Destination News

According to latest research by World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism industry in India will grow by 7.5 per cent in 2015, fueled by visa reforms. Last year, the industry contributed Rs 7,642 billion to the Indian economy and created 36.7 million jobs in the Indian market.

The Indian government had extended the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme to 43 countries in November 2014. Visitors from those countries no longer have to queue up at local consulates, but can apply for visas online. David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC, said, "India is one of the biggest travel and tourism economies in the world, contributing significantly to economic wealth and job creation. Much needed reforms to its visa rules will provide the foundation for very strong growth in the sector during 2015." This year, the tourism industry's GDP contribution is estimated to grow by 7.5 per cent and employment creation by 1.8 per cent. This demonstrates the sector's enduring ability to generate economic growth and create jobs at a faster rate vis-a-vis the national economy, which is due to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2015, the Annual Economic Forecasts by WTTC for India states.

By the end of 2015, the travel and tourism sector will contribute Rs 8,215 billion, seven per cent of India's GDP, and create 37.4 million jobs, almost nine per cent of total employment, once all direct, indirect, and induced impacts are taken into account.

"Travel and tourism drives jobs and economic growth, well-being and prosperity. It creates jobs at different skills levels and in areas where other employment opportunities are scarce. Failure to plan properly for talent requirements leads to lower growth, reduced investment, less innovation and declining competitiveness.