Here is the 10 Key Points India Rises to 39th in Global Travel Index: A Boost for Tourism in Delhi, Jaipur, and Goa:
- Global Ranking: India ranked 39th out of 119 nations in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, marking progress from its adjusted rank of 38th in 2021.
- Tourism Growth: Foreign tourist arrivals in India surged to 9.5 million in 2023, a 23.96% increase compared to 7.7 million in 2014.
- Visa-Free Travel: A pilot visa-free travel scheme benefited 100,000 tourists, enhancing international tourism and receiving positive feedback.
- e-Tourist Visa: The e-Tourist Visa program, launched in 2014, streamlined the visa process, making India more accessible to global travelers.
- Infrastructure Initiatives: Government programs like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and tourism infrastructure development projects have upgraded facilities nationwide.
- Focus on Iconic Destinations: Financial support through these programs has improved amenities at key tourism hotspots across India.
- Medical Tourism: India is becoming a leading medical tourism destination, offering affordable and high-quality healthcare services.
- Advantage Healthcare India Portal: A one-stop platform provides information for international patients, bolstering India’s reputation in wellness tourism.
- Cultural Heritage: India’s rich cultural and historical legacy continues to attract global visitors, supported by government and private sector efforts.
- Future Prospects: The country’s improved global ranking and robust initiatives signal a promising future for India as a global tourism hub.
India Rises to 39th in Global Travel Index, Boosting Tourism in Delhi, Jaipur, and Goa
India’s travel and tourism sector has made a significant leap on the global stage, ranking 39th among 119 nations in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, as per the latest report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). This marks a notable improvement from its previous adjusted rank of 38th in 2021, highlighted by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during a recent Rajya Sabha session.
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Foreign Tourism Growth
India has experienced a remarkable boom in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs), with numbers reaching 9.5 million in 2023—a 23.96% rise from 7.7 million in 2014. Minister Shekhawat credits this growth to the government’s proactive measures, including the introduction of a pilot visa-free travel scheme. This initiative, which benefited 100,000 tourists, has received overwhelmingly positive feedback and is poised to further enhance international tourism.
The e-Tourist Visa program, launched in November 2014, has played a pivotal role in simplifying the visa application process for international travelers, boosting India’s appeal as a preferred global destination.
Advancements in Infrastructure and Heritage
India’s Ministry of Tourism has been actively working to develop state-of-the-art tourism infrastructure. Initiatives such as Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), and the Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development have significantly enhanced tourism amenities. These programs provide financial assistance to states and union territories, fostering the development of iconic destinations and upgrading facilities nationwide.
Medical Tourism on the Rise
India is emerging as a global hub for medical tourism. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced the Advantage Healthcare India portal, a comprehensive platform offering detailed information for international patients seeking medical and wellness services. This initiative positions India as a destination for affordable, high-quality healthcare, further cementing its reputation in the medical tourism sector.
A Bright Outlook for Indian Tourism
India’s improved global ranking reflects its rich cultural heritage, forward-thinking policies, and investment in innovative infrastructure projects. These efforts underline the nation’s potential to become a leading global tourism hub. With continued government initiatives and private sector collaboration, India’s travel and tourism sector is set for a promising future, attracting more visitors to iconic cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Goa.
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