Tourism and Hospitality

Summary
  • The Tourism and Hospitality industry in India is one of the largest service industries. Tourism is an integral pillar of the Make in India programme.
  • Tourism and Hospitality sector is one of the largest employment generating sector in India.*
  • India is the 8th largest country in terms of contribution to travel & tourism GDP. *
  • India is ranked 10th out of the top 46 countries in the World in the Medical Tourism Index FY21.*
  • The travel industry in India is expected to increase to USD 125 Bn by FY27 from its estimated worth of USD 75 Bn in FY20.*
  • The World Heritage List has 38 sites inscribed which include 30 cultural, 7 natural and 1 mixed category site. There are 3686 monuments/sites under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). *
  • India is estimated to contribute 250 Bn USD GDP from Tourism, 137 mn jobs in the Tourism sector, 56 bn USD in Foreign Exchange Earnings and 25 mn foreign arrivals are expected to be achieved by 2030.*
  • By 2029, the Indian tourism sector is likely to grow at 6.7% per annum and achieve 9.2% of GDP with USD 488 bn.
Reasons to Invest
  • The G-20 Presidency will give India’s tourism sector an unparalleled opportunity to highlight India’s tourism offerings and share India’s tourism success stories on a global stage.*
  • Tourism is the third largest foreign exchange earner for the country. 
  • India has a diverse portfolio of niche tourism products which includes cruises, adventure, medical, wellness, sports such as Golf and Polo, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions), eco-tourism, film, rural and religious tourism.
  • The Ministry has put in place a System for Assessment, Awareness and Training in Hospitality Industry (SAATHI) to ensure compliance with COVID 19 Safety and Hygiene guidelines and to ensure safety and health of employees / customers. *
  • GoI is making efforts to improve income and employment opportunities of people living around basins through 'Arth Ganga', and cultural tourism in the region. *
  • Tourism Ministry has undertaken ‘NamasteIndia’ Campaign for encouraging International visitors to travel to India. *
  • Ministry of Tourism launched the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Traveller Campaign that identifies the strategic pillars for the development of sustainable tourism like Promoting Environmental Sustainability, Protecting Biodiversity, Promoting Economic Sustainability, Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability, Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism, IEC and Capacity Building and Governance.*
  • Tourism Ministry has formulated National Strategy for Adventure Tourism to promote India as a preferred adventure tourism destination globally.*

Explore more about infrastructure availability in Tourism and Hospitality sector >

Key Achievements
  • NITI Aayog has helped facilitate the certification process of Blue Flag Beaches. The total number of Blue Flag Beaches have increased from 10 to 12.*
  • In 2021, India’s ranking in the global Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) is 54th position.*
  • The Pochampally Village in Telangana State has been selected as one of the best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). *
  • Establishment of various Ganga museums, adventure sports, performing Aartis on pious Ghats of Ganga etc. have given an unprecedented fillip to the tourism sector in the country, thus aiming for sustainable tourism in the country. *
  • Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train operating on the Ramayana Circuit from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station is flagged off with the aim to explore the architectural, cultural and historical marvels of the country. *
  • E-passports with embedded chips to be rolled out to enhance the convenience for the citizens in their overseas travel. *
  • The Government of India has liberalized the e-Tourist Visa Scheme and is now available to the nationals of 156 countries.*
  • Under the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Covid Affected Tourism Service Sector (LGSCATSS), working capital will be provided to 10,700 Regional Level Tourist Guides to discharge liabilities and restart businesses impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.*
Recent Announcements

19th Aug 2023: Ministry of Tourism launches a wedding tourism campaign to unlock the potential of India’s huge wedding industry

wedding tourism campaign

 

17th Aug 2023: Ministry of Tourism to organize the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav & Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat Food Festival in New Delhi

Food Festival

 

27th Jul 2023: Ministry of Tourism promotes Small Hotels and Homestays to create entrepreneurial and job opportunities in rural areas

Ministry of Tourism

 

27th Jul 2023: Ministry of Tourism has drafted a National Strategy for the development of Cruise Tourism in the Country

Cruise Tourism

 

20th Jul 2023: All the G20 destinations have attracted global attention and put India on the global tourism map: Shri G.K Reddy

Global tourism

Statistics
  • Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during 2022 were 6.19 Mn as compared to 1.52 Mn during the previous year. *
  • Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) during 2022 were USD 16.926 (Provisional estimates) with a growth of 92.41% from the previous year.*
  • The arrivals of NRIs in India during 2021 were 5.48 Mn.*
  • Indian National Departures (INDs) during 2022 were 21.09 Mn. (Provisional) with a growth of 146.7 over same period of the previous year. *
  • Ministry of Tourism has given in-principle approval for inclusion of 28 new tourism air routes; the total number of Tourism RCS air routes are now 59.*
  • Total 54 new hotels signed in FY22.*
Growth Drivers
  • The Ministry of Tourism is promoting the seven liberation destinations (Saptha Moksha Puri) of India through various promotional campaigns in both domestic and international markets. *
  • India’s first-ever "Night Sky Sanctuary" to be set up in Ladakh to boost Astro Tourism in India.*
  • GOI launched the digital booklet 75 incredible sites to visit in India and Incredible India 2022 digital calendar.
  • 68 destinations/sites have been identified in 30 States/UTs for development under the PRASHAD Scheme as on 31st March 2022. *
  • Ministry of Tourism has set up a 24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline in 12 Languages including 10 international languages.*
  • The Water Taxi services in Mumbai is going to give huge impetus to the tourism sector, especially travel to the historic Elephanta caves from Navi Mumbai. Visitors will be able to travel easily from Navi Mumbai to Gateway of India. *
  • 'Medical Visa’ has been introduced, which can be given for specific purpose to foreign travellers coming to India for medical treatment. To promote Medical Tourism in the country, Government of India is extending e-medical visa facility to the nationals of 156 countries.*
  • Eight Craft Villages taken up under ‘Linking textile with Tourism’ to promote craft and tourism at a single location.*
FDI Policy
  • 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route in the Tourism and hospitality industry in India, subject to applicable regulations and laws.
  • 100% FDI allowed in tourism construction projects, including the development of hotels, resorts and recreational facilities.
  • The cumulative FDI equity inflow in the Hotel and Tourism industry is USD 16.71 bn during the period April 2000 to March 2023. This constitutes 2.63% of the total FDI inflow received across sectors.*

Read more about Foreign Direct Investment Policy in India >

Sector Policy

NATIONAL TOURISM POLICY *

  • A National Tourism Policy was formulated in 2002. However, considering the widespread interrelated global advancements, a new draft National Tourism Policy has been formulated, which is yet to be approved and has the following salient features:
    • The focus of the Policy is on employment generation and community participation.
    • Stress on the development of tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner.
    • An all-encompassing Policy involving linkages with various Ministries, Departments, States/Union Territories and Stakeholders.
    • The Policy enshrines the vision of developing and positioning India as a “MUST EXPERIENCE” and “MUST RE-VISIT” destination for global travellers, whilst encouraging Indians to explore their own country.
    • To develop and promote varied tourism products including the rich culture and heritage of the country, as well as niche products such as medical &wellness, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, Adventure, Wildlife and so on.
    • Development of core infrastructure (airways, railways, roadways, waterways, etc.) as well as Tourism Infrastructure.
    • Developing quality human resources in the Tourism and Hospitality industry in India, across the spectrum of vocational to professional skills development and opportunity creation.
    • Creating and enabling an environment for investment in tourism and tourism-related infrastructure.
    • Emphasis on technology-enabled development in tourism.
    • Focus on domestic tourism as a major driver of tourism growth. *
    • In Swadesh Darshan Scheme 76 projects have been sanctioned across India in different themes such as Coastal Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Eco Circuit, Spiritual Circuit etc. 
    • Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Tourism Ministry has sanctioned 15 projects in Southern States worth INR 1088 crores.
    • Ministry of Tourism under Swadesh Darshan scheme has sanctioned 76 projects under 13 themes for a revised sanctioned cost of INR 5315.59 cr. and has released INR 4734.11 cr. (till 31.12.2022).*
    • Objectives of Swadesh Darshan 2.0: *
      • To enhance the contribution of tourism to the local economies
      • To create jobs including self-employment for local communities
      • To enhance the skills of local youth in tourism and hospitality
      • To increase private sector investment in tourism and hospitality
      • To preserve and enhance the local cultural and natural resources
    • 9 Key Reforms under Swadesh Darshan 2.0: *
      (i) Broad basing of Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee
      (ii) State-level Institutional Structure for the Scheme 
      (iii) Strategic selection of the destinations 
      (iv) Detailed benchmarking and gap analysis of destination 
      (v) Focus on both hard and soft Interventions 
      (vi) Strengthening of Project Implementation and Monitoring 
      (vii) Operations and maintenance on sustainable basis 
      (viii) Promotion& marketing of the destinations 
      (ix) Impact Assessment
    • Under PRASHAD Scheme, 37 projects have been sanctioned in India which also includes projects from the Southern States. 
    • Under the PRASHAD scheme, the Ministry has sanctioned 6 projects in the Southern region that amounts to 15% of the entire scheme budget.
    • The Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) in order to develop sustainable and responsible destinations with tourist & destination centric approach and has shared the guidelines for SD2.0 scheme. *
    • In order to create a robust framework and synergy amongst the Central Government Ministries, State Governments and Private Sector for promoting India as a Medical and Wellness Tourism destination, Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism.*
    • The strategy focuses on the following key pillars*:
      (a)        Develop a brand for India as a wellness destination
      (b)        Strengthen the ecosystem for medical and wellness tourism
      (c)        Enable digitalization by setting up Online Medical Value Travel (MVT) Portal
      (d)       Enhancement of accessibility for Medical Value Travel
      (e)        Promoting Wellness Tourism
      (f)        Governance and Institutional Framework

Domestic Tourism:

  • Dekho Apna Desh Webinars.
  • Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat: various activities like roadshows, Fam trips, B2B Meetings, Quiz programmes, webinars between paired States / UTs to promote Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.
  • Aerial photography of key cities and cultural assets (Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Udupi, Aurangabad, Iconic Tourist sites) across the country during the lockdown.
  • Regular consultations with industry stakeholders on issues related to opening up of Tourism sector.
  • Handling of tourists, protocols of safety and security, services standards etc.
  • Domestic Tourism Promotion Campaign through Webinars, social media and other digital platforms.
  • Dekho Apna Desh Campaign has been the mainstay of Domestic Promotion. The main focus is to rebuild the trust of the domestic & international travellers in terms of India being safe destination to travel in post Covid Scenario.
  • Several Tourism projects have been inaugurated as a part of the Tribal Circuit in Telengana under Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

 

Explore Government policies/ schemes in Tourism and Hospitality sector >

Financial Support

TAX INCENTIVES:

  • An investment-linked deduction under Section 35 AD of the Income Tax Act is in place for establishing new hotels in the 2-star category and above across India, thus permitting a 100% deduction in respect of the whole or any expenditure of a capital nature excluding land, goodwill and financial instruments incurred.

STATE INCENTIVES:

  • Incentives offered by state governments include subsidised land cost, relaxation in stamp duty, exemption on sale/lease of land, power tariff incentives, concessional rate of interest on loans, investment subsidies/tax incentives, backward areas subsidies and special incentive packages for mega projects.
  • Incentives are provided for setting up projects in special areas – the North-east, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

INCENTIVES FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM:

  •  Assistance in large revenue-generating projects
  • Support for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure development such as viability gap funding
  • Schemes for capacity-building of service providers
Investment Opportunities

TOURISM:

  • The presence of world-class hospitals and skilled medical professionals make India a preferred destination for medical tourism.
  • As an opportunity for cruise owners and operators by capturing/capitalizing the opportunity from a vast beautiful coast line, vast forest and undisturbed idyllic islands.
  • Rural tourism is mainly promoted by the Incredible India 2.0 Campaign. *
  • Tourism Ministry has sanctioned 4 projects under Tribal Theme and 2 projects under Rural Theme in the country under its Swadesh Darshan scheme.*
  • Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Ministry of Tourism identified Rural & Coastal Circuits as one of the thematic circuits for development.
  • Eco-tourism is at a nascent stage, but there are conscious efforts to save the fragile Himalayan eco-system and the culture and heritage of indigenous people.
  • Ministry of Tourism has identified “Eco Circuit” as one of the 15 thematic circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme
  • The Tourism and hospitality industry in India offers opportunities across various sub-segments such as timeshare resorts, convention centres, motels, heritage hotels . Investment opportunities in the setting up of tour operations and travel agencies cater to burgeoning tourist inflow.

 

Explore projects to invest in Tourism and Hospitality sector >

Sector Reports
  1. Annual Report 2022-23 | Ministry of Tourism
  2. Year End Review: Ministry of Tourism 2022
  3. Rebuilding Tourism for the future 2022
Foreign Investors
  • Accor (France)
  • The Four Seasons Group (Canada)
  • Thomas Cook (UK)
  • Marriott Hotels (USA)
  • Expedia (USA)
  • Premier Travel Inn (UK)
  • Cox & Kings (UK)
  • Hyatt Hotels Corporation (USA)
  • Airbnb (USA)
Agencies
Sources
  1. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, India Inbound Tourism Unlocking the Opportunity, http://ficci.in/spdocument/23082/India-Inbound-Tourism-Knowledge-Paper-ficci.pdf 
  2. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, India Inbound Tourism Unlocking the Opportunity, http://ficci.in/spdocument/23082/India-Inbound-Tourism-Knowledge-Paper-ficci.pdf 
  3. India Tourism Statistics 2019, Ministry of Tourism, http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/Other/India%20Tourism%20Statistics%202019.pdf
  4. "36 sites from India inscribed on World Heritage List: Dr Mahesh Sharma", Ministry of Culture, PIB, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=152593 
  5. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, India Inbound Tourism Unlocking the Opportunity, http://ficci.in/spdocument/23082/India-Inbound-Tourism-Knowledge-Paper-ficci.pdf 
  6. The Times of India, Hotel projects over Rs 50 crore likely to get infra status, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/hotel-projects-over-rs-50-crore-likely-to-get-infra-status/articleshow/63358545.cms
  7. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, India Inbound Tourism Unlocking the Opportunity, http://ficci.in/spdocument/23082/India-Inbound-Tourism-Knowledge-Paper-ficci.pdf 
  8. Annual report 2019-20, http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/annualreports/Annual%20Report%20Tourism%202019_20_Final.pdf
  9. The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019, World Economic Forum accessed on 12 May 2020, http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TTCR_2019.pdf
  10. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, India Inbound Tourism Unlocking the Opportunity, http://ficci.in/spdocument/23082/India-Inbound-Tourism-Knowledge-Paper-ficci.pdf 
  11. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, India Inbound Tourism Unlocking the Opportunity, http://ficci.in/spdocument/23082/India-Inbound-Tourism-Knowledge-Paper-ficci.pdf 
  12. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, India Inbound Tourism Unlocking the Opportunity, http://ficci.in/spdocument/23082/India-Inbound-Tourism-Knowledge-Paper-ficci.pdf 
  13. National Tourism Policy, Ministry of Tourism, PIB, http://pibarchive.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=169063 
  14. National Tourism Policy, Ministry of Tourism, PIB, http://pibarchive.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=169063 
  15. Press Information Bureau, Cabinet approves Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Integrated Development of Theme-based Tourist Circuits in the country, http://pib.nic.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1565300 
  16. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India, Impact of GST on travel and tourism sector in India, http://icmai.in/TaxationPortal/upload/IDT/Article_GST/82.pdf 
  17. Press Information Bureau – Ministry of Home Affairs, Liberalization of visa regime of India during the last one year, http://www.pib.nic.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1552720 
  18. "Year-End Review -2017: Ministry of Tourism", PIB, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1514505
  19. Schemes for Promotion of Rural Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, PIB, http://pibarchive.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=90052 
  20. Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality, Request for Proposal, https://iato.in/uploads/circulars/RFP.pdf 
  21. Ministry of Tourism, Statistics, http://swadeshdarshan.gov.in 
  22. Ministry of Tourism, Updated list of PRASAD cities, http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/Updated%20list%20of%20PRASAD%20cities.PDF 
  23.  Annual Report 2019-20,  http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/annualreports/Annual%20Report%20Tourism%202019_20_Final.pdf
  24. Expenditure Budget, Ministry of Tourism, https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe98.pdf
  25. Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index, World Economic Forum, https://reports.weforum.org/travel-and-tourism-competitiveness-report-2019/rankings/
  26. Factsheet on FDI - April 2000 to March 2020, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, https://dipp.gov.in/sites/default/files/FDI_Factsheet_March20_28May_2020.pdf
  27. Factsheet on FDI - April 2000 to December 2021, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, https://dpiit.gov.in/sites/default/files/FDI%20Factsheet%20December%2C%202021.pdf
  28. Annual Report 2019-20 http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-02/Annual%20Report%20Tourism%202019_20_Final.pdf
  29. Annual Report 2019-20 http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-02/Annual%20Report%20Tourism%202019_20_Final.pdf
  30. PIB Release, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1680657
  31. PIB Release, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1703126
  32. Annual Report.  https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-03/Annual%20Report%202021%2021%20English.pdf

Have a Query? Connect to us

Print