Perspective- Promoting Tourism | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

India's tourism sector plays a pivotal role as an economic multiplier, gaining increasing significance amid the country's pursuit of rapid economic growth and job creation. Despite the severe impact of COVID-19 on tourism, India experienced a surge in Foreign Tourist Arrivals in 2022. The Draft National Tourism Policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, serves as a comprehensive framework for fostering sustainable and responsible growth within the tourism industry. Aimed at enhancing the conducive environment for tourism development and bolstering tourism-related industries, this policy underscores India's aspirations for global tourism leadership. The ongoing 'Visit India Year 2023' initiative is a concerted effort to propel India's tourism trajectory towards world prominence. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism is set to host the inaugural Global Tourism Investors' Summit in May, showcasing lucrative investment prospects in India's tourism and hospitality sector to both domestic and international investors.

Measures Required: Implementation of Tourist Police Scheme

• Recent statistics reveal concerning incidents involving foreign tourists, highlighting the urgent need for a robust Tourist Police Scheme. With a significant number of foreign nationals falling victim to crimes such as murder, rape, assault, and cheating over the past few years, the establishment of specialized tourist police units is imperative.
• The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has released a comprehensive booklet outlining the operational guidelines for setting up tourist police stations, control rooms, and outposts. This includes details on recruitment, training, logistics, and uniforms, ensuring effective implementation of the scheme nationwide.
• Moreover, specific tourist destinations across the country have been identified as priority areas for tourist police deployment. To incentivize police personnel joining these units, a 30% deputation allowance has been proposed.
• It is crucial to keep known criminals in and around tourist spots under constant surveillance and expedite the establishment of fast-track courts to address crimes against tourists promptly.
• While some states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Rajasthan, and Kerala have already implemented tourist police initiatives, others, including Delhi, are ramping up efforts, particularly in anticipation of significant events like the forthcoming G20 Summit. These initiatives underscore the importance of prioritizing tourist safety and security to bolster India's tourism landscape.

Potential and Prospects

Contribution to Income and Employment:

• Tourism has emerged as a significant driver of income and job creation in India, contributing to poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. It accounts for 6.23% of the national GDP and provides employment to 8.78% of the workforce, with nearly 20 million people employed in the sector.

Foreign Exchange Earnings:

• India's tourism sector serves as a vital source of foreign exchange earnings, positively impacting the country's balance of payments. In 2008, it generated approximately US$100 billion, with projections indicating a growth to US$275.5 billion by 2018, showcasing a 9.4% annual growth rate. Additionally, tourism fosters the emergence of micro-entrepreneurs, thereby generating employment opportunities and yielding a high multiplier effect.

Economic Growth Catalyst:

• The tourism industry has played a pivotal role in revitalizing economies during times of downturn, as evidenced by Spain's experience in combating economic challenges through its thriving tourism sector. Globally, tourism contributes significantly to GDP, trade, and employment, accounting for 10% of the world's GDP and creating one in every 11 jobs.

Future Growth Potential:

• India's travel and tourism sector has immense potential for expansion, with forecasts suggesting it could support 46 million jobs by 2025 with the right investments and policy frameworks. Moreover, tourism development in rural areas can promote local culture, handicrafts, and livelihoods, while simultaneously mitigating urban migration pressures.

Cultural Diversity and Tourist Appeal:

• India's rich cultural tapestry and diverse heritage make it an attractive tourist destination, offering a plethora of experiences ranging from cultural festivities to historical landmarks. This diversity is reflected in India's tourism offerings, showcasing various facets of its cultural, traditional, and geographical splendor.

Conclusion

With projections indicating a significant influx of foreign tourists by 2024, enhancing security measures becomes imperative to ensure a seamless and secure experience for visitors. Safety remains paramount in attracting and retaining tourists in large numbers. To realize India's vision of becoming a premier global tourism destination by 2047, cohesive integration of various ministries' schemes is essential, fostering a conducive environment for sustainable tourism growth and development.