CII Unveils 8-Point Strategy for Tourism Growth and Job Creation

New Delhi, Jan 24 (NationPress) The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) announced on Friday that to fully leverage the tourism sector's potential and foster employment-driven growth, targeted initiatives for capacity enhancement are essential, particularly in the development of lesser-known tourist destinations.

The leading industry association proposed an eight-point strategy to boost tourism, with some components set to be addressed in the upcoming Union Budget.

“The first point is to accelerate the establishment of a National Tourism Policy 2022. The draft policy, developed after comprehensive stakeholder consultations, outlines a framework for collaboration with various ministries, state governments, and other stakeholders to achieve the policy goal of generating a tourism GDP of $1 trillion by 2047,” stated the CII.

Secondly, the establishment of an Inter-ministerial group, led by the Cabinet Secretary or PMO, should be considered to enhance coordination among central ministries and state governments to promote tourism.

“The third agenda item focuses on the development of new lesser-known tourist destinations. The government has previously announced plans for 50 new tourist destinations. Given India's vast tourism potential, this initiative should be expanded to create 200 new tourist destinations within a specified timeframe,” the industry body emphasized.

Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, noted that with strategic interventions, the tourism sector could emerge as a vital engine of economic growth through its significant multiplier effect, consequently creating jobs.

The fourth point addresses the necessity of ensuring an adequate supply of accommodation across different regions and categories to stimulate tourism.

Currently, hotels with a three-star rating or higher, located outside cities with populations exceeding 1 million, have been granted infrastructure status. This status should be divorced from geographical or population criteria.

“Fifth, efforts should be made to include tourism in the concurrent list to elevate the sector's priority on the national agenda, enabling both the Centre and States to legislate effectively and collaborate on tourism initiatives,” according to the statement.

Sixth, it is recommended that deemed export status be granted for foreign exchange earnings from foreign tourists, with GST exemptions on such earnings to enhance the sector's competitiveness and growth.

“Seventh, building on the success of the Incredible India Campaign, the government should introduce Incredible India 3.0 or the Atulya Bharat campaign. This campaign should encompass a national and international multi-channel marketing strategy that highlights India's diverse tourist attractions in partnership with the industry to promote both inbound and domestic tourism,” the CII statement asserted.

Lastly, addressing perceptions and confidence regarding tourist safety is crucial for tourism promotion.

To tackle this, the government should contemplate launching Mission Suraksha, which would involve assigning dedicated Tourist Police and providing continuous security at major tourist spots. Furthermore, crisis management plans should be developed to handle emergencies, thereby ensuring the safety and trust of tourists, the CII noted.