DEVELOPMENT OF

TOURISM IN INDIA
Travel Brochure
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INTRODUCTION-
Tourism in today’s world is no more a luxury or sightseeing. It is motivated
by the natural urge for new experience, adventure, education and entertainment
regarding different cultures, lifestyles and environments.

Theobald (1994) suggested that etymologically, the word "tour" is derived from
the Latin 'tornare' and the Greek 'tornos,' meaning 'a lathe or circle; the
movement around a central point or axis.' This meaning changed in modern
English to represent 'one's turn.' The suffix -ism is defined as 'an action or
process; typical behavior or quality' whereas the suffix -ist denotes one that
performs a given action. When the word tour and the suffixes -ism and -ist are
combined, they suggest the action of movement around a circle.

The OECD glossary of statistical terms defined tourism as the activities of

persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for
not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes
not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place
visited.

India is the world’s most favored sub-continent, but not without reason. It is
a land of pristine beaches, vast stretches of golden sands, tranquil forests,
and snow-capped peaks. It has the most versatile aspects of nature tucked into
each one of them.

Foreign tourists love traveling through the length and breadth of the country.
The colonial heritage and architectural splendor can be mesmerized in hill
stations like Nainital or Mussoorie. While bustling streets can offer smacking
delicacies. The vast Himalayan ranges offer you panoramic views of nature.

Tourism in India is important for the country's economy and is growing

rapidly.The development of tourism in India began in the 1950s. And today,
tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. It contributes
almost 7.5% to the national output of GDP. Foreign reserves fill in faster
with more and more touring spots added.
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“
The more places you go and the more things you experience , the more your
mind grows.
-Bertain Luxing

”
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EARLY DEVELOPMENT-
The first conscious and organized efforts to promote tourism in India were made in 1945 when a
committee was set up by the Government under the Chairmanship of Sir John Sargent.Thereafter, the
development of tourism was taken up in a planned manner in 1956 coinciding with the Second Five Year
Plan. The approach has evolved from isolated planning of single unit facilities in the Second and Third
Five Year Plans. The Sixth Plan marked the beginning of a new era when tourism began to be considered
a major instrument for social integration and economic development.

CURRENT SCENARIO-
Today tourism is the largest service industry in India, with a contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and
providing 8.78% of the total employment.The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for the development
and promotion of tourism in India and maintains the "Incredible India" campaign.According to World
Travel and Tourism Council, India will be a tourism hotspot from 2009-2018, having the highest 10-year
growth potential.It is ranked the 14th best tourist destination for its natural resources and 24th for its
cultural resources, with many World Heritage Sites, both natural and cultural, rich fauna, and strong
creative industries in the country. India also bagged 37th rank for its air transport network.Moreover, India
has been ranked the "best country brand for value-for-money" in the Country Brand Index (CBI) survey
conducted by Future Brand, a leading global brand consultancy. India also claimed the second place in
CBI's "best country brand for history", as well as appearing among the top 5 in the best country brand for
authenticity and art & culture, and the fourth best new country for business.

FUTURE PROSPECTS-
According to the latest Tourism Satellite Accounting (TSA) research, released by the World Travel and
Tourism Council (WTTC) and its strategic partner Oxford Economics in March 2009:

● The demand for travel and tourism in India is expected to grow by 8.2 per cent between 2010
and 2019 and will place India at the third position in the world.
● India's travel and tourism sector is expected to be the second largest employer in the world,
employing 40,037,000 by 2019.
● Capital investment in India's travel and tourism sector is expected to grow at 8.8 per cent
between 2010 and 2019.
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● The report forecasts India to get capital investment worth US$ 94.5 billion in the travel and
tourism sector in 2019.
● India is projected to become the fifth fastest growing business travel destination from
2010-2019 with an estimated real growth rate of 7.6 per cent.

INITIATIVES TO BOOST TOURISM-

Some of the recent initiatives taken by the Government to boost tourism include grant of export house
status to the tourism sector and incentives for promoting private investment in the form of Income Tax
exemptions, interest subsidy and reduced import duty. The hotel and tourism-related industry has been
declared a high priority industry for foreign investment which entails automatic approval of direct
investment up to 51 per cent of foreign equity and allowing 100 per cent non-resident Indian investment
and simplifying rules regarding the grant of approval to travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport
operators.

HURDLES TO GROWTH OF TOURISM IN INDIA

Tourism is one economic sector in India that has the potential to grow at a high
rate and can ensure consequential development of the infrastructure of the
destinations. It has the capacity to capitalize on the country’s success in the
services sector and provide sustainable models of growth. But the major constraint
in the expansion of international tourist trafc to India is poor visitor experience,
particularly, due to inadequate infrastructural facilities, including inadequate
air seat capacity, inaccessibility to tourist destinations, poor accommodation
and lack of trained manpower in sufcient number, unhygienic conditions
and incidents of touting and harassment of tourists in some places. Other
inadequacies that act as hurdle in the growth of tourism directly or indirectly are
as follows:
i. Levy of tax on tourism and tourists that are not only high but also
unconscionable.
ii. Excessive clearances to be obtained from numerous agencies of the
Central and State Governments for tourist related infrastructure.
iii. Difculties in obtaining land for hotel projects.
iv. Restrictions on movement of tourists and tourist vehicles.
v. Lack of adequate security to foreign tourists to go around without fear of
bodily harm or loss of belongings.
vi. Inadequate human resource development leading to the visitor being
treated more as an intruder than as an honored guest.
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IMPACTS OF TOURISM IN INDIA

Tourism industry in India has several positive and negative impacts on the economy and society. These
impacts are highlighted below.

POSITIVE IMPACTS

1. Generating Income and Employment: Tourism in India has emerged as an instrument of income and
employment generation, poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. It contributes 6.23% to
the national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India. Almost 20 million people are now working
in India's tourism industry.

3. Source of Foreign Exchange Earnings: Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange earnings
in India. This has a favourable impact on the balance of payment of the country. The tourism industry in
India generated about US$100 billion in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5 billion by
2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate.

4. Preservation of National Heritage and Environment: Tourism helps preserve several places which
are of historical importance by declaring them as heritage sites. For instance, the Taj Mahal, the Qutab
Minar, Ajanta and Ellora temples, etc, would have been decayed and destroyed had it not been for the
efforts taken by Tourism Department to preserve them. Likewise, tourism also helps in conserving the
natural habitats of many endangered species.

5. Developing Infrastructure: Tourism tends to encourage the development of multiple-use infrastructure

that benefits the host community, including various means of transports, health care facilities, and sports
centers, in addition to the hotels and high-end restaurants that cater to foreign visitors. The development
of infrastructure has in turn induced the development of other directly productive activities.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS

1. Undesirable Social and Cultural Change: Tourism sometimes led to the destruction of the social
fabric of a community. The more tourists coming into a place, the more the perceived risk of that place
losing its identity. A good example is Goa. From the late 60's to the early 80's when the Hippy culture was
at its height, Goa was a haven for such hippies. Here they came in thousands and changed the whole
culture of the state leading to a rise in the use of drugs, prostitution and human trafficking. This had a
ripple effect on the country.

2. Increase Tension and Hostility: Tourism can increase tension, hostility, and suspicion between the
tourists and the local communities when there is no respect and understanding for each other’s culture
and way of life. This may further lead to violence and other crimes committed against the tourists. The
recent crime committed against Russian tourist in Goa is a case in point.
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3. Creating a Sense of Antipathy: Tourism brought little benefit to the local community. In most
all-inclusive package tours more than 80% of travelers’ fees go to the airlines, hotels and other
international companies, not to local businessmen and workers. Moreover, large hotel chain restaurants
often import food to satisfy foreign visitors and rarely employ local staff for senior management positions,
preventing local farmers and workers from reaping the benefit of their presence. This has often created a
sense of antipathy towards the tourists and the government.

4. Adverse Effects on Environment and Ecology: One of the most important adverse effects of tourism
on the environment is increased pressure on the carrying capacity of the ecosystem in each tourist
locality. Increased transport and construction activities led to large scale deforestation and destabilisation
of natural landforms, while increased tourist flow led to increase in solid waste dumping as well as
depletion of water and fuel resources. Flow of tourists to ecologically sensitive areas resulted in
destruction of rare and endangered species due to trampling, killing, disturbance of breeding habitats.
Noise pollution from vehicles and public address systems, water pollution, vehicular emissions, untreated
sewage, etc. also have direct effects on bio-diversity, ambient environment and general profile of tourist
spots.

Tourist Attractions in India:

India is a country known for its lavish treatment to all visitors, no matter where they come from. Its
visitor-friendly traditions, varied life styles and cultural heritage and colourful fairs and festivals held
abiding attractions for the tourists. The other attractions include beautiful beaches, forests and wildlife and
landscapes for eco-tourism; snow, river and mountain peaks for adventure tourism; technological parks
and science museums for science tourism; centres of pilgrimage for spiritual tourism; heritage, trains and
hotels for heritage tourism. Yoga, ayurveda and natural health resorts and hill stations also attract tourists.

The Indian handicrafts particularly, jewellery, carpets, leather goods, ivory and brass work are the main
shopping items of foreign tourists. It is estimated through surveys that nearly forty per cent of the tourist
expenditure on shopping is spent on such items.

Despite the economic slowdown, medical tourism in India is the fastest growing segment of the tourism
industry, according to the market research report “Booming Medical Tourism in India”. The report adds
that India offers a great potential in the medical tourism industry. Factors such as low cost, scale and
range of treatments provided in the country add to its attractiveness as a medical tourism destination.

❖ Famous Tourist Spots In India

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SPECIFIC TOURIST SPOTS

From Different directions in India
❖ A DESTINATION IN EASTERN INDIA - SHILLONG
Shillong is a breathtaking hill station that is nestled amidst the paradisaical Garo and Khasi
hills. With sparkling waterfalls, manicured gardens, azure lakes, and distinct culture, this
alluring hill town beckons you to witness the natural charm of the Northeast at these 31
mesmerizing places to visit in Shillong. Referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East, the
natural scenery of Shillong has a striking similarity with the mountains in the east.
A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its
name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshiped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496
meters, this hill station is known for its weather, picturesque locations and traditions. This
place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East. One can find descendants of the Khyrim,
Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is home to numerous waterfalls. The key reasons people
visit Shillong are the exciting mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, breathtakingly beautiful
golf courses, cafes, and museums. Apart from the natural beauty, Shillong also acts as the
gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for heavy rainfalls, caving, tallest waterfalls,
beautiful landscapes and amazing people and culture. Shillong, in particular, has been in the
limelight for its jovial people and their culture. Interestingly, Shillong has a very westernized
culture, and it has a very young feel to it. Shillong is also famous as the music capital of
India, as many prominent musicians have hailed from this place. Many music events keep
happening throughout the year, making it a very lively place.

TOURIST SPOTS IN SHILLONG- Umiam Lake ,Shillong Peak ,Elephant Falls ,Cathedral
Ward’s Lake , Don Bosco Museum , Lady Hydari Park, All Saints Cathedral, Phan Nonglait
Park,Sweet Falls,Sohpetbneng Peak, Mawphlang Sacred Forest , Mawjymbuin Cave,
Botanical Garden ,Spread Eagle Falls,State Museum, Mawphlang Village,Mawjymbuin
CaveRhino Heritage , Lumpongdeng Island , The Grand Madina Masjid , Ever Living
Museum,, Mawlynnong , Mawsynram , Nohsngithiang Falls , Jakrem , Kyllang Rock
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❖ A DESTINATION IN WESTERN INDIA -

AHMEDABAD
Ahmedabad has surely changed from the time of Sultan Ahmed Shah and become a
prominent metropolis, but what hasn’t changed about it is its charm. The city has
always been the heartbeat of western India and has remained an important seat no
matter which era we talk of. It has been one of the most beautiful destinations of
Gujarat Tourism.
This city used to be called Karnavati. It is also popularly referred to as Amdavad. It
is the biggest town in the state of Gujarat. Ahmedabad is also known as a
metropolis. This city is filled with peace and elegance.
This city is also known to be the second biggest in terms of cotton manufacturing in
India. UNESCO has also acknowledged Ahmedabad as a World Heritage City. This
city is widely famous for the presence of several beautiful monuments, museums,
parks, gardens, temples, etc. Besides, the food of Ahmedabad is another essential
factor in this city that allures visitors.
A rapidly growing metropolis, an industrial hub, an educational hotspot, and a city
with a magnificent past – Ahmedabad , Located on the banks of the Sabarmati
River. Its delicious food, colourful culture is making it a fast-growing tourist
destination.
Home to a plethora of remarkable temples like Swaminarayan Temple, intriguing
museums and classy markets, with a little bit of colonial history attached to it,
Ahmedabad is an excellent example of how a city can still retain every bit of its
old-world charm while still rapidly progressing on the path of globalisation.
Ahmedabad is famous for its textiles and its tie-dye bandhani handloom technique,
which makes it a great place to shop. From bandhani sarees, dupattas to
traditionally embroidered dress materials, and other local handicrafts.
Sabarmati Ashram, situated directly beside the Sabarmati river, is a quaint and
peaceful ashram built by Mahatma Gandhi after he returned from South Africa. To
this date, Gandhiji’s living quarters are preserved here and are now used as a
museum where visitors can learn all about his life and his teachings. The infamous
Dandi Salt March, which was a crucial point in India’s independence struggle,
originated from this ashram.

TOURIST SPOTS IN -

Sabarmati Ashram, Jama Masjid, Kankaria lake, Law Garden, Swaminarayan Akshardham
Temple, Dada Harir Stepwell, Sabarmati River Front, ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple, Bhadra
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Fort, Science City, Swaminarayan Temple, Jhulta Minar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National
Memorial, Sarkhej Roza, Teen Darwaza and many more

A DESTINATION IN NORTHERN INDIA-JAMMU-KASHMIR

Jammu and Kashmir, India Popularly known as the "Paradise on Earth", Jammu and
Kashmir is world famous for its scenic splendour, snow-capped mountains, plentiful
wildlife, exquisite monuments, hospitable people and local handicrafts.

Nestled in the Himalayan, Pir Panjal and Karakoram mountain ranges are renowned
for their natural beauty and gentle people.Kashmir is one of the most attractive
tourist resorts in the world: It is a veritable paradise on earth. Beautiful as her
mountains are during the day, they appear all the more beautiful and glorious at
sunrise and sunset.The clear cool water, the gentle breezes, the genial sun-shine,
the bubbling springs, the freshwater lakes and snow-capped mountains of Kashmir
are very charming, indeed. While praising the beauty of Kashmir a poet has aptly
remarked.

The valley of Kashmir has different attractions for different people: It is a pleasure
garden for lovers, a playground for sportsmen, an ideal health resort for the sick
and a haven of rest and repose for the worried and weary souls.

To a poet, its enchanting sights and sounds are a source of joy and inspiration.To a
scholar, its rich folklore and ancient manuscripts promise a world of delight. To a
gay, young couple it is an ideal holiday. resort where they can enjoy themselves in
luxuriously decorated houseboats or sit under chinar trees. eat cherries and talk of
love.To an artist, it is a land of enchanting colourful scenes which never were on sea
or land. To a student of geology, there is a vast field of exploration of rocks and
minerals while to students of culture it is the meeting ground of various races and
civilizations.

Jammu and Kashmir is dotted with the most beautiful mountain peaks, massive
glaciers, splendid monasteries, blue lakes, rivers, forests, verdant meadows and tall
pine trees. While sports like Skiing, golf, trekking, river rafting, paragliding,
camping make the trip to Jammu and Kashmir more adventurous, Amarnath and
Vaishno Devi attract a large number of pilgrims every year. Dal Lake, Kashmir
Valley, Khardung La Pass, Gulmarg, Shalimar Bagh are some of the major
attractions of the state. The unparalleled beauty and charm of the state and the
sweetness of the residents will remain etched in your memory forever.
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TOURIST SPOTS IN JAMMU-KASHMIR Yusmarg, Gulmarg , Sonmarg , Pahalgam ,

Gurez Valley , Srinagar,Vaishno Devi,Patnitop , Doda ,Kishtwar , Sanasar , Verinag ,
Aru Valley, Anantanag , Bhaderwah , Kishrwar National Park , Tarsar Marsar Trek
,Khilanmarg , Dachigam national Park ,
A DESTINATION IN SOUTHERN INDIA- KERALA
Kerala, a surreal destination where the morning brings in the mist and magic. Fondly called
the “God’s Own Country”, this is the place where the backwaters hold everyone captive
with their alluring silence. It's the ‘Spice Capital of India’ where the evening wishes adieu
with some of the enchanting melodies played by Mother Nature.

Up until the 1980s, the area was not a well-used tourist destination. It was mainly
the north of India that had the concentration of visitors from overseas. However,
with a campaign fronted by the Kerala Tourist Development Corporation, all that
changed over the coming decades.Kerala became a place that the more discerning
traveller wanted to visit and with that numbers steadily grew.

Kerala in southwestern India is arguably one of the most beautiful states in the
country. Home to colourful festivals, traditions, attires and sumptuous food, the
state is among the top tourist destinations in India.Lush with tropical vegetation,
pristine beaches, serene backwaters and a variety of flora and fauna, Kerala is an
ideal destination for honeymooners and families.
Located on the Malabar coast of Southern India, the state's capital is Kochi (also
Cochin). Serviced by international and domestic airports, which are further
connected by roads and rail, Kerala ensures that every corner of it is well accessible
by travellers. The highlight of this state for many are the brackish lagoons called
backwaters, notably in Alleppey, which are best enjoyed in houseboats. Also famous
here are the practices of Ayurveda which have been hailed far and wide for their
healing and cleansing attributes.
The traditional food, festivals and artforms are enticing to the beholder. Onam is
the most important festival celebrated with participation from people within and
outside the state. Kathakali, an essential traditional Indian dance form, is perhaps a
significant testament to the colourful and graceful nature of the traditions of Kerala.
Kerala is also sprawling with wildlife sanctuaries, vast tea gardens and quaint hill
stations. These places are flocked by tourists throughout the year and have played
a significant part in Kerala being awarded by the National Geographic Traveller as
one of the top 50 destinations in the world.

TOURIST SPOTS IN KERALA -

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Alleppey | Athirapally Falls | Ashtamudi | Bekal | Cochin/Kochi | Gavi | Guruvayur |

Idukki | Kannur | Kasargod | Kozhikode | Kollam | Kovalam | Kumarakom | Kuttanad |
Malampuzha | Marari Beach | Munnar | Munroe Island | Nelliyampathy | Nilambur |
Palakkad | Poovar | Ponmudi | Sabarimala |Thangasseri |Thekkady | Thenmala |
Thrissur | Trivandrum | Vagamon | Varkala | Wayanad

A DESTINATION IN CENTRAL INDIA- GWALIOR

Gwalior is an ancient city that thrived under different emperors. The place is
famous for royal structures, sculptures, temples and others. Apart from architectural
sightseeing, Gandhi zoological park can be a good retreat to find white tigers,
bisons, hyena, serpents and others. You can enjoy boating at Tighra dam, Swarna
Rekha River and others. Bird watching at Chambal River is a good sport for nature
lovers. Chambal is located a little away from Gwalior. Top items to buy here are
fabrics, wall hangings, leather good, moccasins, wire metal works and woolen
carpets.
Gwalior is a historic city located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Popular because of the
hilltop fort, Gwalior is full of palaces and glorious temples giving this city a majestic
charm which speaks volumes of its glorious past.

A historic city founded by king Surajesan, Gwalior is a city where India's most eminent
royalty once resided. Jai Vilas Pala has the largest carpet in the world which took
almost 12 years to weave and two most massive chandeliers in the world that weight
close to 3.5 tonnes.

The great Indian musician Tansen was born in Gwalior, and the tomb of Tansen is also
an important place here. Every year, in November/December, a four-day Tansen Music
festival is celebrated in the city where various classical musicians from all over the
country perform on the stage near the tomb itself.

TOURIST SPOTS IN GWALIOR -

Gwalior For , Jai Vilas Palace,Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum, Man
Mandir Palace , Gwalior Zoo, Teli Ka Mandir,Sun Temple, Madhav
National Park,Tomb Of Mohammad Ghaus,Tighra Dam , Tomb Of Tansen,Saas
Bahu Temple,Scindia Museum,Padavali And Bateshwar,Suraj Kund,Gopachal
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Parvat,Gurudwara Bandi Chor Sahib,Samadhi Of Rani Laxmi Bai,Sarafa

Bazar,Sarod Ghar,Roop Singh Stadium,Chhatris Of Scindia
Dynasty,Mrignayani Emporium,Jiyaji Chowk Bazaar,Patankar Bazaar,Phool
Bagh,Shyam Vatika,Splash The Sun City,Old Water Park,Kuno-Palpur
Wildlife Sanctuary