As per the 3rd Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), 2015-16, the percentage contribution of tourism sector to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2018-19 to 2022-23 is given below:
| Tourism GDP | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 |
| Total Share in GDP (in %) | 5.01 | 5.18 | 1.50 | 1.75 | 5.00 |
| Direct (in %) | 2.61 | 2.69 | 0.78 | 0.91 | 2.60 |
| Indirect (in %) | 2.40 | 2.49 | 0.72 | 0.84 | 2.40 |
The above estimates are updated using National Account statistics 2024.
Ministry of Tourism has taken several initiatives over the years for development of tourism sector in the country. Some of these key initiatives are:
- The Ministry of Tourism under the schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’, National Mission on ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’ provides financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations/ Central Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure and facilities at various tourism destinations in the country.
- The Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach.
- Financial assistance has also been provided to the State Governments/UTs for organizing fairs/festivals & tourism related events under Domestic Promotion & Publicity including Hospitality (DPPH) Scheme.
- Dekho Apna Desh initiative launched with the objective to encourage citizens to travel within the country.
- Thematic tourism like wellness tourism, culinary tourism, rural, eco-tourism, etc. amongst other niche subjects are promoted so as to expand the scope of tourism into other sectors as well.
- With an aim to enable lawful inward movement of foreigners including foreign tourists, Government has taken a number of initiative over the last few years to liberalize, streamline and simplify visa regime with a view to facilitate the legitimate foreign travellers. Facility of e-Visa for 07 sub-categories i.e., e-Tourist visa, e-Business visa, e-Medical visa, e-Medical Attendant visa, e-Ayush Visa, e-Ayush Attendant Visa and e-Conference visa for the nationals of 167 countries has been provided. Visa fee has also been substantially reduced.
- For improving air connectivity to important tourist destinations, Ministry of Tourism has collaborated with Ministry of Civil Aviation under their RCS-UDAN Scheme. As on date, 53 tourism routes have been operationalized.
- Ministry of Tourism is running Pan-India Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Program, a digital initiative that aims at creating an online learning platform with the objective of creating a pool of well trained and professional Tourist Facilitators/Guides across the country and generating employment opportunities at local level.
- Conducting Programmes under the ‘Capacity Building for Service Providers’ (CBSP) Scheme to train and up-grade manpower to provide better service standards.
- Ministry of Tourism also launched a national responsible tourism initiative by the name of ‘Paryatan Mitra’ and ‘Paryatan Didi’. The initiative encompasses providing tourism related training and awareness to all individuals who interact and engage with tourists in a destination.
This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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