Eighteenth CII Annual Tourism Gathering of 2024
India's tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, with foreign exchange earnings from tourism exceeding ₹2.3 lakh crore in 2023, marking a 65.7% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was accompanied by a significant surge in foreign tourist arrivals, which reached over 9.2 million in 2023, representing a 43.5% year-on-year increase.
These positive trends are not just numbers; they reflect the growing global appeal of India as a tourism destination. Tourism is increasingly recognised as one of India's primary soft powers, contributing significantly to economic growth and societal well-being.
The 18th CII Annual Tourism Summit 2024, scheduled for Wednesday, 18 December 2024, in New Delhi, is a vital opportunity to unlock the sector's potential and drive economic growth. The summit will engage industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators in a transformative dialogue that will redefine India's tourism landscape.
The focus of the summit will be employment and skill development, with the launch of the CII-EY Report on Employment Landscape in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. In 2023, employment in the tourism sector grew by 10%, resulting in 43 million jobs. This growth is a testament to the sector's vital role in job creation.
To realise the full potential of the tourism sector, measures such as easing regulatory and licensing burdens, reducing compliance costs, efficient approval systems, and fostering investments are crucial. Strategies to boost inbound tourism through integrated marketing and strategic international partnerships will also be discussed.
The summit will also highlight state-level best practices to foster regional collaboration. This is essential for ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared across the country. Strategies targeting niche segments like MICE, medical, adventure, and rural tourism aim to position India as a year-round destination.
Government initiatives like the 'Incredible India' campaign, Swadesh Darshan, Dekho Apna Desh, Vibrant Village Programme, and facilitative visa regimes have boosted India's global appeal. The recently announced strategies like Paryatan Didi, Paryatan Mitra, Incredible India Content Hub, and Government-Industry-Academia collaborations aim to further enhance India's tourism sector.
The 18th Annual Tourism Summit 2024 represents India's aspirations to rank among the top 10 global tourism destinations by 2030 and the top 3 by 2047. The summit is typically organised by key tourism industry stakeholders and government bodies in India. The summit's importance is underscored by its potential to drive economic growth and societal well-being.
In conclusion, the 18th CII Annual Tourism Summit 2024 is a significant event that promises to chart a strategic roadmap for transforming India's tourism potential into actionable outcomes. The summit is a testament to India's commitment to harnessing the power of tourism for economic growth and societal development.
