India Achieves 39th Position in WEF Tourism Development Index, Climbs from 2021 Ranking
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) Fuelled by enhanced infrastructure and supportive government policies aimed at enhancing tourism, India has ascended to the 39th position among 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
In the earlier index published in 2021, India held the 54th rank. However, following a revision in the WEF's methodology, India's 2021 ranking was updated to 38th place, as stated by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
The Ministry of Tourism, through initiatives like ‘Swadesh Darshan’, ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’, and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’, provides financial support to state governments, Union Territory administrations, and Central agencies for enhancing tourism-related infrastructure and facilities across various destinations in the country.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched India’s official portal for Medical Value Travel (MVT), known as the Advantage Healthcare India portal.
This portal serves as a “One-Stop” resource, designed to assist individuals seeking medical treatment in India from overseas.
Earlier this week, President Droupadi Murmu remarked that India is evolving into a significant hub for affordable medical tourism on the global stage, highlighting the crucial role doctors in the country play in this growth.
“India is establishing itself as a key center for affordable medical tourism internationally, with doctors significantly contributing to this evolution. Individuals from various nations come to India to leverage the medical facilities available here,” Murmu stated.
According to Shekhawat, with a rich civilizational history spanning over 5,000 years, housing 43 World Heritage Sites, 56 potential World Heritage Sites, and approximately 3,500 monuments of national significance, “India’s cultural heritage exemplifies its global strength.”
During his address at the ‘Embracing Diversity: Promoting Inclusive Tourism’ session at the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ summit recently, the minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi Vikas Bhi’ (heritage and development) which has catalyzed the country’s advancement, linking India’s historical uniqueness with its contemporary accomplishments.
He further elaborated on India’s notable advancements in the tourism sector, mentioning developments such as a 150,000 km road network, the establishment of 500 new air routes, the construction of 150 new airports, and the introduction of high-speed trains like Vande Bharat.
