The tourism sector has demonstrated a remarkable recovery, contributing 5% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in FY 2022-2023, according to a written statement by the Union Minister of Tourism in the Lok Sabha. This marks a significant rise from the 1.5% contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the sector’s resilience and pivotal role in the national economy.
Key initiatives by the government have fueled this resurgence. The Ministry of Tourism has revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to foster sustainable and responsible tourism with a destination-centric approach. This program aims to enhance the quality of India’s tourist offerings, aligning with modern travelers’ needs while ensuring long-term environmental and cultural sustainability.
Additionally, the government has introduced policies to facilitate international travel. The implementation of e-Visa facilities across seven sub-categories—including e-Tourist, e-Business, and e-Medical visas—now benefits nationals from 167 countries. This effort is complemented by a significant reduction in visa fees, further streamlining access for foreign tourists.
To strengthen connectivity, the Ministry of Tourism has collaborated with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the RCS-UDAN Scheme, operationalizing 53 tourism-specific air routes. These initiatives aim to improve accessibility to key tourist destinations, fostering domestic and international travel.
The government has also provided financial assistance to states and union territories for organizing tourism events, fairs, and festivals under the Domestic Promotion & Publicity Including Hospitality (DPPH) Scheme. These efforts aim to promote India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions.
Speaking about the sector’s transformation, the Union Minister emphasized, “India’s tourism landscape is being reshaped through sustainable practices and innovative policies, creating opportunities for economic growth while preserving our cultural and natural assets.”
This resurgence coincides with increased interest in spiritual tourism, adventure travel, and eco-tourism, positioning India as a versatile global tourism hub. Industry players like Thomas Cook India are leveraging trends like artificial intelligence, spiritual tourism, and expansion into tier-2 cities to align with the sector’s growth trajectory.
As India’s tourism sector continues to thrive, its contribution to the economy reflects the government’s commitment to making the country a global leader in travel and hospitality.
