December 30, 2017 TnH Global

Incredible India in 2017

India’s improved ranking in Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index 2017, launches of ‘Incredible India 2.0 Campaign’ and Paryatan Parv were some of the key highlights for Indian Tourism in 2017.

India’s rank in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index, 2017 jumped 25 places up from 2013. It was 40^th in 2017 as compared to 52^nd in 2015 and 65th in 2013.
Paryatan Parv was organized in October, 2017 covering 31 States and Union Territories, showcasing the cultural diversity of the country and reinforcing the principle of “Tourism for All”.

MoT organized ‘6^th International Tourism Mart’ (ITM) in Guwahati, Assam from 5-7 December, 2017. ITM is an annual event organised in the North Eastern region with the objective of highlighting the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets.

MoT launched the ‘Adopt A Heritage’ project. Heritage sites are being offered for adoption by the public sector, private sector and individuals to become ‘Monument Mitras’ for developing amenities and facilities at these sites under this programme.

The President of India presented the ‘National Tourism Awards 2015-16’ on the occasion of “World Tourism Day” 27^th September, 2017. Launched the ‘Incredible India 2.0′, ‘Adopt A Heritage’ Project and new Incredible India Website on the occasion.

Incredible India 2.0 Campaign

MoT launched “Incredible India 2.0 Campaign” which marks a shift from the present generic promotions being undertaken across the world, to market specific promotional plans and product specific creatives, with greater focus on digital presence and social media. Niche tourism products like Heritage Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Cruise Tourism, Rural Tourism, Wellness & Medical Tourism, MICE, Golf, etc. are being promoted through the Incredible India 2.0 Campaign.

Development of Tourism Infrastructure

Development of tourism infrastructure is being given priority. Theme based circuits are being developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. A total number of 11 projects have been sanctioned during 2017-18 for a total amount of Rs.824.80 Crore. With this the total 67 projects have been sanctioned till date for an amount of Rs.71 Crore under this Scheme.

Holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations is being undertaken under the PRASHAD Scheme. A total number of 3 projects have been sanctioned during 2017-18 for a total amount of Rs.98.84 Crore. A total number of 21 projects have been sanctioned till date for an amount of Rs.587.29 Crore under this Scheme.

Statistics

Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during the period January-November 2017 were 90.01 lakh with a growth of 15.6% over same period of the previous year.

During January-November 2017, a total of 14.57 lakh foreign tourists arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 9.17 lakh during January-November 2016, registering a growth of 58.8%.

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) during the period January-November 2017 were Rs.1,60,865 Crore with a growth of 16.9% over same period of previous year.

During 2016, the number of domestic tourist visits to the States/UTs was 1613.6 million as compared to 1432.0 million in 2015 showing double digit growth of 12.7% in 2016 over 2015.