ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF THE HOSPITALITY IN THE PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN INDIA

ABSTRACT

Analysis of the role of the hospitality in the promotion of tourism in India, assumes greater significance considering the unprecedented progress registered,of late, in the Indian travel and tourism sector. Evidently, the Indian tourism and hospitality industry has emerged as one of the key industries driving growth of the services sector in India. Tourism in India has registered a significant growth in the recent years and the country has tremendous potential to become a major global touristdestination. Indian tourism industry is thriving due to an ever increasing foreign tourist arrivals – from 3.51 million in 2015 to 7.97 million in 2019 almost a staggering 300% growthi . Similarly, in the domestic tourism front, a greater number of Indians are travelling to domestic destinations than ever before – DTV to all states and union Territories in India in 2017 it was 359.88 millions whereas in 2019 it was 2145.29 millionsii. In the past few years the real growth has come from within the domestic sector as around more than several million Indians travel within the country in a year. Strong growth in per capita income, rising young population coupled with changing lifestyles are leading to greater expenditure on leisure services. Tourism has emerged as an instrument for employment generation, poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. During 2015 - 2017, direct employment in the tourism sector was estimated to be 31.54 million. Tourism also promotes national integration and international understanding and gives support to local handicrafts and cultural activities. Tourism in India has grown substantially over the last three decades. Foreign tourist arrivals in India recorded many fold increase, reaching around 8.97 million tourists in 2017. Foreign exchange earnings also have been constantly increasing. For instance in 2015 it was around 3889 US Dollars, whereas in the year 2017 it was around 20,445 US Dollars and in Rupee value it is approximately 307671 crores of Rupees. Domestic tourism plays a vital role in achieving the national objectives of promoting social and cultural cohesion and national integration. Its contribution to generation of employment is very high. With the increase in income levels and emergence of a powerful middle class, the potential for domestic tourism has grown substantially during the last few years. At the Centre are Ministry of Tourism, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management National Council for Hotel Management.

FULL TEXT