The initiatives of the Union government to boost tourism in the country have borne fruit, as evidenced by the recording of 6.43 million foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) between January and September 2023. This has translated into foreign exchange earnings amounting to 1,66,660 crores in the same period, as highlighted in a press release issued by the tourism ministry on Monday.
Travelers are attracted to India for a variety of reasons, ranging from religious and medical interests to cultural exploration. The Ministry of Tourism is actively positioning India as a holistic destination in key tourism-generating markets to increase the country’s share in the global tourism market.
Participation in prestigious international travel fairs, including FITUR 2023, ITB Berlin, Arabian Travel Market 2023, and IMEX Frankfurt, showcases India’s commitment to boosting international tourism.
To ensure the best possible experience for visitors, the Ministry of Tourism has implemented several initiatives:
i) Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme: This digital initiative creates an online learning platform to train professional tourist facilitators nationwide, enhancing support for tourists.
ii) 24×7 Toll-Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline (1800-11-1363): A dedicated helpline ensures assistance for tourists around the clock.
iii) E-Visa Facility: Providing e-Visa for five sub-categories, including e-Tourist visa, e-Business visa, e-Medical visa, e-Medical Attendant visa, and e-Conference visa, for nationals of 166 countries. The e-Visa system has been liberalized, and visa fees substantially reduced.
iv) “Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023”: A strategic declaration by the Ministry of Tourism to further boost visitor arrivals.
v) 1st Global Tourism Investors’ Summit: Organized during May 17-19, 2023, to showcase investible projects and opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector to domestic and international investors.
vi) Sanctioned Projects: The ministry has approved 51 projects, amounting to Rs 737.89 crore from 2014-15 to 2022-23, under the Assistance to Central Agencies scheme. These projects include sound and light shows, cruise terminal development, and border tourism initiatives such as Attari Post Tourism Infrastructure and Tanot Post Tourism Infrastructure.