Context:
Tourism Sector is expected to contribute USD 512 Billion to India’s GDP by 2028: Invest India
Status of Tourism sector:
- 100% FDI is allowed through automatic route in tourism construction projects including development of hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities.
- India ranked 6th in terms of Travel & Tourism contribution to GDP in 2022.
- India was ranked 54th out of 117 countries in Global Travel and Tourism Development Index 2021 of World Economic Forum.
Important Initiatives:
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme – Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) for development of sustainable and responsible tourist destinations covering tourism and allied infrastructure.
- National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme – To safeguard India’s ancient civilizational heritage.
- Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Program – Aims to create a pool of well trained and professional Tourist Facilitators across the country.
- Adopt a Heritage Project – Plans to entrust heritage sites/monuments and other tourist sites to private sector companies, public sector companies and individuals for the development of various tourist amenities.
- Dekho Apna Desh initiative to promote domestic tourism
Source: Invest India
Previous Year Question
The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) International Monetary Fund
(b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(c) World Economic Forum
(d) World Bank
Answer: (c)