Main Article Content

Abstract

Culture plays a significant role in the economic development of any nation. Since inception, India is well known for its art, architecture, sculpture, painting, dance, music, drama, literature, theatre, folk traditions, rites and rituals, festivities, food, and languages and is known as the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ of humanity. Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal are the most popular states for cultural tourism in India. India’s share in foreign tourist arrivals in the world is 1.17 percent and ranks 26th position in world tourist arrivals; the share of India in international tourist arrivals among Asia and Pacific is 4.81 percent and stands 7th position (Annual Report 2017-18 Ministry of Tourism Government of India). Various schemes are announced by the Government in India to promote the rich cultural diversity and tourism in the country. Bharatpur and Paryatan Parv were organized in 2018 by the tourism ministry to popularise the concept of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat’,‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and ‘Tourism for All’. Incredible India! Campaign launched by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture led to the growth of cultural tourism in India. The objective of the present study is to understand the culture of India and to examine the economic contributions of tourism in India. Secondary data is collected from World Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2019, Annual Report 2017-18 Ministry of Tourism Government of India, India Tourism Statistics at Glance- 2018 and Ministry of Culture, GOI. The linear regression trend line, Percentage method, and annual growth rate are used to analyze the data. Bar graph and Pie charts are used to present the findings of the study. The present article finds that there is an increase not only in domestic tourist arrivals but also foreign tourist arrivals in India and this has further encouraged employment opportunities as well contributed to the national income of the country.

Article Details