its gains include:
Foreign exchange earnings: India earns a large amount of foreign currency through tourism. India received over $30 billion in revenue from international visitors in 2019.
Promotion of small businesses: Small businesses such as restaurants, gift stores, and tour guides may thrive and expand due to the growing tourism industry.
Domestic tourism: The Indian economy also benefits greatly from domestic tourism. According to the Ministry of Tourism, in 2019, there were over 2.5 billion domestic tourist visits, raking in about $234 billion in income.
There’s a huge untapped potential in the Indian tourism industry, and development is certain to continue in the future. With the right policies and financial investments, the Indian government has been taking necessary actions to ensure that travelling is hassle-free and enjoyable for both domestic and foreign visitors.
The current contributions that are aiding the tourism industry to attain its potential include:
Rising demand: According to a report by the World Tourism Organization, by 2028 India is predicted to become the third-largest travel and tourism sector in the world.
Increased income: Due to rising middle-class incomes, more individuals are expected to travel both nationally and internationally. This pattern is probably going to promote outbound travel from India while also helping the domestic tourism sector to prosper.
Digitalization: The travel and tourism sector is embracing digital technologies such as smartphone applications, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence to improve consumer experience and market travel-related goods & services.
Tourism products diversification: To appeal to a wider group of travellers, the tourism sector is broadening its product offers. This involves creating brand-new travel offerings such as adventure travel, wellness travel, and rural travel.
Sustainability-focused: The travel and tourism sector is also emphasizing sustainability, encouraging ethical travel habits, and creating eco-friendly travel goods.
In conclusion, the Indian tourism industry will see rapid growth with the right strategy and strong decisions. In the coming years, India will certainly and inevitably develop into a tourism hub. Hence, Indian startups are now considering the tourism sector as a promising industry to penetrate. New trends and a collaborative ecosystem with the government and other private entities are a plus. Furthermore, aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from government initiatives like the PRASAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes, which fund and support the development of tourism destinations and infrastructure.
