Analysis Of Kurukshetra Magazine: Post Covid-19 Revamp Of Tourism Sector

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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.

Introduction

Much like the rest of the world, the Covid 19 Pandemic has disrupted all aspects of tourism – a human-centric Industry with a decline in International arrivals of close to 70 % (UNWTO).
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Foreign tourist arrivals in March 2020 were almost 66 percent lower as compared to the tourist arrivals in March 2019.

How Covid-19 Impacted the Contribution Of the Tourism Sector to World GDP?

The massive drop in tourism owing to partial/complete lockdowns worldwide led to cascading effects on governments, businesses and local communities leading to a loss of about USD 1.3 trillion in export revenues globally(World Bank).
The estimated GDP loss in 2020 was about USD 3,435 billion in the baseline scenario, with Asia being the worst affected region.

What is the ”RESPOND Approach” to Revamp the Post Pandemic Tourism Sector?

RESPOND Approach is an acronym for Restart Travel, Establish Protocols, Stimulate Demand, Promote Coordination, Operationalise the New Normal, Nurturing New Options, and Develop Digital Solutions – to combat and mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic and take concrete steps toward sustainable recovery.
Four important takeaways should be:
- Understand the New Market Trends;
- Rebuild a Safe, Resilient and Inclusive Tourism Ecosystem on the basis of prevailing consumer sentiments;
- Rethink tourism to leverage growing interests in areas such as eco-tourism;
- Focus on both domestic and international tourism.

New initiatives by GOI to revitalise the tourism industry in India

In the Union Budget 2022-23, FM allocated Rs 2400 crore to tourism, which is 18.42 % higher than the allocation made in the previous budget.
Rs 1881 crore is earmarked for ‘Swadesh Darshan’ to develop tourist circuits in the northeast region, Rs 1644 for tourism infrastructure development, and Rs 235 crore for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual and Heritage Augmentation Drive(PRASHAD) to stimulate growth in niche tourism segments like religious, wellness, health adventure, MICE among others.
An emergency credit line guarantee scheme(ECLGS) was extended up to March 2023 for Covid-19 affected sectors.
The government has also geared up giving free visas to the first 5 lakh tourists.
The e-visa facilities for travellers from 156 countries have also been extended.

Dekho Apna Desh

The Dekho Apna Desh Pledge campaign was launched by the Union Ministry of Tourism in January 2021 under which tourists who visit at least 15 tourism hotspots will be awarded with an exciting prize.
According to the Dekho Apna Desh Pledge campaign, avid travellers who are able to visit at least 15 tourist destinations spread across different parts of the country will be given an exciting prize which might include tour packages and tickets to exotic places.

Heal India Campaign

The Union government is looking to promote India’s medical facilities and infrastructure under ‘heal in India‘ campaign.\
A special visa category has also been created for those who want to travel to the country to avail of AYUSH therapies.

Conclusion

India has extensive potential in the fields of environment, spiritual, medical and education tourism. The country’s domestic and foreign policy efforts have facilitated an enabling environment for the promotion of the tourism industry. There is further scope for innovations and adaptations in this regard to leverage the new normal.