Travel & Tourism – National Portal of India
Travel and tourism are one of the most important industries in India. In fact, according to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism industry is responsible for 9% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is why it’s so important for businesses to capitalize on this growing sector. And that’s where National Portal of India comes in. National Portal of India is a one-stop shop for all your travel needs. From booking flights, hotels, and tours to finding the best deals and getting advice from experts, this website has everything you need to get started. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Overview of Travel & Tourism in India
India is the world’s second most populous country and accounts for over 15% of the world’s population. India ranks first in terms of the number of international tourist arrivals, according to the World Tourism Organization. The country also ranks fourth in terms of tourism receipts, with $63 billion generated in 2013.
The travel sector in India has seen tremendous growth over the years as a result of increasing demand from both domestic and foreign tourists. In 2013-14, the Indian travel industry registered a growth rate of 14%. This was primarily due to increased arrivals by foreign tourists, who accounted for 52% of total tourist arrivals in India during this period. Domestic tourism represents 47% of total tourist arrivals in India.
The main destinations that attract tourists in India are its various ancient ruins, including those at Hampi and Machilipatnam; its varied landscapes, including the Himalayas, beaches along the Andaman Sea, hills and forests in Tamil Nadu; its major metropolitan cities such as Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi and Bangalore; as well as lesser-known tourist spots such as Goa and Sikkim. There are also a number of popular Hindu pilgrimage sites, such as Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and Ayyappa Temple at Palakkad. Other popular attractions include wildlife sanctuaries like Kaziranga National Park near Assam and tiger reserves like Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan.
Tourism
The Tourism Sector: A Comprehensive Analysis
The tourism sector is an important part of the Indian economy and contributes significantly to the country’s growth. The sector has a significant role to play in achieving India’s developmental goals, such as diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
The tourism sector is estimated to be worth around $130 billion annually and employs around 1.3 million people. India has emerged as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, with a total number of tourists reaching 249 million in 2016. In terms of visitors from abroad, India ranks first in the world and is expected to touch 300 million tourists by 2020. This growth is being fuelled by a combination of market factors (such as high disposable incomes and growing middle-class population), government initiatives (such as promotional campaigns targeting global markets), and infrastructure development (such as rapid expansion of domestic air travel).
There are several key challenges that face the tourism sector in India. These include poor infrastructure conditions (particularly in rural areas), rising costs associated with hosting tourists (due to increased security requirements, improved facilities, and rising labour costs), limited availability of affordable accommodation, lack of cultural diversity among holidaymakers, and adverse environmental conditions (such as frequent natural disasters). Despite these constraints, the tourism sector continues to grow at an impressive rate and is forecast to continue doing so over the next few years.
India’s Top 10 Tourist Destinations
1. Taj Mahal- One of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, Taj Mahal is a mausoleum in Agra, India, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. The white marble and intricate carvings are considered to be some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture.
2. Udaipur- With its Jungles,Palaces and Lakes,Udaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.The city is filled with beautiful palaces and temples as well as a variety of water sports such as boating and fishing.
3. Ranthambore National Park- Home to some of the largest tiger reserves in India, Ranthambore National Park is another popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy safari tours or elephant rides while spotting these majestic animals up close.
4. Puri Jagannath Temple- Another top tourist destination in India is Puri Jagannath Temple which attracts millions of devotees every year. Located on the Bay of Bengal Coast, the temple is home to a large number of deities including Lord Jagannath and Goddess Balbirniella Devi.
5 . Mumbai – With its renowned nightlife and many iconic landmarks such as The Gateway of India and Marine Drive, Mumbai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It also has an array of interesting museums showcasing various aspects Indian
Foreign Exchange Earnings and Expenditure on Tourism in India
Foreign exchange earnings and expenditure on tourism in India are increasing year by year. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the total foreign exchange earnings from tourism grew from Rs 76,853 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,05,362 crore in 2017-18. The expenditure on tourism has also increased from Rs 89,889 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,281 crore in 2017-18.
The main destinations for Indian tourists are Europe (40%), North America (24%) and South Asia (22%). Europe receives the highest number of Indian tourists followed by North America and South Asia. The top five countries that received most Indian tourist arrivals during 2017 were the United Kingdom (2,215 thousand), Spain (1,827 thousand), Italy (1,626 thousand), France (1,524 thousand) and Germany (1,486 thousand).
Benefits of Investing in the Indian Tourism Sector
The Indian tourism sector has seen a considerable growth in the recent years, with tourists spending more money as well as opting for more exotic destinations. Here are some of the benefits of investing in the Indian tourism sector:
-A higher level of tourist arrivals and spending: According to the World Bank, the Indian tourism sector has been growing at a rate of around 7 percent each year. This is thanks to a number of factors, including increasing disposable incomes and increased leisure travel options. In 2016, the total tourist arrivals in India reached 100 million, an increase of 8 percent from 2015. The corresponding expenditure was also up by 9 percent to $24.7 billion. This means that the average Indian tourist is spending more than ever before on attractions and experiences across the country.
– Increased job opportunities: The tourism sector directly employs around 24 million people, which is around 6 percent of India’s workforce. Additionally, it supports a further 181 million jobs in related sectors such as accommodation, food and beverage services, transportation and logistics, and retail trade. Thus, investment in the tourism sector not only creates jobs but also contributes significantly to GDP growth.
-Generating significant foreign exchange earnings: Tourist arrivals contribute significantly to India’s foreign exchange reserves – assets that help stabilize India’s currency and help meet budgetary requirements. In 2016 alone, the country earned an estimated $19 billion from tourism exports.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read our National Portal of India article. As the world’s second most populous country and one that is constantly growing, tourism has become an important sector in India’s economy. With so much to offer tourists, national portals like ours play a critical role in helping visitors find the right destination and make the most of their trip. We hope that this article has provided you with some helpful information about Indian tourism and given you a better understanding of what to expect while visiting this fascinating country. Please feel free to leave your comments below, we would love to hear from you!