India being one the most popular travel destinations across the globe has resulted in the Indian tourism and hospitality industry to emerge as one of the key drivers of growth among the services sector in India. In FY20, 39 million jobs were created in the tourism sector in India, which was 8.0% of the total employment in the country.
Australia is known for its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife, making it a popular destination for international tourists.
SOLID DEMAND:
- The travel market in India is projected to reach US$ 125 billion by FY27 from an estimated US$ 75 billion in FY20.
- The Medical Tourism sector is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 21.1% from 2020-27.The Medical Tourism sector is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 21.1% from 2020-27.
- International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 30.5 million by 2028.
DRIVING ADVANTAGE:
- Post the pandemic crisis, the government plans to tap into regional tourism by opening doors to South Asian country tourists.
- The government is providing free loans to MSMEs to help them deal with the crisis and revive the economy, including the tourism sector.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES:
- The Ministry of Tourism sanctioned 76 projects for Rs. 5,399.15 crores (US$ 678.39 million) under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for the development of tourism infrastructure in the country in August 2022.
- In the Union Budget 2022-23, Rs. 2,400 crores (US$ 309.13 million) has been allocated to the Ministry of Tourism, which is 18.42% higher than the allocation for FY 2021-22.
RISE IN INVESTMENTS:
- The country’s big coastline is dotted with several attractive beaches.
- India offers geographical diversity, attractive beaches, 37 World Heritage sites, 10 bio- geographic zones, 80 national parks and 441 sanctuaries.
INTRODUCTION
India being one the most popular travel destinations across the globe has resulted in the Indian tourism and hospitality industry to emerge as one of the key drivers of growth among the services sector in India. Tourism industry in India has significant potential considering the Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange in India similar to many other countries. The foreign
exchange earnings from 2016 to 2019 grew at a CAGR of 7% but dipped in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a total area of 3,287,263 sq. km extending from the snow-covered Himalayan heights to the tropical rain forests of the south, India has a rich cultural and historical heritage, variety in ecology, terrains and places of natural beauty spread across the country. This provides a significant opportunity to fully exploit the potential of the tourism sector.
It is widely acknowledged that the tourist and hospitality sector, which encompasses travel and hospitality services like hotels and restaurants, is a development agent, a catalyst for socioeconomic growth, and a significant source of foreign exchange gains in many countries. India’s rich and exquisite history, culture, and diversity is showcased through tourism while also providing significant economic benefits. The consistent efforts of the central and the state governments has helped the tourism industry to recover from the covid-19 pandemic shock and operate at the pre pandemic level.
MARKET DIMENSIONS
The travel market in India is projected to reach US$ 125 billion by FY27 from an estimated US$ 75 billion in FY20. The Indian airline travel market was estimated at ~US$ 20 billion and is projected to double in size by FY27 due to improving airport infrastructure and growing access to passports. The Indian hotel market including domestic, inbound and outbound was estimated at ~US$ 32 billion in FY20 and is expected to reach ~US$ 52 billion by FY27, driven by the surging demand from travellers and sustained efforts of travel agents to boost the market.
According to WTTC, India is ranked 10th among 185 countries in terms of travel & tourism’s total contribution to GDP in 2019. During 2019, contribution of travel & tourism to GDP was 6.8% of the total economy, Rs. 1,368,100 crore (US$ 194.30 billion). In 2020, the Indian tourism sector accounted for 39 million jobs, which was 8% of the total employment in the country.
By 2028, international tourist arrivals are expected to reach 30.5 billion and generate revenue over US$ 59 billion. However, domestic tourists are expected to drive the growth, post pandemic. International hotel chains are increasing their presence in the country, and it will account for around 47% share in the tourism and hospitality sector of India by 2020 and 50% by 2022. Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in August 2022 were 498,243 with a positive growth rate of 437.3% as compared to 92,728 in August 2021.
INVESTMENTS AND GROWTH
A total of 48,775 accommodation units (both classified and unclassified) have been registered on the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI) portal and 11,220 units have self-certified for SAATHI standards in September 2022.
Hospitality unicorn OYO has acquired Europe-based vacation rental company Direct Booker for US$ 5.5 million in May 2022.
Accor, a French hospitality major will expand its India’s portfolio by adding nine additional hotels in the mid-scale and economy categories, bringing the total number of hotels 54 in India.
In October 2022, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the launch of its new Indian- concept restaurant brand, Loya. Debuting at Taj Palace, New Delhi, Loya captures the culinary essence traversing the landscape of North India.
India was globally the third largest in terms of investment in travel and tourism with an inflow of US$ 45.7 billion in 2018, accounting for 5.9% of the total investment in the country.
The Medical Tourism sector is expected to increase at a CAGR of 21.1% from 2020-2027.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation selected Pochampally in Telangana as one of the best tourism villages in November 2021.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
Some of the major initiatives taken by the Indian Government are as follows:
In August 2022, Ministry of Tourism sanctioned 76 projects for Rs. 5,399.15 crore (US$ 678.39 million) under Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of tourism infrastructure in the country.
In the Union Budget 2022-23:Rs. 2,400 crore (US$ 309.13 million) has been allocated to the Ministry of Tourism, which is 18.42 %higher than the allocation for FY 2021-22, Rs. 1,181.30 crore (US$ 152.16 million) is allocated for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, and Rs. 235 crore (US$ 30.27 million) for the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual and Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme.
In June 2022, the Ministry of Tourism along with Associations of Indian Universities (AIU) initiated a 12 episode webinar series under ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ (AKAM) to engage and expose young minds of our country to the rich and diverse heritage of the country.
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Traveller Campaign in June 2022.
Till the end of September 2022, a total of 155 Dekho Apna Desh webinars have been organized by Ministry of Tourism.
THE FUTURE AHEAD
Major Indian hotel chains such as Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Oberoi hotels are introducing staycation offers were guests can choose from a host of curated experiences, within the hotel. India’s travel and tourism industry has huge growth potential. The industry is also looking forward to the expansion of e-Visa scheme, which is expected to double the tourist inflow in India. India’s travel and tourism industry has the potential to expand by 2.5% on the back of higher budgetary allocation and low-cost healthcare facility according to a joint study conducted by Assocham and Yes Bank.
It is irrefutable that the tourist industry is becoming a more significant economic force and has the potential to be used as a tool for development. The tourist industry not only drives growth, but it also raises people’s standards of living with its ability to provide significant amount of diverse employment opportunities. By 2028, Indian tourism and hospitality is expected to earn US$ 50.9 billion as visitor exports compared with US$ 28.9 billion in 2018.
The Australian government has launched several initiatives to support the recovery of the sector, including a $1.2 billion tourism package and the extension of the JobKeeper program to support tourism businesses and workers. There is also potential for the development of new tourism products, such as cultural tourism and sustainable tourism, that can attract both domestic and international visitors.Bollywood and Indian vernacular film production in Australia has the potential to boost tourism and create partnerships with the domestic film industry. The country also has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, with a range of accommodation options, transport links, and attractions.