In a major move to boost tourism, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the Incredible India Content Hub on its revamped digital portal.
India is poised to become a USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047, with the sector showing strong signs of post-pandemic recovery.
In 2022, the country welcomed 14.3 million international tourists, generating USD 17.6 billion in revenue.
This positive trend continued in 2023, with 9.2 million foreign tourist arrivals, marking a 43.5% year-on-year increase. Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) from January to June 2024 totaled 4.78 million, with 706,045 visitors recorded in June alone, up 9% from the previous year.
The government has rolled out several initiatives to boost tourism, including visa fee waivers and the launch of the Incredible India Content Hub on the newly revamped Incredible India digital portal.
This platform is designed to serve a diverse array of stakeholders, such as tour operators, journalists, students, filmmakers, and government officials, providing th
em with vital resources to promote India as a premier travel destination.
As part of the Chalo India campaign, the first 100,000 foreign visitors to India will be granted visas on a complimentary basis, with the visa fee waived, further incentivizing international travel to the country.
In addition, the government is actively seeking feedback from tourists at airports and railway stations across the nation, aiming to enhance visitor experiences at key tourist attractions.
To support the tourism and hospitality sector, the Ministry of Tourism has also launched a handbook to guide states and Union Territories (UTs) in granting and implementing industry status, encouraging sustainable practices and improving infrastructure.
Despite challenges, India remains committed to transforming itself into a global tourism leader by 2047, driven by strategic initiatives and a focus on sustainability.
The new platform is designed to serve a wide range of stakeholders, including tour operators, journalists, researchers,
students, filmmakers, authors, influencers, and government officials, among others.
The hub is expected to provide these groups with easy access to vital content that promotes India as a premier travel destination.
To further engage citizens in tourism development, the government is introducing feedback systems at airports and railway stations nationwide.
These mechanisms will allow tourists to share their experiences at various tourist attractions, contributing to the growth and improvement of the sector.
Additionally, the ministry has released a new handbook aimed at helping states and Union Territories (UTs) implement industry status for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The guide is designed to support local governments in fostering a more organized and industry-friendly environment, promoting tourism as a key economic driver across India.
Source: Tourism Africa