(a) the details of tourists Domestic as well as International visited in different places of India after implementation of GST, State-wise;
(b) the impacts of GST in tourism industry; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to encourage Domestic & International tourists?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K. J. ALPHONS)
(a) and (b): The number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during July – November 2017 was 41.16 lakhs (provisional) as compared to 36.14 lakhs during July – November 2016 registering double digit growth of 13.9%. As such no adverse impact of implementation of Goods & Services Tax (GST) is seen in tourist arrivals.
The break-up of FTAs at 10 major ports which contributes to 85.17% of total FTAs is given at ANNEXURE. State-wise break-up of FTAs and the number of Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) for the year 2017 is not available.
(c): Ministry of Tourism has taken several steps for developing and promoting tourism to encourage more tourists in the country. Some of the major steps taken are as follows:
• Provision of e- Visa facility for 163 countries at 25 airports.
• Launch of 24X7 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Helpline.
• Distribution of ‘Welcome Booklet’ with information for tourists.
• Promotion of India under the Incredible India brand line.
• Launch of “Incredible India 2.0”.
• Launch of Swachh Paryatan App.
• Promotion of Niche tourism products like Heritage Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Cruise Tourism, Rural Tourism, Wellness & Medical Tourism, MICE, Golf, etc.
• Organisation of International Tourism Mart for promotion of tourism in North Eastern States.
• Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) Schemes launched in the year 2014-15 with a vision to develop theme based tourist circuits for better amenities and infrastructure including at pilgrimage centres of all faiths.
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