Lok Sabha Question No. 222 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Contribution of Tourism in GDP
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Charanjit Singh Channi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.222 ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024

## CONTRIBUTION OF TOURISM IN GDP

## 222 SHRI CHARANJIT SINGH CHANNI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  current  percentage  contribution  of  tourism  sector  to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP);
- (b) whether  the  above  contribution  has  increased  or  remained  stable during the last five years, if so, the details thereof, year-wise; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  implementing  any  major  schemes  and programmes for the development of tourism sector, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM            (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) & (b): As  per  the  3 rd   Tourism  Satellite  Account  (TSA),  2015-16,  the percentage contribution of tourism sector to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2018-19 to 2022-23 is given below:

| Tourism GDP               |   2018-19 |   2019-20 |   2020-21 |   2021-22 |   2022-23 |
|---------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Total Share in GDP (in %) |      5.01 |      5.18 |      1.5  |      1.75 |       5   |
| Direct (in %)             |      2.61 |      2.69 |      0.78 |      0.91 |       2.6 |
| Indirect (in %)           |      2.4  |      2.49 |      0.72 |      0.84 |       2.4 |

The above estimates are updated using National Account statistics 2024.

- (c): Ministry of Tourism has taken several initiatives over the years for development  of  tourism  sector  in  the  country.  Some  of  these  key initiatives are:
- i. The Ministry  of  Tourism  under  the  schemes  of  'Swadesh  Darshan', National Mission on ' Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)' and 'Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development' provides financial assistance  to  State  Governments/Union  Territory  Administrations/
- Central Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure  and  facilities  at  various  tourism  destinations  in  the country.
- ii. The Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan Scheme as  Swadesh  Darshan  2.0  (SD2.0)  with  the  objective  to  develop sustainable and  responsible  destinations  following a tourist  & destination centric approach.
- iii.     Financial assistance has also been provided to the State Governments/UTs  for  organizing  fairs/festivals  &  tourism  related events  under  Domestic  Promotion  &  Publicity  including  Hospitality (DPPH) Scheme.
- iv.     Dekho Apna Desh initiative launched with the objective to encourage citizens to travel within the country.
- v. Thematic tourism like wellness tourism, culinary tourism, rural, ecotourism,  etc.  amongst  other  niche  subjects  are  promoted  so  as  to expand the scope of tourism into other sectors as well.
- vi.     With  an  aim  to  enable  lawful  inward  movement  of  foreigners including  foreign  tourists,  Government  has  taken  a  number  of initiative  over  the  last  few  years  to  liberalize,  streamline  and simplify visa regime with a view to facilitate the legitimate foreign travellers. Facility of e-Visa for 07 sub-categories i.e., e-Tourist visa, e-Business  visa,  e-Medical  visa,  e-Medical  Attendant  visa,  e-Ayush Visa, e-Ayush Attendant Visa and e-Conference visa for the nationals of  167  countries  has  been  provided.  Visa  fee  has  also  been substantially reduced.
- vii.    For  improving  air  connectivity  to  important  tourist  destinations, Ministry of Tourism has collaborated with Ministry of Civil Aviation under their RCS-UDAN Scheme. As on date, 53 tourism routes have been operationalized.
- viii.   Ministry  of  Tourism  is  running  Pan-India  Incredible  India  Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Program, a digital initiative that aims at creating an online learning platform with the objective of creating a  pool  of  well  trained  and  professional  Tourist  Facilitators/Guides across  the  country  and  generating  employment  opportunities  at local level.
- ix. Conducting  Programmes  under  the  'Capacity  Building  for  Service Providers'  (CBSP)  Scheme  to  train  and  up -grade  manpower  to provide better service standards.
- x. Ministry  of  Tourism  also  launched  a  national  responsible  tourism initiative  by  the  name  of  'Paryatan  Mitra'  and  'Paryatan  Didi'.  The initiative encompasses providing tourism related training and awareness to all individuals who interact and engage with tourists in a destination.

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