18th CII Annual Tourism Summit 2024

Tourism as India’s Soft Power

Tourism represents one of India’s greatest soft powers, serving as a robust driver of economic growth and societal well-being. With its unparalleled cultural and natural diversity, India has become a sought-after destination for global travellers. Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently highlighted the need to preserve India’s rich heritage while fostering world-class infrastructure, positioning tourism as a cornerstone of economic growth and a vital source of employment generation.

Sectoral Growth and Resilience

The sector has demonstrated exceptional growth and resilience. In 2023, foreign tourist arrivals surged to over 9.2 million, marking a 43.5% year-on-year increase. Foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) from tourism exceeded ₹2.3 lakh crore, a substantial 65.7% rise compared to the previous year. By mid-2024, foreign tourist arrivals further increased, reaching 7.06 lakhs in June alone. The sector’s contribution to GDP reached ₹19.13 trillion in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by nearly 10%, with employment in the sector growing by 10% to 43 million jobs.

India’s Improved Global Ranking

India’s ranking on the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 also improved, climbing 15 places to 39th among 119 countries. These advancements underscore significant progress in infrastructure, destination development and marketing efforts. However, challenges remain, including a lag in international travel spending compared to pre-pandemic levels and the need to simplify business operations in the sector.

Government Initiatives Driving Tourism Growth

Government initiatives such as the ‘Incredible India’ campaign, Swadesh Darshan, Dekho Apna Desh, Vibrant Village Programme, and facilitative visa regimes have bolstered India’s global appeal. The recently announced strategies like Paryatan Didi, Paryatan Mitra, Incredible India Content Hub and Government- Industry- Academia collaborations are also steps in the right direction. Strategies targeting niche segments like MICE, medical, adventure, and rural tourism aim to position India as a year-round destination. However, to realize the true potential of the sector, measures towards strengthening tourism business such as easing of regulatory and licensing burdens, reducing compliance costs, efficient approval systems and fostering investments are critical.

Technology and Innovation in Tourism

The role of technology and innovation in reshaping tourism is increasingly evident. Travel tech companies are revolutionizing how tourists discover and experience destinations, enhancing India’s digital presence with integrated marketing strategies and high-quality content. Meanwhile, skill development remains a priority to ensure a future-ready, service-oriented workforce capable of navigating technological advancements and global standards.

The 18th CII Annual Tourism Summit 2024: Objectives and Focus Areas

Given this background, the 18th CII Annual Tourism Summit 2024 aims to chart a strategic roadmap for transforming India’s tourism potential into actionable outcomes. Policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders will convene to discuss critical issues, including:

• Enhancing ease of doing business to streamline the hospitality sector.
• Strategies to boost inbound tourism through integrated marketing and strategic international partnerships.
• Showcasing state-level best practices to foster regional collaboration.

Employment and Skill Development

A key focus of the summit will also be employment and skill development. Stakeholders will explore building a globally competitive workforce and leveraging digitization to optimize India’s travel ecosystem. A key highlight will be the launch of the CII-EY Report on Employment Landscape in Tourism and Hospitality Industry, offering in-depth insights into employment trends, challenges, and capacity-building initiatives.

 India’s Tourism Aspirations for the Future

As India aspires to rank among the top 10 global tourism destinations by 2030 and the top 3 by 2047, the summit represents a vital opportunity to unlock the sector’s potential and drive economic growth. Register today to engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators in a transformative dialogue that will redefine India’s tourism landscape at the 18th CII Annual Tourism Summit 2024, scheduled for Wednesday, 18 December 2024, New Delhi.

Data Source: Ministry of Tourism https://pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=149085&reg=3&lang=1