India’s Tourism Rebound: Rich Heritage & Adventure Awaits
India, with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and ancient traditions, is a traveler’s paradise. From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the sun-soaked beaches of the south, and from the historic cities of the west to the lush forests and tea gardens of the east, India offers something for every kind of traveler. India tourism
Research conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the Indian economy could surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, with a year-on-year growth of 20.7%.
The forecast from the WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR), shows the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy could reach almost ₹15.9 trillion (U.S. $215 billion) in 2022, 1% above 2019 levels.
Employment levels are set to grow to almost 35 million Travel & Tourism jobs, with an 8.3% growth this year.
Over the next decade, India’s Travel & Tourism’s GDP is expected to grow at an average of 7.8% annually, compared to 6.7% of the India’s overall economy, to reach almost ₹33.8 trillion (U.S. $457 billion) – representing 7.2% of the total economy.
The forecast also reveals the sector is expected to create over 24 million jobs over the next decade, averaging more than 2.4 million new jobs every year.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said:
“After the pain suffered by India’s Travel & Tourism sector, the future looks bright with Travel & Tourism to and from India set to exceed 2019 levels.
“The outlook for the next decade is looking very positive with India accounting for one in five of all new Travel & Tourism jobs globally.”
Before the pandemic, India’s Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP was 7% (₹15.7 trillion, U.S. $212 billion) in 2019, falling to just 4.3% (₹9.2 trillion, U.S. $124 billion) in 2020, which represented a shocking 41.7% loss. The sector also supported more than 40 million jobs in 2019, falling to just over 29 million in 2020, when the pandemic devastated the sector.
Following the significant decline in 2020, the global tourism body’s latest EIR report reveals that 2021 saw the beginning of the recovery for the country’s Travel & Tourism sector. Last year, its contribution to GDP climbed 43.6% year on year, to reach ₹13.2 trillion (U.S $178 billion).
While the sector also saw a recovery of just under three million Travel & Tourism jobs, representing a positive rise of 10.2% to more than 32 million, this is still eight million fewer jobs than in 2019.
The sector’s contribution to the economy and employment could have been higher if it were not for the impact of the Omicron variant, which led to the recovery faltering around the world, with many countries reinstating severe travel restrictions. india tourism
Key Highlights of India Tourism
- Cultural Heritage:
- Taj Mahal (Agra): One of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Varanasi: The spiritual capital of India, located on the banks of the Ganges River, known for its ghats and temples.
- Jaipur (Rajasthan): Known as the Pink City, it boasts royal palaces, forts, and traditional markets.
- Natural Beauty:
- Kerala: Famous for its backwaters, houseboats, and Ayurveda wellness retreats.
- Himalayas: Popular for trekking, mountaineering, and spiritual retreats in places like Leh, Ladakh, and Rishikesh.
- Goa: Known for its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese colonial architecture.
- Spirituality & Wellness:
- Rishikesh: Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” it attracts spiritual seekers from across the globe.
- Bodh Gaya: The site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
- Ayurvedic retreats in Kerala offer rejuvenating treatments rooted in ancient practices.
- Adventure Tourism:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and water sports in clear blue waters.
- Rishikesh: Famous for white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
- Ladakh: High-altitude desert landscapes ideal for biking and trekking.
- Festivals:
- Diwali: The Festival of Lights, celebrated across the country with grand fireworks and prayers.
- Holi: The Festival of Colors, celebrated with exuberance, especially in North India.
- Durga Puja: Celebrated with grandeur in West Bengal, especially in Kolkata.
- Cuisine:
- Each region offers unique culinary experiences, from spicy curries in South India to rich Mughlai cuisine in the North.
- Street food like chaat, samosas, and vada pav are must-tries in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
- Historical Monuments:
- Red Fort (Delhi): A symbol of India’s rich history.
- Qutub Minar: The world’s tallest brick minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur): One of the largest forts in India, perched on a hill overlooking the city.
Travel Tips for Visiting India tourism
- Best Time to Visit: November to March is the most pleasant season for most parts of India, especially for sightseeing in the plains and deserts. The monsoon season (June-September) is ideal for experiencing the lush beauty of southern India and hill stations.
- Health & Safety: Make sure to drink bottled water, try to acclimatize slowly to higher altitudes if visiting the Himalayas, and respect local customs and traditions.
- Getting Around: India’s railway network is vast and connects most major cities, but flights are more convenient for long distances. Apps like Uber and Ola are useful for getting around in cities.
Conclusion
India offers an immersive experience that combines history, culture, spirituality, and nature. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or someone looking for spiritual solace, India provides endless possibilities for an unforgettable journey.
