Tourism Industry

      It is not hidden that tourism is among India's important export industries. Even with comparatively low levels of international tourist traffic, tourism has already emerged as an important segment of the Indian economy. Tourism also contributed to the economy indirectly through its linkages with other sectors like horticulture, agriculture, poultry, handicrafts and construction.Foreign exchange earnings from tourism during 2003-04 were US $ 3,533 million ( Rs 16,429 crore).Besides being an important foreign exchange earner, tourism industry also provides employment to millions of people in India both directly and indirectly ( through its linkage with other sectors of the economy.) It is estimated that total direct employment in the tourism sector is around 20 million..


     While a surge in domestic tourism has been attributed to the economic boom in India and the availability of better and cheaper travel options together with attractive package deals for new destinations, it is the brilliant packaging of the country under the "Incredible India" campaign that is drawing millions of foreign tourists - about 4 million in 2006.Over the past two years, tourist arrivals in India have grown at a steady 13% annually. In 2005, India was ranked fifth on the Conde Nast Traveler's Readers Travel Awards 2005 list, up from the 11th slot three years earlier.


     The air traveler figures are expected to increase from the 15 million annually (in 2006) to an estimated 40-50 million in the next five years. Government also took several other initiatives to promote Indian tourism industry and increased the plan allocation for tourism i.e. from Rs 325 crore in 2003-04 to Rs. 500 crore in 2004-05. Road shows in key source markets of Europe, Incredible India campaign on prominent TV channels and in magazines across the world were among the few steps taken to advertise Indian tourism.