REPORT OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON TOURISM

India Tourism has been a major social phenomenon of the societies all along. It is motivated by the natural urge of every human being for new experience, adventure, education and entertainment. The motivations for tourism also include social, religious and business interests. The spread of education has fostered a desire to know more about different parts of the globe. The basic human thirst for new experience and knowledge has become stronger, as technological advances are overcoming communication barriers. Progress in air transport and development of tourist facilities have encouraged people to venture out to the foreign lands.

India Tourism’s importance, as an instrument for economic development and employment generation, particularly in remote and backward areas, has been well recognized the world over. It is the largest service industry globally in terms of gross revenue as well as foreign exchange earnings. Tourism can play an important and effective role in achieving the growth with equity objectives, which we have set for ourselves. Tourism is one economic sector in India that has the potential to grow at a high rate and can ensure consequential development of the infrastructure at the destinations. It has the capacity to capitalize on the country’s success in the services sector and provide sustainable models of growth.

India Tourism has the potential to stimulate other economic sectors through its backward and forward linkages and cross-sectoral synergies with sectors like agriculture, horticulture, poultry, handicrafts, transport, construction, etc. Expenditure on tourism induces a chain of transactions requiring supply of goods and services from these related sectors. The consumption demand, emanating from tourist expenditure, also induces more employment and generates a multiplier effect on the economy. As a result, additional income and employment opportunities are generated through such linkages. Thus, the expansion of the tourism sector can lead to large-scale employment generation and poverty alleviation. The economic benefits that flow into the economy through growth of tourism in the shape of increased national and State revenues, business receipts, employment, wages and salary, buoyancy in Central, State and local tax receipts can contribute towards overall socio-economic improvement and accelerated growth in the economy.

India Tourism has also become an instrument for sustainable human development including:

• Poverty elimination.
• Environmental regeneration.
• Job creation.
• Advancement of women and other disadvantaged groups

India Tourism is overwhelmingly an industry of private sector service providers, although the public sector has a significant role to play in infrastructure areas either directly or through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. It is a multi-sectoral activity characterized by multiple services provided by a range of suppliers. It is quite similar to manufacturing industry, where the supply chain is as important as the end product. The related sectors include airlines, surface transport, hotels, basic infrastructure and facilitation systems, etc. Thus, the growth of tourism cannot be attained unless the issues related to all the related sectors are addressed simultaneously.

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The Taj Mahal: One of The Most Beautiful Architectural Creation of a Love Story

They set stone flowers in the marble. That by their color, if not their perfume, surpasses real flowers. ---Abu Talib Kalim 


If a visit to India is a crown, missing the Taj is as good as missing the crown's finest jewel!

The Taj Mahal is the culmination of architectural achievements of India under the Mughal rule. Arguably the finest piece of architecture in the medieval world, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan over the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Starting from 1632 it took about 20 years to take shape, in the hands of 20,000 of the known world's finest craftsmen.

The Mughal sovereign had several wives, but Mumtaz Mahal was his favorite and most beloved. His companion and confidant on royal matters, she died while giving birth to a daughter. The bereaved emperor wanted to commemorate their love in the form of a stone architecture that will have no parallel in the whole world. He summoned the best brains from far reaches of his expansive empire and beyond to create the incomparable marvel. The Mughal period had seen the creation of brilliant architectural wonders, the Agra Fort, The Red Fort, The Fatehpur Sikri, to name just a few, but nothing compares to the sublime beauty of the Taj Mahal. Created out of the very best quality marble, the pristine white monument when seen against the backdrop of the moonlit sky seems like dream.

The Taj Mahal was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983 and named among the new Seven Wonders of the World. The masterpiece attracts close to 30 million visitors annually of which more than 200,000 tourists from abroad. One visit to the monument and the experience haunts you for the rest of your life.

The Taj Mahal is in the city of Agra located just 200 km from Delhi, the capital of India. Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra was once the flourishing capital of the Muslim rulers of India. If you are looking for a one point destination for tourism guidance and great deals for a visit to the Taj Mahal, click on  India Tourism . India Tourism offers a classic blend of modernity with the famed Indian hospitality. We are partners with the most luxurious hotel chains in India; we offer tour packages, the most experienced guides and all this at an astonishing price. Visit India Tourism and plan the sojourn of your lifetime.

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World Tourism Day focuses on Tourism & Biodiversity

On the occasion of World Tourism Day on 27th September, 2010, the Union Minister of Tourism,
Kumari Selja administered a pledge to various stakeholders of the tourism, travel and hospitality industries
to abide by the Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism and to promote sustainable tourism.
The Pledge is a follow-up of the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism to take these two initiatives forward. The theme of World Tourism Day, 2010 was Tourism and Bio-diversity. 

With an increasing number of people travelling every year, the need is to focus on the preservation of human rights and sustainability of the Earth’s finite resources. In such a scenario, the oath-taking ceremony on the World Tourism Day, 2010 assumes even more significance. The Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism aims to strengthen the critical pillar of “Suraksha” which is one of the seven pillars outlined in the National Tourism Policy 2002.

The Code is a collaborative initiative of the Union Ministry of Tourism, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), India Chapter of Pacific Asia Travel Association and Save the Children India. The endeavour of the Ministry of Tourism is also to promote responsible tourism by following the principles of sustainable tourism. A two-day National Workshop was held by the Ministry of Tourism to develop the Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India. 

 

It will be developed taking into account the best practices followed across the world. A Steering Committee has been formed with representatives from various stakeholders from the tourism, travel and hospitality industries to evolve the criteria. The Hon`ble Minister of Tourism remarked that by taking the oath “we are, in effect, highlighting to the world, our sense of responsibility towards our guests and to Mother Earth. Read More India Tourism

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India Heritage and Culture Tourism

INDIA TOURISM

            The year 2006 has been a highly successful year for India. For the fourth successive year, India witnessed a positive growth in foreign tourist arrivals, reaching a level of 4.43 million against 2.38 million during 2002. The growth rate of 13.04 % during 2006 was achieved over 2005 and the share of India in world tourism is expected to be around 0.52%. Foreign exchange earnings has reached US$ 6569.34 in 2006 and marked an increase of 14.63 % over 2005 (US $ 5730.86). In absolute rupee terms, the increase in foreign exchange earnings during the year 2006 was Rs 4431.31 crores over 2005. Tourism is the third largest net earner of foreign exchange next to garments, gem and jewellery industry, recording earnings of US $6569.34million in 2006 (Rs 29603.56crores). India’s share in the total global tourist arrivals and earnings remained quite insignificant at 0.52 % of the world arrivals and the percentage of share of tourism receipts for 2006 was 0.90 %.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals to India (In million).

Year	Arrivals	%    Change
2002	2.38	(-) 6.0
2003	2.73	(+) 14.3
2004	3.46	(+) 26.8
2005	3.92	(+) 13.2
2006*	4.43	(+) 13.0
Growth in 5 years i.e., 2006 over 2001: 86%

 

                                     Source: Ministry of Tourism.

The Tourism Satellite Account for India has brought out that Tourism’s contribution to GDP of the country has been 5.9% in 2003-04, while employment in tourism sector both direct and indirect, has been 41.8 million in the same year, which accounts for 8.78% of total employment in the country. Though the growth in tourism in India has been impressive, India’s share in global tourist arrivals is quite insignificant. However, earning per tourist is highest for India compared to neighbouring countries. It is universally acknowledged that the tourism resources of India have the potential to generate significantly higher levels of demand from the domestic and international markets, and, if exploited intelligently in a sustainable manner, can prove to be the engine of growth for the economy.

Another important feature of the tourism industry, which is of particular significance to India, is its contribution to national integration, preservation of natural as well as cultural environments and enrichment of the social and cultural lives of people. Tourism also encourages preservation of monuments and heritage properties and helps the survival of arts forms, crafts and culture. Over 382 million domestic tourists visiting different parts of the country every year return with a better appreciation of the cultural diversity and understanding of the people living in different regions of the country.

Domestic Tourist Visits In India (In Million)

Year	Domestic Tourist Visits	% Change
2002	269.6	14.0
2003	309.0	14.6
2004	366.2	18.5
2005	382.1	4.3
2006*	432.0	13.0
Growth in 5 years i.e., 2006 over 2001: 82.9% (end of9thPlan to end of 10th Plan)  *: Predicted.

                          Source: Ministry of Tourism.

 Heritage and Culture Tourism

Heritage and Culture tourism began to be recognized as a distinct tourism product category in the late 1970s, with the realization that a large number of people travel specifically to gain a better understanding of the culture or heritage of a destination.  Nearly 40% of international travelers are now considered cultural tourists, who visit destinations based on cultural heritage of a place – rural, ethnic and spiritual, factors.  There is a growing need to recognize culture and heritage tourism as a specialized sector of tourism to develop this product for improving tourist traffic both indigenously and internationally.

In evolving a culture tourism policy, the following basic considerations should be taken into account:

• Tourism interests must develop an awareness of cultural heritage management, concepts, ideals and practices.  Likewise cultural heritage stakeholders must also develop an understanding of what tourism is and how it works.
• Tourism industry professionals value cultural assets as raw material for their products to generate tourism activity and wealth.  Cultural heritage management professionals value the same for their intrinsic merits.
• Tourism is driven by attractions.  Attractions are the demand generators that give a customer a reason to visit a destination.  Cultural heritage assets therefore must be transferred into tourism cultural heritage products.  The transformation process is integral to the successful development and sustainable management of the cultural tourism product.
• There is need for a balance between tourism and cultural heritage management, with the need for strong partnership.
• The recognition that tourism is essentially a commercial activity, cultural values should not be sacrificed for commercial considerations.
• More Details Visit http://www.indiatourisme.org/

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India Best Place for Tourism

India is the treasure trove of tourist attractions. Endowed with scintillating tourism attractions, sightseeing spots, magnificent forts and palaces, rich culture and traditions, inspiring forts and palaces, bustling cites and town, beguiling beaches and placid lakes, cool hill stations, exotic wildlife parks and sanctuaries, and much more. Truly India is a place where you can enjoy to the fullest and make the vacation truly enjoyable and memorable. http://indiatourisme.org/

India is rich in tourism attractions and has the flavor of what we call it incredible as nothing can match the beauty that the country is blessed with. From the enigmatic Blue Mountains to the snowy Himalayas, or from the bustling cities and town to the tranquil villages, India has enigmatic wonderments that attract thousands and hundreds of tourists from across the globe.

Home to some of the magnificent attractions most of the tourist here love to go for a vacation in the hill stations which are draped in the evergreen charm and wonderments. The aroma filtered air, exotic resorts and hotels, inviting attractions and the scintillating attractions truly make India the most sought after holiday destination in India. Some of the picturesque hill stations that are visited by tourists in India are many but the most popular ones are Darjeeling the Queen of Hills, Munnar the Kashmir of the South, Manali the Switzerland of India, Ooty, Sikkim, Pelling, Kullu, and Dharamshala. These hill stations are the treasure trove of many natural enchantments and attractions that engulf the heart of the visitors with true joy and happiness.

Not only is that India is also very popular for its wondrous forts and palaces, ancient monuments, places and artifacts that holds great importance from tourism point of view. Most of the india tours offer tourists to explore the rich cultural tourist places such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Agra, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and many others. These places are dotted with magnificent forts, palaces and temples which is no less then a wonder for this present generation. So come and peep through the ancient glory as well as witness the history written on bricks.

India holidays pacakges also offer tourist to enjoy beach vacations as savor the beauty of the nature to its perfection. Most of the beaches of India are amazingly beautiful with golden sands dotted magnificently by the swaying coconut trees that offer wonderful opportunity to enjoy fun-filled water sports and activities. Some of the popular destinations that are famous for beach vacations are Tamilnadu, Chennai, Kerala, Gujarat and the magnificent Goa.

The country India is also famous for its rich heritage, colorful fairs and festivals and religious festivals. Festivals and fairs in India take place with the very change of season and as people of different religion resides in India, the celebration never ends. Almost all the festivals, be if of Christian, Hindu, Muslims or Sikhs are celebrate with great enthusiasm, joy and happiness. So it will be truly a unique experince to be the part of this colorful celebration during India visit.

 http://indiatourisme.org/india-tour-packages.html

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Kerala Tourism

Kerala Tour Package
Gods own Country, Welcomes you to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of one
of the 50 must see destinations of a lifetime.The small state of Kerala, which
reoresents just 1% of the land mass, is considered to be one of india's
most beautiful state. It is a very rural state with most of the population
living in villages but is culturally and scenically diverse.
We prepare Kerala Tour Package specially for you according to your tastes.
we will design Kerala packages to your convenience.You just tell us where
to go,when to go and how much you can afford,we will do the rest for you.

http://indiatourisme.org/kerala-tours.html

1 Kerala Houseboat Tour (1N/2D)
 (a)You will be greeted and welcomed by our representative and will transfer
    you to Houseboat.Check in at houseboat.Houseboat cruise is the best way to
    explore the beauty of backwaters. Rest of the day at leisure on the House
    Boat.Overnight stay in the house Boat.
  (b)Morning at leisure on House Boat experience the pollution free air and after
     a good breakfast at 0900 Hrs check out from houseboat and we transfer you to
     the airport/railway station of Cochin with some evergreen memories. End of Tour.
2 Munnar Kerala Travel Package (3N/4D)
   (a)Cochine-Throughout the journey enjoy beautiful streams small water falls, Rubber,
      Pepper.

Visit More Information :: http://indiatourisme.org/

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Sikkim Tourism

Small but beautiful. Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas.
Spread below word, and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective
deity. With an area of 7300 sq kms and measuring approx.The magical
lure of sikkim has always been attracting people all over the word.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN SIKKIM
1 Glimpses of Sikkim-
 (a)Flora and Fauna-Because of the altitude that vary right from sea
    level to summits that touch the skies, the flora and fauna maturally
    covers a wide spectrum.
  (b)Hot Springs-Sikkim has many hot springs kmown for their medicinal
     value. The most important are the ones located at Reshi, Yumthang, Ralang.
  (c)Lakes-On the face of it, on would not expect to find lakes on such a rugged
     terrain. But surprisingly, Sikkim does have lakes though not very large
     in size. These lakes are both spring fed as well as river fed.
  (d)Monasteries-Sikkim's near about 200 monasteries or Gompas belonging
     to the Nyingma and Kagyu order have not only been influencing the
     cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrates
     the ancient rituals in practice.
   (e)River- One of the river that almost flow right across the length of
      Sikkim is the Teesta. Human settlements usually must exits above the
      level of rivers and hence even if follding takes place life and property
      remain safe.
2 Place to visit-
    (a)North Sikkim-There is many historical place. Most of Kabi Lungtsok,
       Singiek,Chungthang,Yumthang.
     (b)South Sikkim-Namtse, Tendong hill, Ravangla, Maenam hill, Brong, Varsey.
     (c)East Sukkim-Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom, Flower Festival,
        White Hall, Ridge Garden, Do Drul Chorten,Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre.
     (d)West Sikkim-Rabdentse Ruins,Pelling,Yuksom,Yujsom to Dzongri Trek.
3 The People-Communities, Cultures, Religions and Customs of different hues
  intermingle freely here in sikkim to consitute a homogeneous blend.
4 Sikkim-An adventure odyssey-The perfect destination for Vacationers in
  Quest of enchantment, Tranquillity or Adventure. A jewel embedded in snow
  clad mountains, Sikkim is a Primeval land that is unlike anywhere else.
  Where one dreamy day blends into the next. A land so rich in culture, tradition
  and steeped in Religion.
More Information Visit http://indiatourisme.org

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