SARVESH TOURISM
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Background
Tourism has been a major social phenomenon of societies all over the world. It is driven by the natural urge of every human being for new experience, and the desire to be both educated and entertained, the motivations for tourism also include religious and business interest the speed of education has fostered despair to know more about different part of the globe. The basic human thirst for new experience and knowledge has become stronger, as communication barriers are getting overcome by technological advances. Expenditure on tourism induces a chain of transactions requiring supply of goods service from the related sectors. The consumption demand, emanating from tourist expenditure also includes more employment and generates a multiplier effect on the economy.
Tourism in India broadly classified in North Indian Tourism, East India Tourism, West India Tourism and South Indian Tourism, Each part of India offers identifiable differences from the rest of the nation. Tourism in India has come into its own as a brand-India tourism. The creation of niche tourism, medical tourism, wellness tourism, adventure tourism, cruise tourism and caravan tourism has served to widen the net of this sector. Inbound tourism is booming and the country is going all out to lure more travellers from around the world. Contrary to perceptions across the world that tourism in India is still confined to traditions, the country is opening up with trendy tour packages and affordable air travel deals to woo inbound visitors from every segment.
The policies and changes implemented by the Government of India has also been instrumental in providing the necessary boost to the Indian tourism and hospitality industry and attracting more and more foreign tourists every year.
India travel and tourism industry is set to grow by about 7.3% in 2014, better than last year, but average spending by foreigners travelling to the country could decline sharply, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. This year, revenue from domestic tourism is expected to grow 8.2% compared with 5.1% a year ago, that increasing domestic travel, growth of low-cost airlines and upgrading of airport infrastructure will be the growth drivers.
Drivers behind increase in Tourist Traffic
The mail drivers for increase in tourist traffic have been the following factors:
Domestic Tourist Traffic
· Rapidly increasing purchasing power of the middle class
· Better road connectivity
· Evolving lifestyle
International Tourist Traffic
· Value for money/economical holiday destination
· Business cum pleasure destination
· Development of Kerala and Rajasthan as the most popular tourist destination in India with their distinctive brand image.
· Opening of the sectors of the economy to private sector/foreign investment
· Success of “Incredible India” campaign and other tourism promotion measures
Forms of Tourism in India
India offers various tourism options due to its vastness and diversity, attracting tourist from all over the world. The county boasts of natural treasures like mountains, ocean, seas, deserts, rainforests, valley etc. on one hand, while world-class healthcare infrastructure on the other, which provides varied kinds of tourism options such as adventure and rural tourism, sustainable tourism/ eco-tourism, cruise tourism, golf tourism and medical tourism to the travellers.
RURAL TOURISM
The ministry of Tourism started the scheme of rural tourism in 2002-03 with the aim to showcase art, rural life and culture and heritage to the tourist at various rural locations and villages. The ministry intends to help the local population and tourists, through this scheme. On 28 February 2011, 169 rural tourism sites in 28 states/ Union Territories have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism. This segment has also been winning accolades in the international circuits as well. For instance; the Rural Tourism Project at Hodka village in Kutch District of Gujarat won the pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) award for the year 2010 under the Heritage category.
CRUISE TOURISM
Cruise tourism is emerging as one of the most dynamic segments of the leisure industry globally. India with its vast and beautiful coastline, forests and undisturbed idyllic islands, rich historical and cultural heritage, can be fabulous tourist destination for cruise tourists. The Cruise Sipping policy of the Ministry of shipping was approved by the Govt. of India on June 28, 2008. The objectives of the policy are to make Indian an attractive cruise tourism destination with the state of the art infrastructural and other facilities at various parts in the country, to attract the right segment of the foreign tourists to cruise shipping in India to popularize cruise shipping with India tourists.
ADVENTURETOURISM
Adventure travel involves exploration or travel to remote, exotic areas. Adventure tourism is rapidly growing in popularity as a tourist seeks different kinds of vacations.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM/ECO TOURISM
Sustainable Tourism growth is in the process of evolving the Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India. In recent years tourism industry in India has registered a considerable growth. A Steering Committee with representative from all the sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry of India has been constituted to develop draft Sustainable Tourism Criteria which would eventually be adopted by the different sectors of the industry.
WELLNESS TOURISM
Wellness tourism is about travelling for the primary purpose of achieving, promoting, or maintaining maximum health and a sense of well-being. Health Tourism holds immense potential for India. The Indian system of medicine that is Ayurveda, Yoga, Panchakarma, Rejuvenation Therapy etc. are among the most ancient systems of medical treatment of the world.
MEDICAL TOURISM
India is one of the most lucrative medical tourism marketsin the world. The sector is witnessing remarkable growth on the back of Government support through policies and initiatives, low cost less waiting time and healthcare infrastructure. The growth in India’smedical tourism market will be a boon for several associated industries, including hospital, medical equipment’s industry and pharmaceutical industry.