Tourism Policies and Development

The Tourism Policy 1982 was an important step in giving tourism a clear direction at the national level.

• It recognised tourism as an activity that could support economic development, employment and social progress.
• The policy stressed planned development instead of allowing tourism to grow without proper facilities and organisation.
• It gave importance to India’s natural beauty, historical places, culture and heritage as tourism resources.
• It also encouraged improvement of facilities so that visitors could travel comfortably and safely.

The policy aimed to develop tourism in an organised and useful way.

• To develop tourism facilities and infrastructure in important tourist areas.
• To make India more attractive to both domestic and international tourists.
• To improve accommodation, transport, information and other facilities required by visitors.
• To promote India’s cultural, historical and natural attractions.
• To create employment and income opportunities through tourism activities.
• To encourage balanced tourism development in different regions of the country.

Important principles followed for tourism development:

• Planned development: tourism should be developed according to proper plans and priorities.
• Better facilities: tourists should have access to accommodation, transport, information and basic services.
• Promotion: India’s attractions should be properly publicised to attract visitors.
• Cultural protection: historical monuments, traditions, arts and culture should be valued and protected.
• Natural resources: natural attractions should be used carefully so that they remain available in the future.
• Balanced growth: tourism benefits should reach different areas rather than being limited to a few destinations.

Infrastructure is necessary for a good tourist experience.

• Tourism cannot develop properly without good transport, accommodation and communication facilities.
• The policy therefore gave importance to developing facilities at tourist destinations.
• Roads, railways, air connections and other transport facilities help tourists reach destinations easily.
• Hotels and other accommodation facilities are needed for visitors to stay comfortably.
• Tourist information, guidance and other visitor services help improve the overall travel experience.
• Better infrastructure also supports local businesses and creates additional employment.

Promotion helps India attract visitors and increase tourism activity.

• India has many historical, cultural, religious and natural attractions that can be promoted for tourism.
• Proper publicity helps visitors learn about destinations and encourages them to travel.
• Fairs, festivals, handicrafts and traditional cultural activities can add value to the tourist experience.
• Different regions can be promoted according to their special attractions.
• Tourism promotion can support local shops, transport services, accommodation and other small businesses.
• The policy therefore connected tourism promotion with wider economic development.

The 1992 Action Plan gave practical direction to tourism development.

• The National Action Plan for Tourism was introduced in 1992 as a follow-up approach to tourism development.
• It focused more on practical action and implementation than a general policy statement.
• It aimed to improve infrastructure, tourist facilities, marketing and tourism services.
• The plan also recognised the importance of domestic tourism and special forms of tourism.
• It encouraged cooperation between government, tourism organisations and the private sector.

Major objectives of the National Action Plan for Tourism:

• To improve tourism infrastructure and facilities at important destinations.
• To encourage domestic tourism and increase travel within India.
• To develop pilgrimage tourism and other special-interest tourism.
• To promote fairs, festivals, crafts and cultural attractions.
• To encourage investment in tourism and strengthen tourism businesses.
• To improve tourism manpower through training and skill development.
• To improve marketing and publicity in domestic and international markets.

The plan used several strategies to put tourism development into practice:

• Develop selected tourist destinations through planned and integrated development.
• Improve roads, transport, accommodation and other basic facilities.
• Promote tourism circuits so that visitors can travel to several related attractions.
• Encourage private investment and participation in tourism projects.
• Strengthen marketing and publicity to attract domestic and foreign visitors.
• Develop trained manpower for hotels, travel agencies, guiding and other tourism services.
• Improve coordination between government departments and tourism organisations.

Together, these policies created a stronger base for tourism development.

• The 1982 policy provided broad guiding principles for national tourism development.
• The 1992 Action Plan gave greater attention to practical implementation.
• Both approaches recognised the importance of infrastructure and tourist facilities.
• They encouraged promotion of India’s culture, heritage and natural attractions.
• They also connected tourism with employment, investment and regional development.
• These developments provided a foundation for later tourism policies in India.

A stronger focus on economic growth, employment and tourism development.

• The National Tourism Policy 2002 gave tourism a larger role in India’s economic development.
• Tourism was viewed as an important source of employment, income and investment.
• The policy encouraged domestic tourism as well as international tourism.
• It gave importance to rural tourism and the development of less-known destinations.
• It also encouraged greater participation by the private sector.
• The policy aimed to improve the quality of tourist services and the overall visitor experience.

Key objectives of the 2002 policy:

• To make tourism an important engine of economic growth.
• To create direct and indirect employment opportunities.
• To encourage rural tourism and support local economic development.
• To increase domestic tourism and encourage people to visit different parts of India.
• To attract private investment into tourism infrastructure and services.
• To improve the quality of tourism products and visitor services.
• To promote India as an attractive destination in international tourism.

Major features that shaped the policy approach:

• Integrated tourism development: related destinations and attractions can be developed together as tourism circuits.
• Private-sector participation: private businesses can contribute investment, services and innovation.
• Rural tourism: villages and rural areas can gain income and employment through tourism.
• Domestic tourism: greater attention is given to travel within India.
• Employment: tourism can create jobs in hotels, transport, guiding, food services and other activities.
• Heritage and culture: India’s traditions, monuments, arts and festivals are important tourism resources.

Tourism can spread economic benefits to local communities.

• Rural tourism can introduce visitors to village life, local traditions, crafts, food and cultural activities.
• It can create opportunities for local people to earn income without leaving their communities.
• Domestic tourism is important because India has a large population with many different travel interests.
• Pilgrimage, cultural, heritage, leisure and nature-based travel can support domestic tourism.
• Developing new destinations can reduce pressure on heavily visited tourist centres.
• Local participation is important for making tourism useful to communities.

Government and private organisations can work together in tourism.

• Tourism requires investment in hotels, transport, attractions, services and other facilities.
• The private sector can contribute investment, management skills and new tourism products.
• Government has an important role in planning, regulation, infrastructure and creating a supportive environment.
• Public-private cooperation can help develop destinations and improve tourism services.
• Better cooperation can also encourage innovation and improve the quality of facilities.

Strategic policy support and a wider development approach.

• NITI Aayog was established on 1 January 2015 as the Government of India’s policy think tank.
• It provides strategic policy inputs and supports coordination across different areas of development.
• In tourism, policy thinking can cover infrastructure, connectivity, skills, destination development and investment.
• It supports approaches that involve different levels of government and other stakeholders.
• Tourism development also includes newer areas such as eco-tourism, wellness and experience-based tourism.
• The role of NITI Aayog is to provide strategic policy support; the Ministry of Tourism remains the central ministry responsible for tourism administration.

A modern approach based on sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism.

• The Ministry of Tourism prepared the Draft National Tourism Policy 2022.
• The draft aims to position India as a preferred tourism destination.
• It focuses on increasing the economic and social benefits of tourism.
• It gives importance to employment, entrepreneurship and development of tourism skills.
• It seeks to improve competitiveness and encourage investment in tourism.
• It gives strong importance to sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism.

Major objectives of the draft policy:

• Increase the contribution of tourism to the Indian economy.
• Create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for people.
• Develop a skilled and professional tourism workforce.
• Improve India’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
• Encourage investment and better tourism infrastructure.
• Protect and enhance cultural and natural resources.
• Promote sustainable and responsible tourism development.
• Ensure that tourism benefits are more widely shared and inclusive.

Tourism growth should protect destinations for future generations.

• Sustainable tourism means developing tourism while taking care of economic, social and environmental needs.
• Natural resources such as forests, beaches, wildlife and landscapes need responsible management.
• Cultural heritage, monuments, traditions and local identity should be respected.
• Tourism activities should avoid unnecessary damage to destinations.
• Local communities should have opportunities to participate and benefit from tourism.
• Responsible tourism encourages visitors and tourism businesses to behave carefully toward people, culture and the environment.

People and investment are important for long-term tourism growth.

• Tourism creates employment in accommodation, food, transport, travel agencies, guiding and attractions.
• Skill development can improve the quality of services provided to visitors.
• Entrepreneurship can help local people start tourism-related businesses.
• Investment is required for infrastructure, accommodation, attractions and modern tourism services.
• A skilled workforce and better facilities can improve India’s competitiveness.
• Greater participation of local communities can make tourism development more inclusive.

The focus of tourism policy has gradually become broader.

• 1982 – Foundation: planned tourism development, facilities and promotion.
• 1992 – Action: practical strategies for infrastructure, investment, manpower and marketing.
• 2002 – Growth: tourism linked strongly with economic growth, jobs, rural and domestic tourism.
• 2015 – Strategic support: NITI Aayog strengthened wider policy thinking and coordination.
• 2022 – Sustainability: greater focus on responsible, inclusive and sustainable tourism.

Tourism policy in India has moved from basic development towards sustainable growth.

• The Tourism Policy 1982 created an important national framework for tourism development.
• The National Action Plan 1992 focused on practical strategies and implementation.
• The National Tourism Policy 2002 strengthened the role of tourism in economic growth, employment and investment.
• NITI Aayog, established in 2015, provides strategic policy support and wider development thinking.
• The Draft National Tourism Policy 2022 gives greater importance to sustainability, responsibility, inclusion, skills and competitiveness.
• Overall, India’s tourism policy shows a gradual shift towards tourism that benefits the economy, communities, culture and the environment.

The National Tourism Policy (NTP) is a policy framework of the Government of India for the planned development and promotion of tourism in the country. India’s first Tourism Policy was presented in Parliament on 3 November 1982. It recognised tourism as an important sector for economic and social development.

The policy aimed to promote India as a tourist destination, improve tourist facilities, preserve the country’s cultural heritage, generate employment and encourage better understanding among people through travel. It also stressed that tourism development should be a common effort of the Central Government, State Governments and other agencies.

1. To develop and promote tourism destinations in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
2. To improve the quality and variety of tourism products and services.
3. To improve tourism infrastructure and facilities.
4. To increase the safety, comfort and convenience of tourists.
5. To preserve Tamil Nadu’s culture and heritage.
6. To protect natural resources such as hills, forests, beaches and mangroves.
7. To promote new and niche tourism segments.
8. To increase the length of tourists’ stay and their spending in the State.

The policy has a five-year policy period and includes targets such as:

• Attract ₹20,000 crore investment in tourism.
• Tourism to contribute at least 12% of the State GSDP annually.
• Create employment for about 25 lakh people in tourism and supporting industries.
• Provide skill development for 3 lakh workers.
• Improve tourist safety and convenience through technology.
• Establish virtual Tourist Information Centres at anchor tourism sites.

The policy gives special importance to 12 tourism segments:

1. Adventure Tourism – trekking, water and other adventure activities.
2. Recreation Tourism – amusement parks and leisure activities.
3. Caravan Tourism – travelling and staying in caravans.
4. Rural and Plantation Tourism – experiencing villages, farms and plantations.
5. Coastal Tourism – beaches and coastal activities.
6. Cultural Tourism – festivals, traditions, food, music and dance.
7. Medical and Wellness Tourism – medical treatment, wellness and relaxation.
8. Religious Tourism – visiting temples and other religious places.
9. Eco Tourism – tourism that protects and respects the environment.
10. MICE Tourism – Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.
11. Heritage Tourism – historical monuments, buildings and heritage sites.
12. Film Tourism – promoting places associated with film shooting and cinema.

Easy way to remember: A R C R C C M R E M H F (Adventure, Recreation, Caravan, Rural, Coastal, Cultural, Medical, Religious, Eco, MICE, Heritage, Film)

The policy encourages private investment in tourism projects. Tourism projects are given industry status, allowing them to receive benefits similar to industrial projects. Projects such as amusement parks, heritage hotels, ecolodges, museums, adventure tourism, cruise tourism and caravan tourism can receive support under the policy.

Single Window Clearance is introduced to make approval of eligible tourism projects easier and faster. Instead of an investor having to approach different government departments separately, the process is streamlined through a single-window system. This helps:

• Reduce delays.
• Simplify approvals.
• Make investment easier.
• Encourage private-sector participation.
• Improve the ease of doing business in tourism.

A Tourism Facilitation Cell was also planned to support investors and facilitate tourism projects.

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy 2023 aims to transform Tamil Nadu into a diverse and attractive tourism destination. Its focus on 12 priority tourism segments, investment, infrastructure, employment, sustainable tourism and single-window clearances is intended to support the long-term growth of tourism in the State.