Tourism in India

Book excerpt: In the 21st Century, tourism has emerged as a leading sector across the globe. This sector has been widely acknowledged for its contribution to national income, foreign exchange reserves, employment creation, expansion of local business, poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, balanced regional development, cultural exchanges, and above all for developing and maintaining international relations and world peace. The development of tourism sector generates growth due to its linkage effects and cross-sectoral synergies which lead to the progress of other sectors including agriculture, handicrafts, healthcare, education, transport and communication, construction etc. On the social front, expansion of tourism brings positive changes in the population structure, occupational patterns, value system, individual behaviour, family relationships, collective lifestyles, moral conduct, creative expressions, traditional ceremonies and community organizations. In India, tourism has become the most vibrant service sector activity and a multi-billion dollar industry over the years. The natural surroundings, architectural masterpieces, music, dance, paintings, customs and languages have all made India a tourist paradise. The strategies and policies of the Government of India including Incredible India and Athithi Devo Bhava have significantly contributed to the expansion of tourism in India. The present volume contains 14 scholarly papers, authored by experts in the field, which not only provide an overview of the growth of tourism in India, but also give an analytical account of the problems and prospects associated with it.