Analysis Of Kurukshetra Magazine: Key Government Initiatives for Developing Tourism in the Country

Table of Contents

Kurukshetra is a Monthly Magazine which is issued by the Publications Division of the GOI.

Kurukshetra Magazine is one of the most important and indispensable source for UPSC Civil Services Exam Preparation. Keeping this in mind, here, we come with ”Analysis Of Kurukshetra Magazine” on daily basis, which covers the monthly Kurukshetra Magazine in easy and smooth pointed form, keeping in mind the demand of UPSC aspirants.

In ‘‘Analysis Of Kurukshetra Magazine,” we cover each and every topic of the Kurukshetra edition of a particular month and provide an easy-to-understand gist.

Introduction

Development and promotion of tourist places is primarily the responsibility of concerned State Government/ UT Administration.
However, the Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination covering its various tourism destinations and products across different States/Union Territories in the country.
Several important initiatives have been taken by the Central Government to promote tourism in the country.

Tourism Sector and Indian GDP

In World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Economic Impact 2020 report, India’s travel & tourism sector contributed US$121.9 billion or 4.7% to the total GDP.
India ranked 10 in the world in terms of the travel & tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP. The sector provides employment to 31,785,200 people and accounted for 7.3% of the total jobs in 2020.
Despite the pandemic, in 2020, international visitors spent Rs. 890.7 billion, while domestic visitors spent Rs. 7,201.4 billion on travel.

Key Initiatives by Central Government to promote tourism in the country

Government has taken several initiatives to boost tourism in the country with the objective of increasing tourist arrivals, which inter-alia include:

Central Financial Assistance to States/UTs under the schemes of Swadesh Darshan, National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) and Assistance to Central Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure in the country.
Extension of e- visa facility to citizens of 167 countries.
Launch of the Incredible India 2.0 campaign with market specific promotional plans and content creation.
Revamping of Incredible India website with the aim to provide more information about India as a tourist destination.
Launch of 24×7 toll free multi-lingual tourist helpline in 12 International languages including Hindi and English.
Organisation of annual Global Tourism Mart for India in line with major international travel marts being held in countries across the world. It provides a platform for all stakeholders in tourism and hospitality industries to interact and transact business opportunities.
Organisation of biennial International Buddhist Conclave.
Organisation of Annual International Tourism Mart for promotion of tourism in North Eastern States.
Promotional activities in tourist generating markets overseas through the India Tourism Offices abroad with active participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising Road Shows, “Know India” seminars & workshops.

Steps taken by Government to promote tourism in the country post COVID-19 pandemic

Financial Support

On June 28, 2021, the Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, announced relief packages to revive tourism in the country. Some of the key schemes are as follows:

Financial Support for Travel and Tourism Stakeholders (TTS) and Registered Tourist Guides

Following incentives are included in the scheme:
- A loan up to Rs. 10 lakh can be received by the eligible TTS
- A loan up to Rs. 1 lakh can be availed by licensed tourist guides

Free Tourist Visas to 5 Lakh Tourists

Approval to Release Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) Scrips

Dekho Apna Desh Initiative

The Ministry of Tourism is currently focussing on promotion of domestic tourism.
The Ministry has launched the Dekho Apna Desh initiative under which various promotional activities like webinars, online pledge and Quiz programmes to generate awareness among the public about the country and its tourism destinations / products including lesser-known destinations are carried out.
DekhoApnaDesh initiative is being promoted extensively on social media platforms and website of the Ministry and also by the Domestic India Tourism office

Other Important Schemes

Prasad Scheme

The Government of India launched the PRASAD scheme in the year 2014-2015 under the Ministry of Tourism. The full form of the PRASAD scheme is ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive’.
This scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a Central Sector scheme launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture,Government of India for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.

Conclusion

The travel and tourism sector is one of the key contributors to Indian economy, and govt. of India is taking proactive measures to help the industry navigate the COVID-led challenges. It will also help the sector to achieve the projected GDP contribution of Rs. 12.68 trillion by 2028.