Speaker of Lok Sabha, Om Birla, while addressing the ‘Tourism for inclusive growth’ programme had contended that the indigenous industry was experiencing a rapid revival post the pandemic period.

The industry has been constantly thriving and has emerged as one of the most favoured locations for international and domestic travellers. In October 2021, the central government announced a plan to resume inbound tourism. Under the plan, free one-month visa will be provided to 5 lakh tourists till March, 2022.

The medical segment of this industry generated $9 billion in 2020 while the travel market is slated to become a $125 billion by FY27. Though data by tourism.gov.in revealed an influx of 2.74 million foreign tourists (2020) which is a major fall from 10.93 million (2019), brought about by the pandemic. The industry is to witness a steep rise in tourist influx estimated to reach 30.5 million people by 2028.

The country's diverse climate has made it a popular tourist attraction for Indians and others from across the world. The weather and climatic conditions, as well as historical sites and medical solutions such as Ayurveda and yoga, all draw more people.

The schemes taken by the Indian Government to attract more pilgrims include Prashad. It is to promote the cultural and religious diversity of the country on a national platform. Similar schemes like Swadesh Darshan and many more revenue generating plans by the ministry of tourism are in place. Special attention is being put into iconic tourist destinations. The schemes will also create jobs. In 2019, the Indian tourism and travel ecosystem had supported almost 50 million jobs and nearly $200 billion gross domestic output directly and indirectly. While 2020 was almost a complete washout, 2021 saw pockets of recovery but only in very select parts of hospitality and restaurants in some parts of the country. For tours and travel agents 2021 continued to be another year of despair without business.

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Speaking on the roadmap for boosting tourism, Birla suggested that ambitious and sustained efforts are needed to promote rural tourism. This will strengthen rural economy by creating demands for handicrafts and other rural products. Similarly, tourist destinations which are still secrets should be brought on the tourism map of India so that more and more people know about these destinations, he suggested.

Private players like OYO are not sitting the rear seat to steer the revival of tourism in the country. It has started a new campain "staycations" which focuses on homestay and personal care.

Aashish Gupta, consultant CEO at FAITH, the policy federation of all national associations representing India’s entire tourism, travel and hospitality industry, contended that the sector was eagerly anticipating the return of flights to see business traction.

"In 2022, to salvage some business and have some cash flows to support tourism employment this sector will look forward to a very early review of this decision of extension of flights, if hopefully the variant Omicron doesn't pose a serious threat,” he added.

"Almost all countries would now be competing afresh for inbound tourism and thus it is also critical to restart our global tourism marketing campaign to start creating awareness. Additionally it is also important to create a comprehensive package of export incentives in the upcoming foreign trade policy for foreign earning members of Indian tourism industry," Gupta said.

The growth, development will create a tourist volume and generate revenue that will contribute to the economy of the country.