minister of tourism india

Sorry, we couldn't find anything that matches your search.

Destination

Famous Places to Explore in Hyderabad

A vibrant city with the imposing...

Raipur Tourist Places | Best Place to Visit

The stronghold of several erstwhile...

Declared as India's first UNESCO World...

Ananthagiri

The verdant Ananthagiri Hills is...

Located on the banks of River Godavari,...

Situated around 40 km from Raipur,...

Boasting the famous Chand Baori...

Albert Hall Museum

A magnificent building built in...

2023. The year of India’s G20...

One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and myriad attractions, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It covers an area of 32, 87,263 sq. km, extending from the snow-covered Himalayan heights to the tropical rain forests of the south. As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity.

Fringed by the Great Himalayas in the north, it stretches southwards and at the Tropic of Cancer, tapers off into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. As you travel the expanse of the country, you are greeted by diverse nuances of cuisines, faiths, arts, crafts, music, nature, lands, tribes, history and adventure sports. India has a mesmeric conflation of the old and the new. As the bustling old bazaars rub shoulders with swanky shopping malls, and majestic monuments accompany luxurious heritage hotels, the quintessential traveller can get the best of both worlds. Head to the mountains, enjoy a beach retreat or cruise through the golden Thar, India has options galore for all.

Popular in India

India is a home to the finest architectural heritage, serene ghats, spectacular landscapes and largest tiger reserve

Statue of Unity

It’s huge, almost gigantic! That is the first reaction most people have as they speed down the winding road leading to the towering Statue of Unity (SoU). A long bridge connects the mainland to the...

Most Famous

India is a remarkable tourist destination that offers a plethora of experiences to travellers. From the grandiose Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world, to opulent palaces and forts, India...

Museums In India

The glorious ancient history of India withits rich cultural heritage and a vibrant potpourri of traditions has beenimmortalised in various museums and galleries across the country. Frompre-historic...

Forts and Palaces

India is blessed with heritage riches and a regal lineage. Vestiges of Indian royalty can be felt in the various forts and palaces speckled across the country. From hill forts in Rajasthan to...

The Land of Gandhi

The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, is perfectly preserved in India. From various museums and memorials to Gandhiji's ashram, there are various stopovers in the country that...

It’s huge, almost gigantic! That is the first reaction most people...

India is a remarkable tourist destination that offers a plethora of...

The glorious ancient history of India withits rich cultural heritage...

India is blessed with heritage riches and a regal lineage. Vestiges...

The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, is perfectly...

Must Visit Destinations

From historical cities to natural splendours, come see the best of India

A lush carpet of rolling green, interrupted by low rises of mountains...

Shillong | Shillong Tourist Places

Colonial-era charm, a landscape of rolling green and pristine...

A coffer of coffee, cardamom and tea plantations, which envelope the...

Often referred to as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is a...

A quaint hill town, perched against the backdrop of Doddabetta (2,637...

Perched atop a rocky ridge, with snow-clad Dhauladhar mountains and...

A pristine green expanse ringed by the mist-shrouded Himalayas and a...

Places to Visit in Kavaratti

Exerting a magnetic pull over scuba divers, snorkellers and nature...

Explore before you visit

Dive deeper into India's rich culture and heritage

Khajuraho - Poetry in Unity

Ajanta Caves

Taj Mahal - Poetry of Love

Immersive experiences.

In the land of opulence, let loose and discover yourself

Popular Trips

Explore the best of India

48 hours in Bengaluru

48 hours in Chandigarh

48 Hours in Chennai

48 hours in Delhi

A ride to the port

A slice of serenity in Ahmedabad

A trip along the coast

By the Tungabhadra

Eastern vignettes

The neighbouring states of West Bengal and Odisha in the eastern part...

Going South

Explore the southern fringes of India as you travel along the coast,...

Himalayan Odyssey

This 15-day trip across north India will not only take you to noted...

On Buddha’s Footsteps

This two-week-long trip takes you across four Indian states to sites...

Rhododendrons and Red Pandas

This trip takes you through the cultural heritage of a metropolis...

The best of Bengal and Sikkim

This one-of-a-kind trip will allow you to see, explore, immerse and...

Celebrate With Us

As you travel through the country, be a part of our festivals and feasts

Tue, June 20, 2023

International Day of Yoga

Wed, June 21, 2023

Sao Joao Feast of St John the Baptist

Sat, June 24, 2023

Hemis Festival

Wed, June 28- Thu, June 29, 2023

Eid-ul-Zuha

Thu, June 29- Fri, June 30, 2023

Champakulam Boat Race

Mon, July 3, 2023

An insight to the incredible experiences in India

Indian Monsoon Getaways

Incredible India

Rain-Rain please stay

Caravan Trip of MP: Your little home on wheels

4 quick weekend getaways from the 4 metros

We use cookies to ensure that you have the best experience on our website. Continued use of the website would be assumed to be an acceptance of these conditions.

Sign up to our newsletter to receive exciting content about the tourism destinations in India.

Thank you for subscribing! Explore India with us.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Destinations

Who Is The Present Tourism Minister Of India

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Sybyl Chau

• Hotel Reviews
• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

The tourism industry plays a significant role in the economic growth and development of a country. India, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical landmarks, has emerged as one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations. To oversee and promote the tourism sector in the country, the role of the Tourism Minister is crucial. The Tourism Minister of India is responsible for formulating policies, implementing initiatives, and promoting India as a preferred tourist destination both domestically as well as internationally.

The tourism sector in India has seen remarkable growth in recent years, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and employment generation. It has also become an essential source of revenue and foreign exchange earnings. To harness this potential, the Tourism Minister plays a critical role in planning and implementing strategies to attract more tourists, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall tourism experience.

In this article, we will explore the role and importance of the Tourism Minister in India, highlight the achievements and initiatives of the current Tourism Minister, and discuss the challenges faced by the tourism sector in the country.

Role and Importance of the Tourism Minister in India

The Tourism Minister in India holds a vital position in shaping the tourism industry of the country. The minister is responsible for formulating and implementing policies, strategies, and programs to promote tourism, both domestically and internationally. Let’s take a closer look at the role and importance of the Tourism Minister:

• Promoting India as a tourism destination: The Tourism Minister plays a crucial role in showcasing India’s diverse cultural heritage, historical monuments, scenic landscapes, and vibrant traditions to attract tourists from around the world. By promoting India as a must-visit destination, the minister helps boost tourism revenue and employment opportunities.
• Policy formulation: The minister is responsible for developing and implementing policies related to tourism growth, infrastructure development, sustainable tourism practices, and tourism marketing. These policies provide a framework for the effective management and promotion of tourism in the country.
• Infrastructure development: Another key role of the Tourism Minister is to focus on infrastructure development in tourist destinations. This includes developing and improving transportation networks, accommodations, tourist facilities, and amenities. The minister works closely with relevant government departments and private stakeholders to ensure tourists have a smooth and enjoyable experience in India.
• Promoting domestic tourism: While international tourism is important, the Tourism Minister also plays a significant role in promoting domestic tourism within the country. By encouraging Indians to explore their own country, the minister helps boost local economies, spread tourism benefits to lesser-known destinations, and foster a sense of national pride.
• Collaboration and partnerships: The Tourism Minister collaborates with various stakeholders, including travel associations, tour operators, hoteliers, and other industry players, to foster partnerships and collaborations that drive tourism growth. This involves working closely with state tourism boards, foreign embassies, and international tourism organizations to enhance India’s presence in the global tourism market.

Overall, the Tourism Minister plays a critical role in shaping the tourism sector, driving economic growth, and creating employment opportunities in India. Their efforts in promoting India as a tourist destination and implementing policies for sustainable tourism development contribute to the country’s overall growth and prosperity.

Previous Tourism Ministers in India

Over the years, several esteemed individuals have held the position of Tourism Minister in India. They have played a crucial role in promoting tourism, enhancing infrastructure, and bringing about positive changes in the Indian tourism industry. Let’s take a look at some of the notable previous Tourism Ministers in India:

• Sardar Buta Singh (1980-1982): Sardar Buta Singh was the first dedicated Tourism Minister in India when the Ministry of Tourism was established as an independent entity. During his tenure, Singh focused on promoting India’s cultural heritage and historical sites, as well as developing infrastructure to support tourism growth.
• Shri Jagmohan (1982-1984): Shri Jagmohan is remembered for his efforts in promoting heritage tourism and conservation of historical monuments. He initiated the “Save the Monuments” campaign, emphasizing the need for preserving India’s rich architectural heritage.
• Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao (1984-1985): While serving as the External Affairs Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao took charge of the Tourism Ministry for a brief period. He initiated steps to simplify visa procedures, making it easier for foreign tourists to visit India.
• Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar (2004-2009): Mani Shankar Aiyar introduced several innovative initiatives during his tenure as the Tourism Minister. He emphasized rural tourism, community participation, and sustainable tourism practices. Aiyar also focused on promoting India as a health and wellness tourism destination.
• Shri Subodh Kant Sahai (2009-2011): Under the leadership of Subodh Kant Sahai, efforts were made to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and tourism services across the country. His tenure witnessed the formulation of a National Tourism Policy and the launch of various campaigns to promote domestic and international tourism.
• Shri K.J. Alphons (2017-2019): K.J. Alphons, a former bureaucrat, brought in significant changes during his tenure as the Tourism Minister. He focused on promoting India as a preferred tourist destination, enhancing digital initiatives for tourism promotion, and driving initiatives for sustainable tourism development.

These are just a few examples of the notable individuals who have served as Tourism Ministers in the past. Each of them has contributed in their unique way to the growth and development of the Indian tourism industry, leaving behind a lasting impact.

Current Tourism Minister of India

The current Tourism Minister of India is Shri G. Kishan Reddy. He assumed office on July 7, 2021, as a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet reshuffle. Prior to his role as the Tourism Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy served as the Minister of State for Home Affairs. Let’s take a closer look at the profile and background of the present Tourism Minister:

Shri G. Kishan Reddy is a prominent leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a Member of Parliament from Secunderabad constituency in Telangana. He has a strong political career and a background in public service. His appointment as the Tourism Minister reflects the government’s focus on bringing in experienced and capable leaders to shape the future of the tourism sector in India.

As the Tourism Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy is entrusted with the responsibility of formulating and implementing policies to promote the tourism industry in the country. He is expected to work towards enhancing India’s tourist attractions, developing tourism infrastructure, and supporting initiatives that boost both domestic and international tourism.

Under the leadership of Shri G. Kishan Reddy, it is anticipated that there will be a renewed focus on leveraging technology and digital platforms for tourism promotion, as well as implementing sustainable tourism practices. The minister’s experience in the field of governance and public administration will likely contribute to the formulation of effective policies and strategies for the growth of the tourism industry in India.

Additionally, Shri G. Kishan Reddy is expected to collaborate with various stakeholders, including state tourism boards, travel associations, and industry professionals, to drive tourism growth and enhance India’s image as a preferred tourist destination. His role also extends to fostering partnerships with foreign governments and international organizations to promote India’s tourism potential on a global scale.

Overall, as the current Tourism Minister of India, Shri G. Kishan Reddy assumes a crucial role in guiding and shaping the tourism sector in the country. With his experience, leadership, and commitment to public service, he is expected to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Indian tourism industry.

Achievements and Initiatives of the Present Tourism Minister

Since assuming office as the Tourism Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy has demonstrated his commitment to promoting and developing the tourism industry in India. He has spearheaded various initiatives and achieved notable milestones in his tenure. Let’s explore some of the key achievements and initiatives of the present Tourism Minister:

• Digital initiatives for tourism promotion: Shri G. Kishan Reddy has emphasized the use of digital platforms and technology to promote tourism in India. Under his leadership, initiatives like e-visa facilities, online tourism promotions, and digital campaigns have been launched to enhance the reach and accessibility of India’s tourism offerings.
• Promotion of domestic tourism: Recognizing the potential of domestic tourism, the Tourism Minister has focused on promoting domestic travel within India. Through campaigns like “Dekho Apna Desh” (See Your Own Country), he encourages Indians to explore the beauty and diversity of their own country, thus stimulating local economies and spreading tourism benefits to lesser-known destinations.
• Sustainable tourism practices: Shri G. Kishan Reddy has emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism practices for long-term growth and conservation. Initiatives such as promoting eco-tourism, encouraging responsible travel behavior, and supporting the conservation of natural and cultural heritage sites have been key focal points of his tenure.
• Enhancing tourism infrastructure: To improve the tourism experience in India, the present Tourism Minister has worked towards enhancing tourism infrastructure. Efforts have been made to develop and upgrade tourist amenities, safety measures, accommodation facilities, and transportation networks, thereby ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors.
• Promoting India as a MICE destination: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism is an emerging segment with immense potential. Shri G. Kishan Reddy has actively promoted India as a preferred MICE destination, showcasing its state-of-the-art convention centers, world-class hotels, and diverse offerings for business and professional events.

These are just a few examples of the achievements and initiatives undertaken by the present Tourism Minister to promote and develop the tourism industry in India. By leveraging technology, focusing on sustainability, enhancing infrastructure, and diversifying tourism offerings, Shri G. Kishan Reddy aims to position India as a leading global tourist destination.

Challenges Faced by the Tourism Minister in India

While the role of the Tourism Minister in India is crucial in driving the growth and development of the tourism sector, there are several challenges that they face. These challenges can have an impact on the implementation of policies, promotion of tourism, and overall progress of the industry. Let’s explore some of the key challenges faced by the Tourism Minister:

• Infrastructure development: One of the major challenges faced by the Tourism Minister is the need for comprehensive infrastructure development. While there have been efforts to improve transportation networks and accommodation facilities, there is still a need for further investment in developing world-class infrastructure across various tourist destinations.
• Marketing and promotion: Effective marketing and promotion are vital for attracting tourists to India. The Tourism Minister faces the challenge of reaching out to a diverse range of potential tourists through targeted marketing campaigns and creating a compelling brand image for India as a tourist destination.
• Sustainable tourism practices: Balancing tourism growth with sustainable practices is a significant challenge faced by the Tourism Minister. It involves implementing measures to protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure the well-being of local communities while still promoting tourism and economic growth.
• Safety and security: Ensuring the safety and security of tourists is of utmost importance. The Tourism Minister must address issues related to tourist safety, including crime prevention, emergency response systems, and the establishment of tourist police units in popular destinations.
• Quality of services: Maintaining high standards of services, including hospitality, transportation, and tour operations, is essential to provide an exceptional tourism experience. The Tourism Minister faces the challenge of ensuring consistent quality across different tourist destinations and service providers.

Additionally, external factors such as geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, economic downturns, and global health crises pose additional challenges that can adversely affect the tourism sector. The Tourism Minister must navigate through these challenges and implement strategies to mitigate their impact on the industry.

Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between the government, tourism industry stakeholders, local communities, and international partners. It is essential for the Tourism Minister to address these challenges proactively and implement sustainable solutions to foster the growth and resilience of the Indian tourism industry.

Future Plans and Outlook for the Tourism Sector in India

The future of the tourism sector in India holds immense potential for growth and development. Under the leadership of the Tourism Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, several plans and strategies are being formulated to shape the future of the industry. Let’s explore the future plans and outlook for the tourism sector in India:

• Promotion of sustainable tourism: The focus on sustainable tourism practices is expected to continue in the future. The Tourism Minister aims to promote responsible travel behavior, eco-tourism initiatives, and conservation efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector. This includes initiatives to protect natural habitats, preserve cultural heritage sites, and encourage community participation in tourism development.
• Digital transformation: Technology will play a crucial role in the future of the tourism sector in India. The Tourism Minister aims to leverage digital platforms, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance tourism promotion, improve visitor experiences, and streamline administrative processes. This includes initiatives such as developing smart tourism destinations, enhancing online booking systems, and utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality technologies for immersive tourism experiences.
• Enhancing infrastructure: The development of tourism infrastructure will continue to be a priority. The Tourism Minister plans to invest in upgrading transportation networks, improving connectivity to remote areas, and developing tourist-friendly amenities and facilities. This includes the development of new airports, railway connections, and the promotion of sustainable modes of transportation.
• Promotion of niche tourism: To diversify tourism offerings, niche tourism segments such as adventure tourism, wellness tourism, cultural tourism, and religious tourism will receive increased attention. The Tourism Minister aims to develop niche tourism products, create specialized itineraries, and promote unique experiences to attract specific target markets and cater to diverse traveler interests.
• Partnerships and collaborations: Collaborations with international tourism organizations, foreign governments, and private sector stakeholders will be crucial for the future growth of the tourism sector. The Tourism Minister aims to build strategic partnerships to promote India as a preferred tourist destination, attract more international tourists, and enhance cultural exchange and tourism cooperation with other countries.

The outlook for the tourism sector in India is optimistic, with a focus on sustainable growth, technological advancements, and diversification of offerings. As the Indian tourism industry continues to evolve, it is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange with the rest of the world.

However, it is important to address the challenges faced by the sector, such as infrastructure development, marketing, safety, and quality of services, to ensure a sustainable and competitive tourism industry. By implementing robust policies, fostering collaborations, and embracing innovation, the future of the tourism sector in India looks promising and poised for continued success.

The role of the Tourism Minister in India is pivotal in shaping the growth and development of the tourism sector, which plays a significant role in the country’s economy. The current Tourism Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, has been actively involved in promoting India as a preferred tourist destination, implementing sustainable tourism practices, and enhancing tourism infrastructure.

Through digital initiatives, emphasis on domestic tourism, and promotion of niche tourism segments, the Tourism Minister is working towards diversifying India’s tourism offerings and attracting a wide range of travelers. The focus on sustainability, technology, and collaboration with key stakeholders sets the stage for a promising future for the Indian tourism industry.

However, challenges such as infrastructure development, marketing, safety, and service quality need to be addressed to ensure the sustainable and competitive growth of the sector. By tackling these challenges head-on and implementing effective policies, the Tourism Minister can create an enabling environment for the tourism industry to thrive.

Looking ahead, the future of the tourism sector in India holds immense potential. With the Tourism Minister at the helm, there is a clear vision to leverage technology, promote sustainable practices, enhance infrastructure, and forge strategic partnerships. The future plans and outlook for the Indian tourism sector signal a positive trajectory, allowing the country to capitalize on its rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and diverse tourism offerings.

The continued growth of the Indian tourism industry will contribute to economic prosperity, employment generation, and cultural exchange. It is through the collective effort of the Tourism Minister, government entities, tourism stakeholders, and the support of the people that India can establish itself as a sustainable, inclusive, and globally recognized tourism destination.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

We have updated our terms and conditions and privacy policy Click "Continue" to accept and continue with ET TravelWorld

We use cookies to ensure best experience for you

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalize content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audience is coming from. You can also read our privacy policy , We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.

By choosing I accept, or by continuing being on the website, you consent to our use of Cookies and Terms & Conditions .

• Leaders Speak
• Brand Solutions
• Govt & Ministry
• With focus on tech-driven, smart tourism, MoT rolls out blueprint for ‘Visit India Year 2023’

According to Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and DoNER, G Kishan Reddy, the Tourism Ministry will also push cruise, MICE and festival tourism as part of the larger plan; engage youth power with students as ambassadors of tourism. To boost the Incredible India platform digitally as a part of campaign, the Ministry recently launched its reimaged website and is planning to accelerate its social media engagements to enhance the branding and promotions.

• Gagneet Kaur ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Feb 17, 2023 at 06:41 PM IST

Visit India 2023 initiative to look at traditional, new outbound markets for promotions

While Incredible India’s branding under the ‘Visit India Year 2023’ initiative will be revived in the country’s traditional markets, Japan and Latin America will be the new entrants in MoT’s promotional agenda. According to Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh, the central government schemes will be saturated at the select 50 destinations to ensure their holistic development. The work to identify the same will start soon, he said.

• By Gagneet Kaur ,
• Published On Feb 17, 2023 at 06:41 PM IST

All Comments

By commenting, you agree to the Prohibited Content Policy

Find this Comment Offensive?

• Foul Language
• Inciting hatred against a certain community
• Out of Context / Spam

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis., download ettravelworld app.

• Get Realtime updates
• Save your favourite articles

• Ministry of Tourism
• Tourism News
• Tourism Industry
• Visit India Year 2023
• travel news
• Festival tourism

Year End Review: Ministry of Tourism

India is expected to host over 200 g20 meetings at 55 locations ministry of tourism has given in-principle approval for inclusion of 28 new tourism air routes; the total number of tourism rcs air routes are now 59 the national digital tourism mission is intended to connect stakeholders in the tourism eco-system digitally in the same lines of the national health mission ministry of tourism initiated establishing of ‘yuva tourism clubs’ as part of the ‘azadi ka amrit mahotsav’ celebrations utsav portal launched to showcase festivals, events and live darshans across india to promote different regions of the country as popular tourist destinations worldwide ministry of tourism organized a national conference of dgs/igs of police department of all states/uts in connection with implementation of uniform tourist police scheme national conference of state tourism ministers organised in dharamshala, himachal pradesh to discuss issues related to development of tourism in the country through its overseas offices, ministry participated in major international travel exhibitions like arabian travel mart, dubai and world travel market, london.

The major achievements of Ministry of Tourism for the calendar year 2022 are as follows:

•         On 1st December 2022, India took over the G20 group of nations' presidency for a year. During the Presidency period, which ends on 30th November 2023, the country is expected to host over 200 meetings at 55 locations. Out of these, 4 meetings are being conducted by the Ministry of Tourism, GOI. Further, the Ministry of Tourism through its different domestic offices and ITDC are conducting skill training and sensitization programs for the tourism stakeholders including taxi/ cab drivers, tourist transport drivers, hotel frontline staff, tourist guides etc. The soft skill training programs include etiquette, workplace and personal hygiene, Covid protocol, foreign language amongst others. More than 2000 personnel have been trained so far at the venues of the G 20 meetings, on a pan India basis, so far, with more training programs lined up for the next few months.

•         Ministry of Tourism in co-ordination with Ministry of Home Affairs and Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) organized a National Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals (DGs/IGs) of Police Department of all States/UTs in connection with implementation of Uniform Tourist Police Scheme, on 19th October, 2022 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The objective of the National Conference on Tourist Police Scheme is to bring Ministry of Tourism along with Ministry of Home Affairs, Bureau of Police Research & Development and State Govts/ UT Administration on the same platform, so that they may work together in close coordination with the State/UT Police department and sensitize them about the specific requirements of the foreign & domestic tourists for effective implementation of Uniform Tourist Police Scheme at pan-India level.

The National Digital Tourism Mission (NDTM) is intended to connect stakeholders in the tourism eco-system digitally in the same lines of the National Health Mission. Digitalization is key to bring tourism activities under a unified system and thereby enhance the competitiveness of the Hospitality & Tourism sector. NIDHI+ is positioned as an important component of NDTM.

• Under RCS UDAN-3 Tourism, Ministry of Tourism approached Ministry of Civil Aviation, with the purpose of further improving connectivity and got tourism routes included for better connectivity of important tourist places including Iconic sites. Till date, 31 tourism routes have been operationalized. Further to this, Ministry of Tourism has given in-principle approval for inclusion of 28 new tourism routes; therefore, the total number of approved Tourism RCS air routes are now 59.

•         The Ministry of Tourism organized the International Tourism Mart in the NER to showcase the tourism potential of the North Eastern States of India at the domestic and international levels. The “10th International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the North East Region was organized from 17th to 19th November 2022 in Aizawl, Mizoram in association with the State Government of Mizoram. The Mart brought together the tourism business fraternity and entrepreneurs from the eight North Eastern States on a common platform. ITM provides an avenue for tourism stakeholders of Mizoram and other north-eastern States to showcase the uncharted travel destinations in the region.

•         The Ministry of Tourism organized National Conference of State Tourism Ministers from 18th to 20th September 2022 in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh to discuss issues related to development of tourism in the country. The Conference was attended by Tourism Ministers from different States as well as Central Ministries, Tourism & Hospitality Associations, media etc. The objective of the Conference was to bring in diverse perspectives from all the States and Union Territories of India on tourism development and growth and to create a direct dialogue with the States on Schemes, policies and steps being taken at a national level for overall tourism improvement in India. During the Conference, best practices, successful projects and tourism product opportunities from across the country in the tourism sector was shared with the delegates and media. The Conference also focussed on the various policies and programmes of the Ministry, including development of tourism infrastructure, cultural, heritage and spiritual tourism, tourism in the Himalayan States, responsible and sustainable tourism and tourism related aspects of G-20 meetings.

•         Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with United Environment Program (UNEP) and Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) organized National Summit on Developing Sustainable & Responsible Tourist Destinations in New Delhi. On the occasion, the Ministry of Tourism launched the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Traveller Campaign. The Strategy document has identified the strategic pillars for development of sustainable tourism like Promoting Environmental Sustainability, Protecting Biodiversity, Promoting Economic Sustainability, Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability, Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism, IEC and Capacity Building and Governance. While launching the Campaign, Secretary (Tourism) indicated that sustainable and responsible tourism practices will be implemented in various projects and initiatives through Swadesh Darshan 2.0.

•         The Ministry organised the International Day of Yoga-2022 (IDY-2022) at Parade Ground, Secunderabad, Telangana on 21st June, 2022. The Chief Guest of the event was the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu. Shri G Kishan Reddy, Minister for Tourism, Culture and DoNER presided over the event along with celebrities, sports persons, Heads of Departments from Govt of Telangana and Govt of India, and Senior Officers from Ministry of Tourism. Approximately 10,000 participants attended the programme. The domestic offices of the Ministry too celebrated the occasion by organizing IDY events at various different locations in the country.

•         The Ministry of Tourism in order to boost tourism throughout the country signed a Memorandum of Understanding with M/s Alliance Air Aviation Limited (AAAL) on 17th February,2022 at New Delhi. The Ministry endeavours to position India as a preferred tourism destination in the tourism generating markets whereas M/s Alliance Air Aviation Limited with its vast domestic network, plays a vital role in the promotion of tourism in India. The MoU was signed with a view to achieve the common purpose of joint domestic promotion and considering the need to synergise the activities of MoT and AAAL in the tourism markets.

•         Ministry of Tourism through its overseas offices, participated in major international travel exhibitions like Arabian Travel Mart, Dubai and World Travel Market, London, leading a delegation of DMCs, inbound tour operators, hoteliers amongst others. India as a 360 degree destination was promoted to the international travel industry through the participation of the Ministry in these exhibitions.

•         Ministry of Tourism initiated establishing of ‘YUVA Tourism Clubs’ as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. The vision of YUVA Tourism Clubs is to nurture and develop young ambassadors of Indian tourism who would become aware of tourism possibilities in India, appreciate our rich cultural heritage and develop an interest and passion for tourism. These young ambassadors would be catalysts for promoting tourism in India. Participation in Tourism Clubs is also expected to facilitate development of soft skills like teamwork, management, leadership besides encouraging adoption of responsible tourism practices and concern for sustainable tourism. Central Board of Secondary Education has come forward to support the initiative of Ministry of Tourism and issued instructions to all CBSE affiliated schools regarding formation of Yuva Tourism Clubs. The Ministry of Tourism has also developed a ‘Handbook for Schools for conduct of Tourism Clubs’. The Handbook reiterates the purposes, operational strategies along with specific guidelines and suggestions for conduct of various activities.

•         NIDHI + : The Ministry of Tourism has set up National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry, (or NIDHI), a technology driven system, aligned with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of an "Atmanirbhar Bharat", which is to facilitate digitalization and promote ease of doing business for hospitality & tourism sector. It provides clear picture on the geographical spread of the Hospitality & Tourism Sector, its size, structure and existing capacity so as to offer relevant services to the industry like showcasing, Star Classification etc. NIDHI Portal would help in assessing the facilities available at various destinations, requirements for skilled human resources and to frame policies & strategies for promotion / development of tourism at various destinations.  This initiative is being upgraded as NIDHI+ to have more inclusivity, that is, of not only Accommodation Units, but also Travel agents, Tour Operators, Tourist Transport Operators, Food & Beverage Units, Online Travel Aggregators Convention Centres and tourist Facilitators. The new system also envisages a larger role of the State Governments and union Territories apart from our Industry Associations and other stakeholders. The portal may be accessed at https://nidhi.tourism.gov.in. NIDHI+ is being built on a tech-powered platform aligned with the vision of National Digital Tourism Mission, and will allow incremental upgrades in order to achieve a scalable and stable ecosystem.

•         Under the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Covid Affected Tourism Service Sector (LGSCATSS), working capital/personal loans will be provided to people in the tourism sector to discharge liabilities and restart businesses impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme will cover 10,700 Regional Level Tourist Guides recognised by Ministry of Tourism and Tourist Guides recognised by the State Governments/ UT Administration; and about 1,000 Travel and Tourism Stakeholders (TTS) recognized by the Ministry of Tourism. TTS’s will be eligible to get guaranteed collateral free loan up to Rs. 10 Lakh each while tourist guides can avail guaranteed collateral free loans up to Rs.1 lakh each. There will be no processing charges, waiver of foreclosure/prepayment charges and no requirement of additional collateral. Scheme to be administered by the Ministry of Tourism through National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC).

•         For boosting the tourism sector, first 5 lakh Tourists Visa was announced by the Govt. of India for the tourists of Foreign National to visit India, which was applicable till 31.03.2022 or till the 5 lakh free visas are issued, whichever is earlier. The benefit was available only once per tourist.

•         Ministry of Tourism has developed new Incredible India brand films for welcoming of foreign tourists to the country after the re-opening of international commercial flights. These brand films have been widely circulated within the domestic travel industry for wider usage in for promotional and marketing purposes.

•         Ministry of Tourism organized the National Tourism Award ceremony on 27th September 2022 to achievers in the Indian travel industry. 81 awards were given away this year highlighting the achievements of the industry in 2018-19. The awards were presented by the Hon`ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar.

•         Ministry of Tourism has launched the Utsav Portal, a digital initiative launched by the Ministry of Tourism, which aims to showcase festivals, events and live darshans across India to promote different regions of the country as popular tourist destinations worldwide. The objective is to showcase various elements, dates and details of the events and festivals of India on a global platform and increase tourism awareness, attractions, and opportunities by providing tourists with contextual digital experiences in the form of visually appealing photographs and stills from the events. Additionally, the objective is also to let the devotees and travellers experience and view the sights of some of the well-known religious divine shrines in India in the form of Live Darshan.

•         Recognising medical value travel and wellness tourism as important sectors having the potential of accelerating the country’s development, Ministry of Tourism has taken several steps to promote India as a Medical and Wellness tourism destination. Towards this objective, Ministry has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism. On similar lines, Ministry has also formulated a National Strategy for Adventure Tourism in order to position India as a preferred destination for adventure tourism globally. The strategic pillars identified in the strategy document for development of adventure tourism includes State assessment, ranking and strategy, Skills, capacity building and certification, Marketing and promotion, Strengthening adventure tourism safety management framework, National and State-level rescue and communication grid, Destination and Product Development and Governance and Institutional Framework.

Related links:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1869257

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1877003

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1860161

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1860974

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1824684

Ministry of Tourism - India

The Ministry of Tourism in India is the nodal agency for promoting tourism in India. The Ministry of Tourism makes programmes, formulates national policies, and coordinates the activities of various central government agencies, state governments, union territories, and private agencies for the promotion of tourism in India.

Ministry of Tourism, India – Important Facts

• The Ministry of Tourism in India is headed by the Union Minister for Tourism and Ministers of State.
• Currently, the Minister of Tourism is G Kishan Reddy.
• The Ministers of State for Tourism are Ajay Bhatt and Shripad Yesso Naik.
• The Secretary of Tourism is the administrative head of the Ministry of Tourism.
• India Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ITDC) is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Tourism.

Ministry of Tourism, India – Roles and Functions

Some of the roles and functions of the Ministry of Tourism are given below:

Infrastructure Development

More than fifty per cent of the Ministry of Tourism’s expenditure on plan schemes is incurred for the development of quality tourism infrastructure at various tourist destinations and circuits in the States/ UTs. The roles and responsibilities of the Ministry of Tourism, India, under infrastructure development are given below:

• Conventions and conferences
• Hospitality programmes
• Field publicity, marketing, and promotions
• Tourist information and facilitation
• Release of incentives

Coordinating the Activities of Field Offices and Their Supervision, Regulation:

• Approval of tourist transport operators, inbound tour operators, travel agents, etc.
• Approval and classification of restaurants and hotels.

International Co-operation and External Assistance

• Foreign technical collaboration
• External assistance
• Bilateral agreements
• International bodies

All Policy Matters

• Investment facilitation
• Promotion and marketing
• Manpower development
• Development policies

Top 10 Source Countries for Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India in 2020

The below given top 10 countries constitute around 66% of the total foreign tourist arrivals in India.

• United States of America
• United Kingdom

Top 8 International Check Posts for Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India in 2020

Related Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the current tourism minister of india, what are the 4 new types of tourism, who is the father of tourism, which is the no. 1 tourist place in india, which city has the most tourists in india.

• Share Share

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

• Government of india
• Skip to main content

• All matters related to creation and maintenance of Tourism Assets Bank and subsequent research and content collation.
• All matters related to overall strategy.
• All matters related to partnerships with private sector, start-ups, others for attractions and experiences creation.
• All matters related to inter-ministerial convergence across tourist touch points.
• All matters related to ‘Meet in India’ and development of MICE Tourism, ‘Heal in India’, development of AYUSH, Wellness, medical tourism, ‘India says I Do’, development of wedding tourism, eco-tourism, Vibrant Villages Program, Best Tourism Villages, Central Nodal Agencies for Sustainable Tourism and Rural Tourism & Rural Home stays, Mega Adventure Trails and other aspects related to tourism sub-sector ecosystem development.

• jaipur News

Tourism ministry to push for PM’s ‘Wed in India’ call in Jaipur expo

Visual Stories

Most Searched

• Birth Certificate
• Driving Licence

Website of Ministry of Tourism

Get detailed information on the Ministry of Tourism. Users can find information on tourism infrastructure development, approved hotels and restaurants, overseas promotion, international corporation etc. Details related to the travel trade division, approved travel agents, tour operators, training programmes for the human resource development, schemes etc. are given. Information related to the national tourism awards, national tourism policy, NABH Accreditation, India Tourism Development Corporation, Hospitality Development and Promotion Board etc. is also available.

Related Links

Guidelines for tourist transport operator, guidelines for adventure tour operator, list of tourism offices in india by ministry of tourism.

Get detailed list of tourism offices in various states by Ministry of Tourism. Users can get information about regional and sub-regional tourism offices, their address, phone number and e-mail address.

List of tourism offices overseas by Ministry of Tourism

Detailed list of tourism offices in various countries is given by Ministry of Tourism. Users can get information about India tourism offices, their address, phone number, e-mail address and jurisdiction.

Contact details of Ministry of Tourism

Information about contacts of officials of Ministry of Tourism is given. Users can get contact details, name and designation of employees of divisions of the ministry. Access to contact details of Indian Tourism Offices Overseas and intercom of ministry is also available.

Approval of Hotels at Project Stage and Classification and Reclassification of Hotels

Information about voluntary scheme for classification of operational hotels by Ministry of Tourism is given. Details related to conditions for approval of hotels at project level, classification or re-classification of operational hotels, guidelines for bar licence and sewage treatment plant, etc. are available. Users can also access downloadable forms.

Scheme of Financial Assistance to Institutes of Hotel Management & Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition and Food Craft Institutes

Scheme of capacity building for service providers.

The Ministry of Tourism has introduced Scheme of Capacity Building for Service Providers to provide training to tourism service providers. You can find information related to this scheme, its objectives, funding, beneficiaries etc. Information on how to apply, where to apply, concerned authority and officials is also available.

Application Format for National Tourism Awards for Star Category Hotels

Get application format for National Tourism Awards for Star Category Hotels by the Ministry of Tourism is given. This form is meant for hotels. Users can provide information about hotel such as name, address, category, company name, name of General Manager, etc.

Form for Proposal Submission for Assistance for Fairs Festivals and Events

Find the form for proposal submission for assistance for fairs, festivals and events provided by the Ministry of Tourism. Downloadable form is available along with instructions. Users need give information such as name of the proposing agency, scheme name, project name, duration of projection completion, primary implementing agency, etc.

Form for Proposal Submission for Product or Infrastructure Development of Destination and Circuits

Access to form for proposal submission for product or infrastructure development of destination and circuits provided by the Ministry of Tourism is given. Instructions on how to fill the form are available. Users can download the form and use it further.

Application for Proposal Submission for Central Financial Assistance for Information Technology Initiatives

This application form is for proposal submission for central financial assistance for Information Technology (IT) initiatives. The application form is provided by Ministry of Tourism. You can find details of documents to be attached with this form.

Guidelines and Application Proforma for Approval of Convention Centre

You can find the guidelines and application proforma for approval of convention centre provided by the Ministry of Tourism. Users can download and fill the form according to their requirement. Format of acceptance of regulatory conditions for approval of convention centre project and condition to be fulfilled after the convention centre or hotel becomes functional is also available.

Form for Proposal Submission for Hotel Classification or Reclassification

Downloadable form for proposal submission for hotel classification or reclassification is available. This form is provided by the Ministry of Tourism. Users can download and fill the form according to their requirement.

Guidelines and Application Format for Approval of Motels at the Project Stage

Find the guidelines and application format for approval of motels at the project stage provided by the Ministry of Tourism. Users can download and fill the form according to their requirement. Format for letter of acceptance of regulatory conditions, checklist of facilities for approval or re- approval of motels and undertaking are also given.

• Tata Steel share price
• 165.85 -1.04%
• Kotak Mahindra Bank share price
• 1,608.40 -2.11%
• Wipro share price
• 464.65 0.79%
• ITC share price
• 439.95 0.56%
• Tech Mahindra share price
• 1,277.45 7.34%

Indian tourists ditch Maldives amid row as numbers drop 40%; China arrivals up 200%

A report by the maldives' ministry of tourism showed that as many as 56,208 indian tourists had visited maldives between january and march 2023. this number declined to 34,847 in the january-march 2024 period..

The number of tourists from India to the Maldives declined by almost 40 per cent during the January-March 2024 period as compared to the data from the same period in 2023. At the same time, the total number of tourists from China shot up by over 200 per cent.

The Maldives' Ministry of Tourism released its monthly report on tourist arrivals recently. The data showed the tourist arrivals in the island nation between January and March this year.

ALSO READ: How did China strengthen its bond with Maldives amid India exit? 10 key collaborations between Male, Beijing

The report revealed that as many as 56,208 Indian tourists had visited Maldives between January and March 2023. This number declined to 34,847 in the January-March 2024 period. This was a 38 per cent decline from 2023.

Meanwhile, 17,691 tourists from China visited Maldives during January-March 2023. The tally rose to 67,399 during January-March 2024 — recording a spike of 281 per cent.

ALSO READ: Maldives snubs India over hydrographic survey deal after signing military pact with China

As per the latest data, India ranks sixth in the top 10 markets for Maldives tourism, while China ranks No. 1 with an 11 per cent share.

The data holds significance as India once used to be a significant and top-most contributor to the Maldive's tourism statistics. Indians were only second to Russia in the chart showing tourist arrivals in the Maldives by nationality in January-November 2023. The increase in arrivals from India started in 2020, as compared to that from China.

Before 2020, people from China were leading the tourism charts in the Maldives. In 2020, China had an 18.31 per cent share among ‘Top Ten Markets Arrivals’ in Maldives, the highest that year.

India dominated the Maldives tourism market until December last year. Its position started declining starting January 2 this year, when India ranked third among the top 10 countries that make up most of the Maldives' tourism market share. India's rank further plunged to fifth on January 21 and then to sixth on March 3.

Since then , China has steadily climbed the chart from 10th to the first spot.

India-Maldives row

The drop in tourists from India was seen soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi attempted to promote Laskhwadeep as a tourist destination, triggering a row in the Maldives in the first week of January this year. Later, Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu requested India to withdraw its troops stationed in the island nation.

The declining number of tourists from India and the subsequent increase in that from China is in line with Muizzu's policies and deals that seem to snub India and welcome China.

Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world 🌏 Click here to know more.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Wait for it…

Log in to our website to save your bookmarks. It'll just take a moment.

You are just one step away from creating your watchlist!

Oops! Looks like you have exceeded the limit to bookmark the image. Remove some to bookmark this image.

Your session has expired, please login again.

Congratulations!

You are now subscribed to our newsletters. In case you can’t find any email from our side, please check the spam folder.

Subscribe to continue

This is a subscriber only feature Subscribe Now to get daily updates on WhatsApp