Category Archives: MOT

In order to provide impetus to the development of adventure tourism in the country, MOT has set up a National Board for Adventure Tourism under Secretary (Tourism) and comprising Central Ministries, states and industry stakeholders to provide guidance for the development of the sector. Seven strategic pillars have been identified for development of sustainable tourism, adventure tourism and ecotourism. These include state assessment, skills, marketing, strengthening safety framework, national and state level rescue grid, destination and product development, and governance and institutional framework.

Medical tourists to India has increased, rising from 1.83 lakh in 2020 to 5.04 lakh in 2023 (till October). Union Minister for Culture, Tourism, and DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy, stated that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has announced loans totalling $14.8 billion to enhance infrastructure.

As per figures released from MoT, India received about 6.43 million foreign tourism arrivals in 2023 (Jan-Sept) who spent about Rs 1,66,660 crore while here. In order to increase the footfall of international tourists in India, Ministry of Tourism, participated in various International travel fairs during the Year 2023 such as FITUR 2023, ITB Berlin, and ATM Dubai.

Speaking at a conference of all State Tourism Secretaries, V Vidyavathi, Tourism Secretary, MOT, has urged the state governments to fast-track the completion of ongoing tourism projects funded by the Ministry, and to focus on identifying tourist destinations for development. She also discussed the implementation of G20 Goa Roadmap and Travel for LiFE program with the states for their effective implementation.

V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism, during her brief address at the International Tourism Mart held in Shillong, pointed out, “Development of tourism in the northeast should take into the account the sensitive ecosystem of the region.”

Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur has said that the government is going to announce a new filmmaking policy. “The incentive for foreign film production has been enhanced from 30% to 40%. The incentive for foreign film production in the country stands today at 40 % of the expenses incurred with an increased cap limit of Rs. 30 crore and an additional 5% percent bonus for Significant Indian Content (SIC). This step will give further impetus to India’s efforts to attract medium and big-budget international film projects to the country.”

Given the government’s focus on rural and border tourism and developing tourism infrastructure in rural areas of Ladakh, the Administration of UT of Ladakh plan to establish 10,000 homestays over the next 5 years. It has recently released its revised Ladakh Homestay Policy 2023 to strengthen its rural economy. It is drafted based on feedback from stakeholders.

V Vidyavathi, Secretary Tourism emphasized on the importance of promoting Andhra Pradesh’s tourism assets like musical, arts, crafts, and gastronomic offerings. Ministry of Tourism also aims to celebrate rich culture and shed light on lesser-known spots.     

Besides showcasing varied tourism products and transformative experiences for travellers to India under the theme ‘Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023’, MOT also promoted sustainable tourism at the just-concluded WTM in London. It highlighted its ‘Travel for LiFE’ program based on Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), as a global mass movement led by India urging people to act for the protection of the environment.

EEMA is collaborating with the MOT to formulate a strategy for wedding tourism. Prerana Agarwal Saxena, Lead, EEMA Wedding Council, SAID, “This strategy comprises a 10-point agenda recommended by EEMA to the ministry and is expected to be finalized by the end of this year.”