India welcomed a record-breaking 18.89 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, marking a significant milestone for the country’s tourism industry. The Ministry of Tourism announced on Wednesday that foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) from tourism surged to Rs 231,927 crore, signaling a vibrant recovery in the sector.
Among these visitors, 9.52 million were foreign tourists, while domestic tourism also saw a remarkable boom with 2,509 million domestic tourist visits (DTVs). The surge in both international and domestic travel highlights India’s growing appeal as a top global destination.
Government Investment in Tourism Infrastructure
In a bid to enhance tourism infrastructure, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 76 projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with a total investment of Rs 5,287.90 crore. Out of these, 75 projects have been completed, underscoring the government’s commitment to revamping India’s tourism landscape.
Under the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) scheme, 40 projects, worth Rs 3,295.76 crore, were approved for capital investment in the development of iconic tourist centers across 23 states. The SD2.0 initiative emphasizes sustainable, responsible tourism with a focus on developing destinations that are both tourist and environment-centric. Additionally, 34 projects worth Rs 793.20 crore were launched under the SD2.0 framework.
PRASHAD Scheme and Other Tourism Developments
The government has also made significant strides in religious tourism, with 48 projects sanctioned under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive) Scheme, totaling Rs 1,646.99 crore. Of these, 23 projects have already been completed.
Moreover, the Ministry has approved 65 projects under the Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme, totaling Rs 937.56 crore, with 38 projects already finished. These initiatives are part of the government’s broader goal to enhance India’s tourism infrastructure and promote diverse destinations across the country.
New Initiatives to Promote India as a Global Tourism Hub
The Ministry of Tourism has introduced several initiatives to attract global travelers. The “Chalo India” campaign encourages the Indian diaspora to act as ambassadors, showcasing India to their international friends. Additionally, the initiative provided one lakh free e-visas to foreign tourists visiting India, further simplifying access for global visitors.
To streamline content for global tourists, the ministry also launched the “Incredible India Content Hub.” This new platform will serve as a unified source of information, providing the international travel and tourism industry with rich, up-to-date content about the country’s diverse attractions.
Looking Ahead
India’s tourism sector continues to flourish as the government invests in infrastructure, enhances the tourist experience, and expands international engagement. With continued growth in tourist arrivals and government-backed initiatives, the country is well on its way to becoming an even more prominent player on the global tourism map.
The post India’s Tourism Industry Surges to Monumental Success in 2023 with 18.89 Million Visitor Arrivals and Rs 231,927 Crore in Earnings appeared first on Travel And Tour World.December 25, 2024 at 10:35PM.jpeg){kind=small}
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