PROJECT

Reviewed

Aims and Objectives

This project aims to serve the following purposes.

1. Present a clear and composite image of tourism

2. Effectively Analyze the importance of tourism in India

3. Study the measures introduced to promote tourism in India

4. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of tourism

5. Provide an accurate description of major tourist spots in India

Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the
completion of this English literature project.
First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my teacher Mrs. Shalini
Banerjee for her invaluable guidance, insightful feedback, and unwavering support
throughout the duration of this project. Her expertise and encouragement have
been instrumental in shaping the direction and quality of this work.
I would also like to thank the Principal of my school, Rev. Sr. Cincy, for presenting
me with this golden opportunity to present my work in a structured manner as part
of our school curriculum.
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to my family for their patience,
understanding, and encouragement. Their unwavering support has been a source
of strength and motivation throughout this endeavor.

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 Introduction
The United Nations defines tourism as “a social, cultural and economic
phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside
their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes.” In
simple words, tourism is travel for pleasure, and the commercial activity of
providing and supporting such travel.

According to the 1994 ‘Recommendations on Tourism Statistics’ Report published

by UN Tourism, tourism is mainly of three types.

Domestic tourism, involving residents of the given country traveling only

within this country

Inbound tourism, involving non-residents traveling in the given country

Outbound tourism, involving residents traveling in another country

However, in the modern age, we have classified tourism primarily on the basis of
the purpose of the given tourism.

Mass Tourism
Mass tourism refers to a form of tourism in which large numbers of people
visit the same destination, often at the same time of year, for leisure or
recreational purposes. Governments and local people often favour mass
tourism as it generates a lot of income. It is also the most popular form of
tourism as it is usually the cheapest way to travel by booking a package deal
using the internet or through a travel agent. Cultural and natural heritage are
the basis for mass tourism. Cultural tourism is one of the megatrends that is
reflected in massive numbers of overnight stays and sales. In short, Mass
tourism can be defined as ‘extreme concentrations of tourists in any one
place, resulting in saturation of the place’. Mass tourism cannot be
characterised by specific numbers or values, because every destination has
different carrying capacities. Rather, mass tourism occurs when there are too
many tourists for a destination to comfortably accommodate.

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 Niche Tourism
Niche Tourism refers to a specialized or unique form of tourism that caters to
the interests and preferences of a particular group of travellers. This type
of tourism often focuses on a specific activity, theme, or experience, and may
appeal to a smaller, more specialized market than mass tourism. Niche
tourism can take many forms, such as Adventure Tourism, Cultural Tourism,
Culinary Tourism, Medical Tourism, Sports Tourism, among many others. It
often involves engaging in activities or experiences that are not typically
associated with traditional mass tourism, and may require specialized
knowledge, skills, or equipment. Examples of niche tourism could include
wildlife safaris, trekking in remote areas, visiting historical or cultural sites,
attending specialized events or festivals, or participating in extreme
sports. Niche tourism can also involve specific types of accommodation, such
as eco-lodges or luxury resorts, that cater to the needs and preferences of a
particular group of travellers.

Importance of Tourism in India

The growing influence of the tourism sector as an economic powerhouse and its
potential as a tool for development are irrefutable. Not only does the tourism
sector spearhead growth, it also improves the quality of people’s lives with its
capacity to create large scale employment of diverse kind. It supports
environmental protection, champions diverse cultural heritage and strengthens
peace in the world.

Tourism sector is also one of the fastest growing economic sectors with a
significant impact on employment and accelerates regional development of
related sectors. Among economically advanced states, domestic tourism has
become has greatly helped in the development of tourism. It can generate
resources for conservation of cultural and natural heritage and has huge potential
to make positive contribution to sustainable development goals.
Today tourism is the largest service industry in India, with a contribution of 5.8%
to the national GDP and producing 32.1 million jobs. In 2023, India witnessed about

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 6.44 million annual foreign tourist arrivals and 1.7 billion domestic tourism visits.
The tourism industry in India generated about $17 billion in 2023.
The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for the development and promotion of
tourism in India and maintains the "Incredible India" campaign. The first year of
the launch of this campaign , India saw an upsurge of 16% of foreign tourists. The
notion that India was underdeveloped or did not have good enough infrastructure
was broken and cast away. The Campaign showed India’s real image and how
there is a story at every corner you turn at that is filled with love and warmth and
excitement. Incredible India proved to be an extremely good opportunity for small-
scale businesses to flourish. Handmade pottery, jewelery, artefacts, and many
more tangible items’ demands have increased. Men and women have skills
through these objects, men and women can display abilities that have been
passed down through the years that might have gone extinct if no one had
bothered to revive them. This is a boost to the income of various households all
over the nation who can now sell their handicrafts.

Introduced on February 1, 2024, the 2024 Union Budget has allocated significant
resources to the promotion of tourism in India. Some of these reforms are as
follows.

1. 40,000 regular train bogies will be converted into Vande Bharat coaches,
marking a substantial leap forward in passenger safety, convenience, and
comfort. Vande Bharat trains, known for their cutting-edge technology and
superior amenities, are more efficient and reliable. The government aims to
reduce travel time, enhance passenger experience, and accelerate tourism
growth throughout the nation.

2. The government will also offer long-term interest-free loans to states. This
investment will enable development projects aimed at enhancing
infrastructure, amenities, and branding of iconic tourist destinations. States
can elevate their tourism offerings to global standards, attracting domestic and
international tourists while creating employment opportunities for local
communities.

3. The budget also allocates resources for tourism projects in the islands,
including Lakshadweep. By enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and

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 amenities in these pristine islands, the government seeks to unlock the
untapped tourism potential of India's islands. The Ministry of Tourism aims to
encourage both domestic and international tourists to visit the island states of
Lakshwadweep and Anadaman and Nicobar Islands, which would provide a
great boost to their economy.

Advantages of Tourism
Foreign Exchange Earnings
Tourism is a major foreign exchange earner of India. Foreign exchange earnings,
contributions to government revenues, generation of employment and income,
and stimulation to regional development. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism
are the receipts of non-domestic currency earned by selling goods and services
to foreign tourists. Hard currencies such as the US dollar, the deutschmark, the
yen and the Swiss franc are freely convertible, internationally acceptable and can
be exchanged without restriction. As these currencies are issued by the most
economically advanced countries, they are most used in international trade.

More Employment Opportunities

Tourism is a labor intensive industry that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. There are many full-time and part-time job opportunities for young people.
While some of the employment is skilled, there are also opportunities for people
who lack formal qualifications. The growing tourism activities are directly
proportional to the creation of new jobs in the destination locality such as shops,
hotels and transportation related jobs. The sector has capacity to create large-
scale employment both direct and indirect, for diverse sections in society, from
the most specialized to unskilled workforce.

Promotion of Cottage Industries

The sale of local products and handicrafts are directly related to the growth rate of
foreign as well as domestic tourist arrival to the local tourist destination. Every
local destination has its own specific range of local products such as art work,

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 wooden work, stone work, metal work and embroidery etc that frequently attracts
visitors from outside the locality. Tourists often buy famous handicrafts and other
artwork related products of the local tourist spot. This helps in the economic
development of the overall retail market of that region.

Higher Standard of Living

Standard of living refers to the level of wealth, comfort, material goods and
necessities available to a certain socio-economic class in a certain geographic
area. With the growing rate of foreign and domestic tourist arrival, tourism has
started to affect the target society. Interaction and communication between
tourists and locals have significantly benefitted the local community as they learn
and understand various new and impressive ways of living. This, coupled with the
economic prowess that comes with tourism, increases the standard of living of the
local community.

Recognition of Cultural Heritage

One of the main forms of niche tourism is Heritage Tourism. It is the type of
tourism where tourists come to visit a place primarily to witness the cultural and
ethnic heritage of the local community. India being a culturally rich and diverse
nation is a central hotspot for Heritage tourism. Not only does this set Indian
Culture on the world’s stage for people to see, it also makes the Indian youth
aware of India’s rich traditional history. Thus, it helps to preserve the age old
traditions of the nation.

Modernization of Infrastructure
Modern infrastructure is essential when trying to attract tourists from abroad. The
growing tourism activities around a destination make the government / private
authorities to upgrade or develop the entire infrastructure around the destination.
The infrastructure for tourism includes basic components like airports, railways,
roads, waterways, electricity, water supply, drainage, sewerage, solid waste
disposal systems and services. Moreover, facilities like accommodation,
restaurants, recreational facilities and shopping facilities also comes under the
ambit of Tourism Infrastructure. The modernization of these entire infrastructures
is greatly beneficial to local community.

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 Disadvantages of Tourism
Loss of Natural Habitats
Habitat can be degraded by tourism leisure activities. For example, wildlife
viewing can bring about stress for the animals and alter their natural behavior
when tourists come too close. Safaris and wildlife watching activities have a
degrading effect on habitat as they often are accompanied by the noise and
commotion created by tourists as they chase wild animals in their jeeps and
trucks. This puts high pressure on animal habits and behaviors and tends to bring
about behavioral changes. In some cases, as in Kenya, it has led to animals
becoming so disturbed that at times they neglect their young or fail to mate.

Pollution
Transport by air, road, and rail is continuously increasing with the rising number of
tourists and their greater mobility. It is estimated that a single transatlantic return
flight emits almost half the CO2 emissions of the average emissions per capita. In
areas with high concentrations of tourist activities and appealing natural
attractions, waste disposal is a serious problem and improper disposal can be a
major despoiler of the natural environment - rivers, scenic areas, and roadsides.
High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans, a rise in
blood pressure, and an increase in stress and vasoconstriction, and an increased
incidence of coronary artery disease.

Inflation
Inflation is defined as a sustained increase in the general level of prices for goods
and services. Rapid growth of tourism activities at a destination demands the
necessary goods and services at a higher rate. These goods and services may not
be available as per the demand, but the tourists continue consumption at a higher
rate. Due to increased mass tourism, the local and regional retailers can adjust the
prices so that they can take significant benefit from this higher demand. Tourists
often don’t care about these changes in prices and they continue to buy the

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 services. But it may cause some other serious problem in destination society like
unemployment and the reduction in living standards.

Increase in Crime
Increase in crime is the most terrible cost of tourism. Tourist activities may
increases the rate of various social and legal crimes in side that region /
destination. Westerners have become victim of robbery and other violent attacks.
Since the foreigners’ purchasing power is relatively large than the general
population, foreigners become more preferred target for robbery or other serious
crime. The presence of a large number of tourists with a lot of money to spend,
and often carrying valuables such as cameras and jewellery, increases the
attraction for criminals and brings with it activities like robbery and drug dealing.

Xenophobia
Xenophobia refers to the irrational or unreasoned fear of that which is perceived
to be foreign or strange. It is one of the major downsides to tourism. Safety has
always been important for the attraction of international tourists. As tourism aids in
building nation's image, this is damaged easily by xenophobic attacks, and also
international relation is impeded. Xenophobia destroys the nation's economy
structure that tourism might have built. The recent xenophobic violence that
ravaged through South Africa was sparked partly by accusations of foreigners
stealing local jobs.

Beggar Mentality
Beggar mentality is a very common problem of local culture in many poor and
developing countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc. Foreign Tourists are
often rich and they visit a destination for their pleasure and luxury. The local
community near the distant tourist spots may not be as rich and prosperous as
tourist groups. To Mumbai dwellers, especially expatriates, the concept of slum
tourism, poverty tourism, poorism or simply slumming needs no introduction.

Tourist Destinations in India

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 1. Srinagar
Located on the banks of the Jhelum, Srinagar is the largest city in Jammu and
Kashmir, and also its summer capital. It is said that the Mughal Emperor Jahangir
called this place ‘heaven on earth’. Srinagar offers the picturesque Dal Lake,
breath-taking mountain views, stunning Mughal gardens and sprawling orchards.
An urban lake fed by River Jhelum, the famous Dal Lake covers an area of 18 – 22
square kilometres and is the iconic site for houseboat stays and floating markets.
Tourists can enjoy a ride on a vibrant shikara, to the only floating post office in
India, and spend a night in one of the gorgeous houseboats.

Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Achabal Bagh, Chashma Shahi, Pari Mahal and
Verinag are the six walled Mughal gardens in Srinagar, resembling the Persian
Paradise Gardens. People come to witness the vibrancy of the seasonal bloom
here. All six gardens feature fountains, terraces, pavilions and views of the
surrounding mountains.
Known as Takhat-i-Sulaiman, the Shankaracharya Hill houses the sacred
Shankaracharya Temple and offers mesmerising views of the Kashmir valley. The
7km long trekking tral which leads to the initial steps of this temple is its main
attraction

2. Shimla
The erstwhile British ‘Summer Capital’ is packed with colonial-era architectural
marvels, picturesque hilly hotspots, and a toy train tagged as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. It currently stands as the scenic capital of Himachal Pradesh at an
elevation of 2,454 metres.

The Annadale features areas for golf, polo and cricket, along with scenic vistas. It
is a perfect picnic spot, and used to be a popular British playground. The Army
Museum is the key attraction here. For nature lovers there is a peak where they
can go hiking and relish scenic views.

Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India. Adorned in Neo-Gothic
architecture, it is famous for its brass plaques and coloured glasses. The 90 feet
towers, five tubular bells, and the clock are something to marvel at.

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 Once the residence of British Viceroy of India, the Viceregal Lodge takes one back
in time to the era of British Raj, displaying ancient articles, photographs and
artefacts. The monument flaunts the Jacobenthan style of architecture, designed
by British Architect Henry Irwin.

3. Delhi
With its flavourful street food, flea markets, monuments from different eras,
sprawling parks, posh colonies, old quarters, exclusive clubs and places of
worship – the metropolis of Delhi, and the capital of India, is one of the most
visited destinations in India.
The India Gate is a 42 meter high war memorial on the Kartavya Path. Surrounded
by vast well-manicured lawns and many government buildings, it signifies the
unity of free India, and the sacrificies of the freedom fighters who lost their lives in
India’s historic freedom struggle.
The Red Fort was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for protection
against invaders. It is known for its intricate Mughal architecture and floral
designs. Tourists can take a walk in the gardens, and explore the four museums
inside the fort: Heritage Tea House, Diwan-i-Aam, Nahr-i-Bihisht and Rang Mahal.

Located in the heart of Old Delhi, the Jama Masjid features the best of Mughal
architecture. Its courtyard can accommodate over 25,000 devotees. Tourists can
enjoy the breathtaking architecture, and witness the bustle of the streets outside
Jama Masjid.

4. Kolkata
Lying on the eastern banks of the Hoogly, Kolkata is the primary commercial hub
in eastern India. With its yellow taxis, vintage trams, colonial structures, and
picturesque ghats -- Kolkata is the city of picture perfect snapshots.

The Victoria Memorial is a large marble monument in the Maidan in Central

Kolkata, originally buillt in honour of Queen Victoria. Inside, tourists can find well-
curated galleries with memorabilia from the British Raj era and photographs
showing Kolkata’s visual history.

Situated on the banks of Ganga, the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple was founded by
theBengali reformer Rani Rashmoni. Ramkrishna Pramahans was once the head

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 priest here. Tourists can attend the evening aarti, take a ferry ride at sunset and
appreciate the temple from the river.

The Indian Museum, popularly called “Jadughar”, is the largest museum in India.
Its galleriece have numerous paintings, artefacts, artworks and antiques. Popular
displays are the Mummies of Egypt, the relics of Buddha, and fossil skeletons.

5. Darjeeling
At the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling abounds in timeless serenity and
attracts holidaymakers with its rolling tea plantations, views of Mount
Kanchenjunga and age-old monasteries.
The highest point in Darjeeling, Tiger Hill is the best vantage point for sunrise
views against Mount Kanchenjunga from the observatory on top of the hill.
Tourists flock here to see the sun rise over the Kanchenjunga and exude its
crimson aura.

The toy-trains of Darjeeling are perhaps its best attraction. The steam powered
trains take tourists on a joyride through the Himalayas. It even passes Ghum, the
highest railway station in India. In 1999, it was recognised as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
The Ghoom Monastery houses a five-metre high statue of the Maitreya Buddha
believed to be ‘The Buddha to Come’ along with rare, handwritten Buddhist
manuscripts. In addition to Buddhist artefacts, tourists can see stunning views of
Mount Kanchenjunga.

6. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Indian archipelago of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, consisting of 836
islands, is one of the most popular destinations in India for domestic travel.

Also known as Swaraj Island, Havelock Island is a part of Ritchie’s Archipelago in

the Andamans. Its dazzling white sand beaches and fascinating coral reefs are
admired by nature lovers from around the world. It is also home to the Cellular Jail,
a British prison which is now a national monument.
An archipelago in the Bay of Bengal rooted in colonial and tribal history, Port Blair
is an idyllic paradise with swaying palms and cerulean waters. It is home to the

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 Samudrika Naval Marine Museum. Japanese Bunkers from World War 2 can still
be found on its beaches.
The Limestone cave formations at Nayadera and the vast mangrove-covered
creeks are also attractions for tourists. The walls of caves are covered with
massive formations dangling from the ceiling like chandeliers. The stalactites and
stalagmites glow under the dripping water.

7. Hyderabad
Hyderbad is where grand mosques, old-world bazaars and regal forts co-exist
with a glittering business district. Lured by its wealth of architecture, culture and
cuisine, many people travel every year to this dynamic capital of Telangana.
Among the most recognizable monuments in India, the Charminar is an ancient
mosque built over 400 years ago by the Qutb Shahi dynasty after a plague forced
them to shift their empire from Golconda to the new city of Hyderabad. It is now a
part of Telangana’s official emblem.
Originally a private collection of Salar Jung III, the Salar Jung Museum went public
in 1951. Its 39 carefully curated galleries display artwork from almost every part of
the world, including ‘The Veiled Rebecca’ by Benzoni, 19th century British musical
clocks and Marie Antoinette’s dressing table.
Built on top of a 120m-high granite hill, the Golconda Forts reached its peak glory
under the Qutb Shahis. It was famous for its diamond mines. In fact the legendary
Kohinoor is said to have been mined here. It now stands as a reminder of
Hyderabad’s majestic past.

8. Goa
Popularly known as India’s party capital, Goa invites travellers from all around the
globe with its boho beaches, ancient churches, majestic forts and unbeatable
nightlife.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most important attractions in Goa, housing
the mortal remains of the missionary Saint Francis Xavier. Lucky tourists get to
witness the ceremonial display of St. Francis’ remains which happens once a
decade.

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 The Aguada fort overlooks the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea.
This beautiful red-brown Portuguese fort houses the Central Jail and a 19th
century lighthouse. The light and sound show here is one of its main attractions.
Goa is perhaps the most famous for its beaches and nightclubs. Baga beach,
Vagator beach and Baina beach are popular amongst tourists. Tourists can also
enjoy water sports off these beaches. The famous clubs of Goa are also situated
near these beaches.

9. Pondicherry
A fascinating, small town with enough elements to charm its visitors, Pondicherry
whose official name was changed to Puducherry in 2006, was once the largest
French colony in India.
the Sri Aurobindo ashram was a place og meditation and yogic worship ounded by
Sri Aurobindo and his disciple Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926, . Now, it houses
the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
The Auroville is an experimental township designed by the famous architect Roger
Anger. It was founded in 1968 by the Mother The main highlight here is the
Matrimandir, a lotus-shaped dome covered by golden discs that reflect sunlight.
Also called Rock Beach, the famous Promenade Beach stretches for
approximately 1.5 kms. The statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the old lighthouse, and the
remains of the old French pier can be spotted from here.

10. Alleppey
Also known as Alappuzha, Aleppey is home to emerald green backwaters, palm-
fringed lakes and beautiful stretches of lush paddy fields in the heart of Kerala. It
is famously known as ‘The Venice of the East’.
The famous backwaters are a group of lakes, canals and lagoons that sit on the
coast of Malabar, in the state of Kerala, India. There are five main lakes, all
connected by 38 rivers and both man-made and natural canals. Tourists can take
scenic boat rides and enjoy fresh-caught fish on floating restaurants.
Popularly known as Pathinarukettu, the majestic Krishnapuram Palace was built by
the erstwhile Travancore king Marthanda Varma, and is famous for its Kerala-style

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 architecture and royal artefacts. It is now a museum, housing the famous painting
of the ‘Gajdendra Moksham’.
Kuttanad, also known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala, is situated in the backwaters of
Alleppey. The area is covered with green paddy fields and rivers Pampa,
Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala. Tourists flock here to experience a day in a
‘Kettuvallam’.

Conclusion
The role of tourism in the socio-economic progress of India is undeniable.
However, it's important to acknowledge that tourism, like any industry, comes with
its own set of challenges. Negative impacts such as pollution, loss of natural
habitats, inflation, and crime surge are issues that cannot be overlooked. The
environmental impact of tourism is a concern that needs immediate attention,
given the increasing awareness and importance of environmental sustainability.

As we move forward, striking a balance between maximizing the benefits and

minimizing the negative effects of tourism becomes crucial. This balance can be
achieved through sustainable tourism practices and supporting the local economy.
Government policies and regulations, infrastructure development, and public
awareness campaigns can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable tourism.
In the post-pandemic world, as the tourism industry recovers, it is an appropriate
time to rethink and reshape tourism strategies. Emphasis should be on building a
resilient and sustainable tourism sector that contributes to the country's growth
while preserving its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

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