Travel and Tourism Sector in India

Abstract

The travel and tourism industry has emerged as one of the fastest growing sectors contributing significantly to global economic growth and development. While traditionally Europe and America have remained among the tourism markets, new emerging markets are expected to witness high growth in international tourist visits over the next decade. India has significant potential to become a preferred tourist destination globally. Its rich and diverse cultural heritage, abundant natural resources and biodiversity provides numerous tourist attractions. The total tourist visits in India have been growing at a steady rate of about 16 per cent over the past five years. The travel and tourism sector in India provides significant socio economic benefits. Several industry drivers such as government initiatives, diverse product offerings, growing economy, increasing disposable income levels and marketing initiatives along with key trends such as increasing number of women and senior citizen travellers, multiple short trips and weekend holidays, introduction of innovative tourism concepts and customised tour packages are playing a pivotal role in shaping the Indian tourism sector. Total tourist visits in various states of India over a five year period reveal that while states of Karnataka, Delhi, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir have improved their positions in 2012 as compared to 2008, those of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala have witnessed decline. Key attributable reason to the success of tourism in states is the increase in state investments towards the tourism sector. While the key commercial and leisure destinations of Delhi and Maharashtra enjoy good quality transport and accommodation infrastructure, states of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand may need significant improvements in their rail, road and airport infrastructure. Abundant natural and cultural resources in the northern states provide ample opportunities for development of diverse tourism products along with a single integrated tourism circuit. While an array of ancient and modern temples may provide an opportunity for developing states in northern India to emerge pilgrimage destinations, presence of palaces, forts and historical monuments help define their multi-cultural heritage. Also, wildlife sanctuaries with a wide variety of flora and fauna, mighty Himalayas, rivers, deserts, climate and diverse landscape provide attractive opportunities for thrill and adventure activities. It is worthwhile to mention here that tourism sector cannot develop without support of travel. Both are closely linked to each other and hence both the sector should be studied together. The research paper is intended to cover the potential, opportunities and framework for sustainable growth of travel and tourism industry in India. The main source of data will be of secondary type collected through various reliable sources.