India climbed to the 34th position in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index in 2019, up from 65th in 2013. India welcomed over 10.93 million foreign tourists in 2019, contributing approximately $30 billion in Forex with over 2 billion domestic trips recorded annually.
India’s position as a leading global tourist destination has been significantly strengthened in the past decade under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proactive policies, substantial investment in infrastructure, and innovative initiatives by the government have played a pivotal role in unlocking the immense potential of the tourism sector, making it a driving force in India’s economic growth and global cultural diplomacy.
Transformational Schemes: Swadesh Darshan and Swadesh Darshan 2.0
The launch of the Swadesh Darshan scheme in 2014-15 marked a turning point in India’s tourism strategy. With an investment of ₹5287.90 crore, the scheme focused on developing thematic circuits across the country, thereby improving tourism infrastructure and creating a seamless experience for visitors. As of now, 76 projects have been sanctioned under this scheme, enabling the development of circuits such as the Buddhist Circuit, North-East Circuit, and Tribal Circuit.
The Modi government took this vision a step further by introducing Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), which emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism. With a budget allocation of ₹791.25 crore, 34 new projects have been sanctioned under SD2.0. This shift towards sustainable tourism aligns with global environmental goals and promotes India’s image as a responsible tourism destination, showcasing the country’s rich heritage while preserving its natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Enhanced Connectivity: Roads, Air, and Beyond
Improving connectivity to tourist destinations has been a cornerstone of the government’s strategy. The Ministry of Tourism, in coordination with various line ministries and state governments, has prioritized developing infrastructure that connects both prominent and lesser-known destinations.
- Air connectivity has seen a dramatic transformation with the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which ensures affordable and widespread regional connectivity.
- Road infrastructure, facilitated by initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana, has enhanced access to remote and rural areas, boosting local tourism and economic activity.
- The focus on developing inland waterways and rail connectivity has further diversified transport options for tourists.
Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP): A Technological Leap
On World Tourism Day, September 27, 2024, the Modi government unveiled the revamped Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP). This platform is a one-stop solution for travelers and stakeholders, reflecting India’s digital transformation in the tourism sector. Key features of IIDP include:
- Incredible India Content Hub: A rich repository of high-quality images, films, brochures, and newsletters to promote India’s diverse attractions. This resource is invaluable for journalists, researchers, filmmakers, and content creators, amplifying India’s global appeal.
- Personalized Visitor Experiences: Real-time weather updates, city exploration tools, and essential travel services ensure convenience and satisfaction for travelers.
- Integrated Bookings: Partnerships with Online Travel Agents (OTAs) facilitate seamless bookings for flights, hotels, cabs, buses, and tickets to ASI monuments.
The Impact of Proactive Policies: Facts and Figures
The Modi government’s initiatives have had a measurable impact on the tourism sector:
- Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): India recorded over 10.93 million FTAs in 2019, contributing approximately $30 billion in foreign exchange earnings. Post-pandemic, FTAs have witnessed a robust recovery due to improved infrastructure and marketing efforts.
- Domestic Tourism: Domestic tourism has surged with over 2 billion trips recorded annually, driven by the development of circuits and better connectivity.
- Global Rankings: India has climbed the ranks in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, reaching the 34th position in 2019 (up from 65th in 2013).
Tourism as a Pillar of Viksit Bharat
Tourism is not just an economic activity but a vehicle for India’s cultural diplomacy, global goodwill, and inclusive development. The government’s efforts in revitalizing India’s tourism sector align seamlessly with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Some key achievements include:
- Promoting lesser-known destinations under Dekho Apna Desh, encouraging Indians to explore domestic locations and boosting local economies.
- Digitization of heritage sites and the introduction of light and sound shows at monuments to enhance visitor experiences.
- Leveraging India’s G20 Presidency to showcase the country’s culture and heritage, attracting global attention.
The Modi government’s tourism policies represent a holistic approach to nation-building, blending economic growth, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. By investing in infrastructure, harnessing technology, and promoting responsible tourism, India has positioned itself as a leading global tourist destination.
The journey to transform India into a global tourism powerhouse is far from over. With continued focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, India is well on its way to achieving its vision of becoming a top travel destination, contributing significantly to the realization of a developed India by 2047.
