Impact of Covid 19 on Tourism Industry in India and steps taken to boost tourism

Abstract

This study delves into the far-reaching implications of COVID-19 on India's flourishing tourism industry. India, celebrated for its opulent cultural heritage and diverse geographical beauty, heavily depends on tourism as a significant source of employment and foreign exchange earnings. However, the pandemic brought about a series of challenges, with severe repercussions for the industry. The global spread of COVID-19 cast a substantial shadow over the entire tourism sector. This impact reverberated across various facets of the industry, including aviation, hospitality, transportation, tour operators, and eateries. India was not spared from these adverse effects. During the initial wave of the pandemic, the tourism sector in India suffered more profoundly than most other economic sectors. Although there were tentative signs of recovery starting in October 2020, the tourism industry faced a devastating setback in March 2021 when a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases effectively brought tourism activities to a standstill, with only a few exceptions for select locations on special occasions. This study's primary objective is to comprehensively evaluate the economic losses incurred throughout the entire pandemic period and to investigate potential recovery phases for the tourism sector post-pandemic. The importance of this research extends beyond economics, as it seeks to reinvigorate a vital sector that not only fuels India's economy and employment but also connects a significant portion of the population directly or indirectly to tourism-related activities. In summary, this research endeavors to shed light on the critical role of the tourism sector in India's economy and to explore the repercussions of COVID-19 on this pivotal industry, ultimately paving the way for its revival and resurgence. And steps or solutions adopted or can be considered for booming this sector.