Lok Sabha Question No. 2598 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Boosting of Leisure Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Dushyant Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2598

## ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## BOOSTING OF LEISURE TOURISM

## 2598. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there has been an increase or decrease in the number of  tourist  arrivals  in  the  country,  particularly  in  the  leisure tourism  sector  as  opposed  to  business  travel  during  the  last one year, if so, the details thereof along with the key factors influencing these trends;
- (b) the  details  of  the  specific  measures  have  been  taken  by  the Government  to  boost  leisure  tourism  in  the  country  postpandemic, particularly since 2021 and the outcomes of these efforts;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  set  any  long-term  targets  for increasing tourist arrivals in the Country and if so, the details of the strategies that are in place to achieve these goals;
- (d) the  manner  in  which  these  targets  compare  with  the  Asian average in terms of tourism growth; and
- (e) the details of the projected estimates for tourist arrivals in the country  over  the  next  five  years  and  the  initiatives  that  are planned  by  the  Government  to  support  and  facilitate  this growth?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): As  per  data  from  the  Bureau  of  Immigration,  India recorded  9.52  million  Foreign  Tourist  Arrivals  (FTAs)  in  2023, reflecting a 47.90% increase compared to 2022. The number of FTAs for  Leisure,  Holiday,  and  Recreation  in  2023  was  4.40  million, registering an 86.96% growth compared to 2022. Similarly, FTAs for Business and Professional purposes stood at 0.98 million in 2023, marking a 49.66% increase from the previous year.

FTAs have  recovered  to  87.1%  of  the  pre-pandemic  levels  closely aligning with the global recovery rate of 88.8% and surpassing the Asia-Pacific region's recovery rate of 65.4%.

The growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) is mainly driven by the post-pandemic revival of global travel and increasing confidence in India  as  a  diverse  and  culturally  rich  destination.  Enhanced  air connectivity has improved accessibility to key tourist spots, while continuous development of tourism infrastructure has elevated the visitor experience. Additionally, targeted domestic and international marketing  campaigns  have  strengthened  India's  global  appeal, positioning it as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.

Ministry of Tourism has taken several measures/initiatives over the years  to  increase  tourist  arrivals  in  the  country,  details  of  which are:

- The  Ministry  of  Tourism  under  the  schemes  of  'Swadesh Darshan',  'National  Mission  on  Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and Spiritual Her itage 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.
- Ministry  of  Tourism  through  its  various  campaigns  and  events promotes various tourism destinations and products of India in domestic and international markets. Some of the initiatives are Dekho Apna Desh campaign, Chalo India campaign, International Tourism Mart, Bharat Parv.
- The  Incredible  India  Content  Hub  was  launched  which  is available in the public domain. Promotions are also carried out through  the web-site -www.incredibleindia.org  and  social media handles of the Ministry.
- Thematic tourism like wellness tourism, culinary tourism, rural, eco-tourism, etc. amongst other niche subjects are promoted so as to expand the scope of tourism into other sectors as well.
- Enhance  the  overall  quality  and  visitor  experience  through initiatives focused on capacity building, skill development such as  'Capacity  Building  for  Service  Providers'  'Incredible  India Tourist Facilitator' (IITF), 'Paryatan Mitra' and 'Paryatan Didi'.
- 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.
- e-Visa  scheme  is  now  available  to  167  countries  and  it  is available for 9 sub-categories:
- i. e-Tourist Visa
- ii. e-Business Visa
- iii. e-Medical Visa
- iv e-Conference Visa
- v. e-Medical Attendant Visa
- vi.   e-Ayush Visa
- vii.  e-Ayush Attendant Visa
- viii.   e- Student Visa
- ix. e-Student X Visa

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