Geography Assignment-1
Geography Assignment-1
Assignment
Development of
Tourism in
India
Name : Subham Kumar Meena
Class : X Section : A
DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN
INDIA
INTRODUCTION
India, a land of vibrant colours, rich cultures, and diverse landscapes, beckons travellers from
across the globe to embark on a journey of discovery and enchantment. Nestled in South Asia,
India boasts a tapestry of experiences that range from ancient historical wonders to bustling
modern cities, from serene beaches to majestic mountain ranges, and lush forests to arid deserts.
As one of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is steeped in history and tradition, with a
myriad of archaeological sites, architectural marvels, and sacred temples that offer glimpses into
its storied past. From the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra to the ancient ruins of Hampi in Karnataka,
every corner of the country tells a tale of its rich heritage.
Beyond its historical treasures, India is also a land of contrasts, where modernity coexists
harmoniously with tradition. Bustling metropolises like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore pulsate
with energy, offering visitors a glimpse into India's dynamic urban life. At the same time, quaint
villages provide a tranquil retreat into the simplicity of rural existence.
But perhaps what truly sets India apart is its warmth and hospitality. Visitors are welcomed with
open arms and treated to a gastronomic extravaganza of flavours and spices that tantalise the
taste buds. Whether savouring street food delights in bustling markets or indulging in fine dining
experiences fit for royalty, every meal in India is an adventure in itself.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed shores of Goa, from the lush
backwaters of Kerala to the bustling bazaars of Rajasthan, India offers a kaleidoscope of
experiences that cater to every traveller's palate. So, come, immerse yourself in the magic of
India and embark on a journey of a lifetime.
The first conscious and organized efforts to promote tourism in India were made in 1945 when a
committee was set up by the Government under the Chairmanship of Sir John Sargent, the then
Educational Adviser to the Government of India (Krishna, A.G., 1993). After that, the
development of tourism was taken up in a planned manner in 1956 coinciding with the Second
Five Year Plan. The approach has evolved from isolated planning of single-unit facilities in the
Second and Third Five Year Plans. The Sixth Plan marked the beginning of a new era when
tourism began to be considered a major instrument for social integration and economic
development.
But it was only after the 80’s that tourism activity gained momentum. The Government took
several significant steps. A National Policy on tourism was announced in 1982. Later in 1988,
the National Committee on Tourism formulated a comprehensive plan for achieving sustainable
growth in tourism. In 1992, a National Action Plan was prepared and in 1996 the National
Strategy for Promotion of Tourism was drafted. In 1997, the New Tourism Policy recognised the
roles of Central and State governments, public sector undertakings and the private sector in the
development of tourism. The need for the involvement of Panchayati Raj institutions, local
bodies, non-governmental organisations and the local youth in the creation of tourism facilities
has also been recognised.
Today tourism is the largest service industry in India, with a contribution of 6.23% to the
national GDP and providing 8.78% of the total employment. India witnesses more than 5 million
annual foreign tourist arrivals and 562 million domestic tourism visits. The tourism industry in
India generated about US$100 billion in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5
billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate. The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for
the development and promotion of tourism in India and maintains the "Incredible India"
campaign.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, India will be a tourism hotspot from 2009-
2018, having the highest 10-year growth potential. As per the Travel and Tourism
Competitiveness Report 2009 by the World Economic Forum, India is ranked 11th in the Asia
Pacific region and 62nd overall, moving up three places on the list of the world's attractive
destinations. It is ranked the 14th best tourist destination for its natural resources and 24th for its
cultural resources, with many World Heritage Sites, both natural and cultural, rich fauna, and
strong creative industries in the country. India also bagged 37th rank for its air transport network.
The Indian travel and tourism industry ranked 5th in the long-term (10-year) growth and is
expected to be the second-largest employer in the world by 2019. The 2010 Commonwealth
Games in Delhi are expected to significantly boost tourism in India further.
[www.ibef.org/industry/tourismhospitality.aspx]
Moreover, India has been ranked the "best country brand for value-for-money" in the Country
Brand Index (CBI) survey conducted by Future Brand, a leading global brand consultancy. India
also claimed second place in CBI's "Best Country Brand for History", as well as appears among
the top 5 in the Best Country Brand for Authenticity and Art & culture, and the fourth best New
Country for Business. India made it to the list of "rising stars" or the countries that are likely to
become major tourist destinations in the next five years, led by the United Arab Emirates, China,
and Vietnam. [www.ibef.org/industry/tourismhospitality.aspx]
Tourist Attractions in India
India is a country known for its lavish treatment of all visitors, no matter where they come from.
Its visitor-friendly traditions, varied lifestyles cultural heritage and colourful fairs and festivals
held abiding attractions for the tourists. The other attractions include beautiful beaches, forests
wildlife and landscapes for eco-tourism; snow, river and mountain peaks for adventure tourism;
technological parks and science museums for science tourism; centres of pilgrimage for spiritual
tourism; heritage, trains and hotels for heritage tourism. Yoga, ayurveda and natural health
resorts and hill stations also attract tourists.
Indian handicrafts particularly, jewellery, carpets, leather goods, ivory and brass work are the
main shopping items of foreign tourists. It is estimated through surveys that nearly forty per cent
of the tourist expenditure on shopping is spent on such items.
Some of the recent initiatives taken by the Government to boost tourism include a grant of export
house status to the tourism sector and incentives for promoting private investment in the form of
Income Tax exemptions, interest subsidies and reduced import duty. The hotel and tourism-
related industry has been declared a high-priority industry for foreign investment which entails
automatic approval of direct investment up to 51 per cent of foreign equity allowing 100 per cent
non-resident Indian investment and simplifying rules regarding the grant of approval to travel
agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators.
The first-ever Indian Tourism Day was celebrated on January 25, 1998. The Year 1999 was
celebrated as Explore India Millennium Year by presenting a spectacular tableau on the cultural
heritage of India at the Republic Day Parade and organising the India Tourism Expo in New
Delhi and Khajuraho. Moreover, the campaign ‘Visit India Year 2009’ was launched at the
International Tourism Exchange in Berlin, aimed to project India as an attractive destination for
holidaymakers. The government joined hands with leading airlines, hoteliers, holiday resorts and
tour operators, and offered them a wide range of incentives and bonuses during the period
between April and December 2009.
The tourism industry in India has several positive and negative impacts on the economy and
society. These impacts are highlighted below.
POSITIVE IMPACTS
1. Generating Income and Employment
Tourism in India has emerged as an instrument of income and employment generation, poverty
alleviation and sustainable human development. It contributes 6.23% to the national GDP and
8.78% of the total employment in India. Almost 20 million people are now working in India’s
tourism industry.
Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange earnings in India. This has a favourable
impact on the balance of payment of the country. The tourism industry in India generated about
US$100 billion in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4%
annual growth rate.
Tourism helps preserve several places that are of historical importance by declaring them as
heritage sites. For instance, the Taj Mahal, the Qutab Minar, Ajanta and Ellora temples, etc,
would have been decayed and destroyed had it not been for the efforts taken by the Tourism
Department to preserve them. Likewise, tourism also helps in conserving the natural habitats of
many endangered species.
4. Developing Infrastructure
Tourism tends to encourage the development of multiple-use infrastructure that benefits the host
community, including various means of transport, health care facilities, and sports centres, in
addition to hotels and high-end restaurants that cater to foreign visitors. The development of
infrastructure has in turn induced the development of other directly productive activities.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS
Tourism sometimes leads to the destruction of the social fabric of a community. The
more tourists coming into a place, the more the perceived risk of that place losing its
identity. A good example is Goa. From the late 60's to the early 80's when the Hippy
culture was at its height, Goa was a haven for such hippies. Here they came in thousands
and changed the whole culture of the state leading to a rise in the use of drugs,
prostitution and human trafficking. This had a ripple effect on the country.
Tourism brought little benefit to the local community. In most all-inclusive package
tours more than 80% of travelers’ fees go to the airlines, hotels and other international
companies, not to local businessmen and workers. Moreover, large hotel chain restaurants
often import food to satisfy foreign visitors and rarely employ local staff for senior
management positions, preventing local farmers and workers from reaping the benefit of
their presence. This has often created a sense of antipathy towards the tourists and the
government.
One of the most important adverse effects of tourism on the environment is increased
pressure on the carrying capacity of the ecosystem in each tourist locality. Increased
transport and construction activities led to large-scale deforestation and destabilisation of
natural landforms, while increased tourist flow led to an increase in solid waste dumping
as well as depletion of water and fuel resources. The flow of tourists to ecologically
sensitive areas destroyed rare and endangered species due to trampling, killing, and
disturbance of breeding habitats. Noise pollution from vehicles and public address
systems, water pollution, vehicular emissions, untreated sewage, etc. also have direct
effects on bio-diversity, ambient environment and the general profile of tourist spots.
POSITIVE IMPACTS
1. Direct Financial Contributions
Tourism can contribute directly to the conservation of sensitive areas and habitats.
Revenue from park entrance fees and similar sources can be allocated specifically to pay
for the protection and management of environmentally sensitive areas. Special fees for
park operations or conservation activities can be collected from tourists or tour operators.
The Indian government through the tourism department also collect money in more far-
reaching and indirect ways that are not linked to specific parks or conservation areas.
User fees, income taxes, taxes on sales or rental of recreation equipment, and license fees
for activities such as rafting and fishing can provide governments with the funds needed
to manage natural resources. Such funds can be used for overall conservation programs
and activities, such as park ranger salaries and park maintenance.
Tourism has the potential to increase public appreciation of the environment and to spread
awareness of environmental problems when it brings people into closer contact with nature and
the environment. This confrontation heightens awareness of the value of nature among the
community and leads to environmentally conscious behaviour and activities to preserve the
environment.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS
1. Depletion of Natural Resources
Water, especially fresh water, is one of the most critical natural resources. The
tourism industry generally overuses water resources for hotels, swimming pools, golf
courses and personal use of water by tourists. This can result in water shortages and
degradation of water supplies, as well as generating a greater volume of wastewater.
(www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/envi/index.html). In dryer regions like Rajasthan, the
issue of water scarcity is of particular concern.
Tourism can create great pressure on local resources like energy, food, and other raw materials
that may already be in short supply. Greater extraction and transport of these resources
exacerbate the physical impacts associated with their exploitation. Because of the seasonal
character of the industry, many destinations have ten times more inhabitants in the high season
than in the low season. A high demand is placed upon these resources to meet the high
expectations tourists often have (proper heating, hot water, etc.).
Important land resources include minerals, fossil fuels, fertile soil, forests, wetlands and wildlife.
Increased construction of tourism and recreational facilities has increased the pressure on these
resources and scenic landscapes. Direct impact on natural resources, both renewable and
nonrenewable, in the provision of tourist facilities is caused by the use of land for
accommodation and other infrastructure provisions, and the use of building materials
An ecosystem is a geographic area including all the living organisms (people, plants, animals,
and micro-organisms), their physical surroundings (such as soil, water, and air), and the natural
cycles that sustain them. Attractive landscape sites, such as sandy beaches in Goa, Maharashtra,
Kerela, Tamil Nadu; lakes, riversides, and mountain tops and slopes, are often transitional zones,
characterized by species-rich ecosystems. The threats to and pressures on these ecosystems are
often severe because such places are very attractive to both tourists and developers. Examples
may be cited from Krushedei Island near Rameswaram. What was once called a paradise for
marine biologists has been abandoned due to the massive destruction of coral and other marine
life. Another area of concern that emerged at Jaisalmer is the deterioration of the desert ecology
due to increased tourist activities in the desert.
Tourism in India is economically important and ever-growing. The World Travel & Tourism
Council calculated that tourism generated ₹14.02 lakh crore (US$180 billion) or 9.6% of the
nation's GDP in 2016 and supported 40.343 million jobs, 9.3% of its total employment. The
sector is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 6.8% to ₹28.49 lakh crore (US$360 billion) by
2027 (10% of GDP).
Andaman and Nicobar Island
Tourism is the major revenue-generating industry in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According
to official estimates, the flow of tourists in the Andamans more than tripled in 2016–17 to
430,000 from 130,000 in 2008–09.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an archipelago of over 570 tropical islands, of which
only 36 are inhabited.[2][3]
Radhanagar Beach at Havelock Island was bestowed with the title of ‘Asia’s Best Beach’
in 2004 by TIME magazine. It is also listed as the world's 7th most spectacular beach in
the world on Time's list.[4][5]
Barren Island which is about 135 km (84 mi) north-east of the territory's capital, Port
Blair, is the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia.[6]
Historic Cellular Jail in Port Blair was used by the British to exile political prisoners
during the struggle for India's independence to the remote archipelago. Presently, the jail
complex serves as a national memorial monument.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan, literally meaning "Land of the Kings", is one of the most attractive tourist destinations
in Western India. The vast dunes of the Thar Desert attract millions of tourists from around the
globe every year.
Attractions:
Jaipur – The capital of Rajasthan, famous for its rich history and royal architecture * Pink
City
Chittorgarh – Chittorgarh Fort, Vijay Stambh, Kalika Mata Mandir, Kirti Stambh, Rana
Kumbha's Palace, Rani Padmini's Palace and the temple of a renowned devotee of Lord
Krishna, Meera (Meera Temple).
Jodhpur – Fortress-city at the edge of the Thar Desert, famous for its blue homes and
architecture and Blue City
Udaipur – Known as the "Venice" of India *Lake City
Jaisalmer – Famous for its golden fortress (one of the largest living forts), its magnificent
palaces (Havelis), lake, fossil park, desert dune safaris-camps, desert national parks, and
Jain temples. The city is known as Golden City.
Ajmer – Holy city, popular for the shrine of Sufi Saikhllnt Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Bikaner – Famous for the world-famous KARNI Mata Temple (The Rat temple) and
medieval history as a trade route outpost
Mount Abu – This is a popular hill station, the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of
Rajasthan, Guru Shikhar is located here. Mount Abu is famous for the Dilwara Temples.
Pushkar – It has the first and one of the very Brahma temples in the world
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu was the most visited tourist destination by both Indian and International tourists in
2014 with over 320 million domestic visits and 4.6 million foreign visits. It has places of
historical, cultural and architectural significance. The capital city of Tamil Nadu -Chennai- is the
only place in India to be listed in the "52 places to go around the world" by The New York
Times. Beach in Chennai is the second longest beach in the world and Chennai is home to
numerous historic temples and parks. Chennai is also nicknamed the Gateway of South India.
The state has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites which include the Great Living Chola
Temples and Mahabalipuram. Archaeological sites with civilisation dating back to 3800 years[51]
have been discovered in Tamil Nadu. UNESCO World Heritage Sites Mahabalipuram seashore
temples were built by rulers of the Pallava dynasty and depict remarkable art and architecture.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur was built in 1010 A.D.[52] Other major temples include
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
and Arunachaleswara Temple.[53] All these temples showcase Dravidian architecture which
prevailed during the ancient period. The six abodes of Lord Murugan are situated in Tamil Nadu.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is one of the most visited states in India by foreign tourists,[22] with over 4.3 million
foreign tourist arrivals in 2014. Maharashtra boasts a large number of popular and revered
religious venues that are heavily frequented by locals as well as out-of-state visitors. Chhatrapati
Sambhajinagar is the tourism capital of Maharashtra.
Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus are the
four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra and are credited for the development of
Tourism in the state.[39]
Mumbai, its capital, is the most popular cosmopolitan city in India, and a great place to
experience modern India. Mumbai is famous for Bollywood, the world's largest film industry.
The city is known for its architecture, from the ancient Elephanta Caves to the Islamic Haji Ali
Mosque to the colonial architecture of the Bombay High Court and Chhatrapati Shivaji
Terminus. the Mahalakshmi temple at Kolhapur, the city of Pune which was the seat of the Prime
Minister of the Maratha Empire and the joyous Hindu Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations together
contribute for the Tourism sector of Maharashtra. The 108 ft tall Statue of Ahimsa at Mangi
Tungi, the tallest Jain Statue in the world is attracting Jain devotees from around the world. This
statue holds the Guinness world record for the tallest Jain idol.[40] Famous temples of Lord
Ganesha, Shri Siddhivinayak Mandir, Mumbai and Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple, Pune
are located in Maharashtra.
Tripura
Karnataka
Karnataka has been ranked as the fourth most popular destination for tourism among the states of
India.[22] It has the highest number of national protected monuments in India, at 507.
Karnataka state has several palaces such as Bangalore Palace, Mysore Palace (also known as
Ambavilas Palace), Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Nalknad Palace, Rajendra Vilas, Jaganmohan
Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Lalitha Mahal, Rajendra Vilas, Cheluvamba Mansion,
Shivappa Nayaka Palace and Daria Daulat Bagh. Karnataka is famous for the Falls of Shimoga
District, the second-highest waterfalls in Asia. Karnataka has many beaches at Malpe, Kaup,
Marvanthe, Karwar, Gokarna, Murdeshwara, and Surathkal. Karnataka is a rock climbers
paradise. Yana in Uttara Kannada, Fort in Chitradurga, Ramnagara near Bengaluru district,
Shivagange in Tumkur district and Tekal in Kolar district are rock climbers heaven.[25] Utsav
Rock Garden in Shiggaon, Uttar Kannada.
Andhra Pradesh
A study in 2014 published by The Economic Times said that undivided Andhra Pradesh had
emerged as the "most-preferred" tourist destination for domestic travellers with about 20 per cent
share in the total domestic tourist visits across India in 2012.
Tirumala Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, is the second richest and most visited
religious centre (of any faith) in the world. This temple is also one among the
108divyadesam dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Brahmotsavam (Brahma's Utsavam) is a nine-
day-long festival held every year in October and as many as 5,00,000 devotees will
throng to the hill to seek blessings of the lord.
Kanaka Durga Temple of goddess Durga is situated on the Indrakeeladri hill in the city of
Vijayawada on the banks of the Krishna River. A large number of pilgrims attend the
colourful celebrations of Tepotsavam and for a holy dip in the River during the festival of
Dussehra.[8]
Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam temple situated at Srisailam in the Nallamala Hills of
Kurnool district,[9] is the abode of lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines
in India. Lord Rama himself installed the Sahasralinga, while the Pandavas lodged the
Panchapandava lingas in the temple courtyard.
The Kodandarama temple, Vontimitta, Kadapa district is a 16th-century temple dedicated
to Lord Sri Rama and is of great significance in the history of Andhra Pradesh.
The five ancient Hindu temples of Lord Shiva, known as Pancharama Kshetras, are
located at – Amararama (Amaravathi), Draksharama, Somarama (Bhimavaram),
Ksheerarama (Palakollu) and Kumararama (Samalkota).
Bihar
Bihar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world with a history of 3000 years.
The rich culture and heritage of Bihar are evident from the innumerable ancient monuments that
are dotted all over this state in eastern India. This is the place of Mahavira, the 24th and last
Tirthankara, Aryabhata, Great Ashoka, Chanakya, Gautama Buddha, Mahavira, Guru Gobind
Singh, Chandragupta Maurya, Vātsyāyana, Sher Shah Suri, Maa Tara Chandi Temple, and many
other great historical figures.
Attractions:
Patna – The capital of Bihar, known for its rich history and royal architecture
Gaya – Known for Bodh Gaya the place at which Gautama Buddha attained
enlightenment. It is also the Hindu Pilgrimage VishnuPad Temple where tourists worship
the Foot of Lord Vishnu. Manglagauri Temple located here is one of MahaShaktipeetha.
Muzaffarpur – Known for its education Garibnath Mandir, Sikandarpur mann, Devi
Mandir, Banglamukhi Mandir, Jai Mata Di Mandir, Jubba Sahani park [citation needed]
Darbhanga – It is among the oldest cities of Bihar. Famous for the Maharaja forts and
Kali Mandir.
Champapuri - It is one of the most sacred places of Jainism. Lord Vasupujya, the 12th
Jain Tirthankara was born in Champapuri and it is the place where all the five kalyanaks
of Lord Vasupujya took place. Location of 31 feet monolithic statue, the tallest statue of
Lord Vasupujya. Sitamarhi: It is a native place of Devi Sita Mata.
Rajgir - It is sacred to Buddhism and Jainism. The place has temples belonging to
Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. The ancient site also has Son Bhandar Caves.
Pawapuri - Mahavira, the last of the twenty-four Tirthankara attained Nirvana or moksha
(liberation). He was cremated at Pawapuri. There was a great rush to collect his ashes,
with the result that so much soil was removed from the place of his cremation that a pond
was created.
CONCLUSION
The tourism industry in India is growing and it has vast potential for generating employment and
earning large amounts of foreign exchange besides giving a fillip to the country’s overall
economic and social development. But much more remains to be done. Eco-tourism needs to be
promoted so that tourism in India helps preserve and sustain the diversity of India's natural and
cultural environments. Tourism in India should be developed in such a way that it accommodates
and entertains visitors in a way that is minimally intrusive or destructive to the environment and
sustains & supports the native cultures in the locations where it is operating. Moreover, since
tourism is a multi-dimensional activity and a service industry, it would be necessary that all
wings of the Central and State governments, private sector and voluntary organisations become
active partners in the endeavour to attain sustainable growth in tourism if India is to become a
world player in the tourism industry.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
en.wikipedia.org
www.linkedin.com
www.ibef.org
www.incredibleindia.org
trcollege.edu.in