The tourism sector in India is a significant contributor to the country's economy, generating revenue and creating job opportunities. India is rich in cultural, historical, and natural attractions. The country has been promoting itself as a tourist destination, both domestically and internationally, and has seen a steady increase in the number of tourists in recent years. However, the sector has also faced challenges, such as infrastructure development and improving the quality of tourist services. The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to boost the growth of the tourism industry and make India a preferred tourist destination. Consequentially, hotel property management companies in India have also benefitted from the same. Read more here https://www.promiller.in/post/2023-trends-in-the-indian-tourism-sector

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Team ProMiller Sep 16, 2022 8 min read
2023 trends in the Indian tourism sector
Updated: Jul 28
The tourism sector in India is a significant contributor to the country's economy, generating revenue and creating job
opportunities. India is rich in cultural, historical, and natural attractions. The country has been promoting itself as a
tourist destination, both domestically and internationally, and has seen a steady increase in the number of tourists in
recent years. However, the sector has also faced challenges, such as infrastructure development and improving the
quality of tourist services. The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to boost the growth of the
tourism industry and make India a preferred tourist destination. Consequentially, hotel property management
companies in India have also benefitted from the same.
Here are some initiatives implemented by the Indian government to boost the tourism industry.These in turn enable the
hotel property management companies to add to the country's economy.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: A national mission to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
PRASAD Scheme: A central scheme to develop pilgrimage and heritage destinations in India.

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The Different Kinds of Tourism:
Pilgrimage Tourism:
Pilgrimage tourism also known as faith tourism, is a type of industry, where people travel individually or in groups to
pilgrim destinations, or for leisure (fellowship) purposes. Faith-based tourism exists throughout the world, from India
to Mexico, from Israel to Saudi Arabia. In India, from ancient times pilgrimages have not only been calls to
spirituality but also major economic drivers that have an impact not only on the soul of people but also in the pockets of
the industry.
Pilgrimage tourism in India saw the following trends in 2022:
e-Visa: An electronic visa facility for tourists visiting India, which has made it easier and more convenient for
travelers to obtain a visa.
Incredible India Campaign: A global marketing campaign aimed at promoting India as a tourist destination.
Atithi Devo Bhava: A nationwide campaign to enhance the quality of tourist services and promote the concept
of "guests are gods."
Development of Tourist Infrastructure: The government has been improving tourist infrastructure, such as
developing airports, rail connectivity, and building hotels and resorts.
Skill Development for Tourism Sector: The government is promoting skill development programs for the
tourism sector, to improve the quality of tourist services and create job opportunities.
A rise in domestic pilgrimage travel as people looked to reconnect with their spirituality and culture.

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WhatTo Expect In 2023:
India is home to many important pilgrimage sites, including the Taj
Mahal,Varanasi,Tirupati, and Amritsar.
Eco-Tourism:
India has a significant geographical advantage owing to its rich natural & eco-tourism resources:
• 70% of the Himalayas
• 7,000 km of coastline
• Among one of the three countries in the world with both hot and cold desert
• Ranks 10th in total area under forest cover
• Ranks 6th in terms of the number of recognized UNESCO Natural Heritage sites
Eco-tourism in India saw the following trends in 2022:
WhatTo Expect In 2023:
An increase in the development of pilgrimage tourism products and services, such as new pilgrimage circuits
and improved infrastructure at religious sites.
A focus on enhancing the pilgrimage experience for travelers, such as providing better amenities and facilities
at religious sites.
Continued growth in domestic pilgrimage travel, driven by a desire to visit sacred sites and connect with one's
spiritual beliefs.
A potential increase in international pilgrimage travel as global travel restrictions ease and the demand for
travel recovers.
A need for religious sites to maintain high standards of health and safety to ensure a comfortable and safe
experience for travelers.
A continued growth in eco-tourism in India, driven by a growing awareness of environmental issues and a
desire to experience nature.
An increase in sustainable tourism practices, such as responsible waste management and minimizing carbon
emissions.
The popularity of outdoor activities, such as trekking, wildlife safaris, and bird watching, has increased as
people seek to connect with nature.
Continued growth in eco-tourism as travelers seek to experience nature and learn about sustainable tourism
practices.
A potential increase in investment in eco-tourism infrastructure, such as eco-friendly accommodations and
interpretive trails.
An emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable tourism practices to ensure that eco-tourism has a
positive impact on local communities and ecosystems.

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India is home to many important eco-tourism destinations, including the
Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Sundarbans, and the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
Rural Tourism:
Recognizing the immense Potential of Rural Tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National
Strategy and Roadmap for the Development of RuralTourism in India - An initiative towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
RuralTourism saw the followingTrends in 2022:
WhatTo Expect In 2023:
Examples of popular rural tourism destinations in India include the
villages of the Himalayas, rural Rajasthan, the backwaters of Kerala,
and the rural areas of the Western Ghats.
Increased demand for rural destinations in India as travelers sought to escape crowded cities during the
pandemic.
A growth in agritourism and farm stays, as travelers looked to connect with nature and local cultures.
A rise in the popularity of homestays in rural areas, where travelers could experience the local way of life.
Continued interest in rural tourism in India, as travelers seek to experience authentic cultural experiences and
escape the city.
A potential increase in rural tourism development, such as the creation of rural tourism circuits and the
improvement of infrastructure.
A need for rural destinations in India to implement health and safety measures, such as contactless check-ins
and increased sanitation, to meet traveler expectations.
Many hotel property management companies are venturing into rural spaces to cater to this demand
generated by RuralTourism

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Luxury Tourism:
When the Covid-19 outbreak was at its worst and travel was prohibited for most people, many would find comfort in
following the Instagram profiles of famous people, including actors, politicians, and businesspeople. Almost everyone
who was anyone left on a private jet to travel abroad, with the majority of them making their way to Dubai or the
Maldives, which had become popular destinations for celebrities who posted their beautiful photos from there and
unintentionally served as brand ambassadors for the places. As they waited for the pandemic to pass and lockdowns or
restrictions on business and travel to be lifted, hundreds of other Indians followed them and frequently went there as
well to the opulent resorts and exclusive beaches throughout the world.
Luxury tourism in India saw the following trends in 2022
WhatTo Expect In 2023:
A rise in luxury tourism in India is driven by a growing number of high-net-worth individuals and a desire
for unique and exclusive travel experiences.
An increase in bespoke travel experiences, such as private tours and customized itineraries, to meet the
demands of luxury travelers.
A growth in the number of high-end hotels, resorts, and spas, offering a range of luxurious amenities and
services.

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India is home to many important luxury tourism destinations, including
Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, and Goa, which offer a range of high-end
hotels, resorts, and spas. From soaking up the views at luxury properties,
visiting the Beatles Ashram or taking a dip in the holy river, Rishikesh
has emerged as a popular leisure destination for celebs too.
Adventure Tourism:
Adventure tourism is a type of niche tourism where exploration or travel involves some degree of risk (real or
perceived) and may require special skills, and physical effort. Adventure tourism can be any tourism activity that
includes physical activity, cultural exchange, and connection with nature. Adventure tourism experiences are generally
divided into two types hard adventure and soft adventure.
Adventure tourism in India saw the following trends in 2022
WhatTo Expect In 2023:
Continued growth in luxury tourism in India, driven by an increasing number of affluent travelers and a
desire for unique and exclusive experiences.
A potential increase in investment in luxury tourism infrastructure, such as new high-end hotels, resorts, and
spas.
An emphasis on sustainability and responsible tourism practices to meet the expectations of discerning luxury
travelers.
A rise in adventure tourism in India is driven by a growing interest in outdoor activities and a desire for
unique and thrilling travel experiences.
An increase in the popularity of activities such as trekking, rock climbing, and rafting, as well as wildlife
safaris and bird watching.
Growth in the development of adventure tourism infrastructure, such as campsites, adventure parks, and
guide services.
Continued growth in adventure tourism as travelers seek new and exciting travel experiences.
A potential increase in investment in adventure tourism infrastructure, such as the development of new trails,
parks, and adventure sports facilities.
A focus on sustainable and responsible adventure tourism practices ensures that this form of tourism has a
positive impact on local communities and the environment.
As a result, hotel property management companies are shifting their focus from general operations to
sustainability practices integrated in day-to-day operations.

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India is home to many important adventure tourism destinations,
including the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, which offer a range of outdoor activities and
experiences.
Medical Tourism:
People may travel to another country to get health care for many reasons, including:
The most common procedures that people undergo on medical tourism trips include dental care, surgery, cosmetic
surgery, fertility treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and cancer treatment
Medical tourism in India saw the following trends in 2022
WhatTo Expect In 2023:
India is home to many important medical tourism destinations, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore,
which offer a range of specialized medical treatments and services.
Heritage Tourism:
The Ministry of Tourism plans to build top-notch visitor amenities at major monuments and heritage sites around the
nation, working closely with the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In addition to
promoting inclusive tourism. Due acknowledgement and the preservation of the nation's rich and diverse past will both
be aided by experience. A taste of India's incredible wealth, complexity, and diversity may be seen in the 3,686 ancient
monuments and archaeological sites that the ASI currently maintains, including 36 world heritage sites. These
landmarks play a crucial role in boosting tourism by drawing both domestic and foreign visitors to the nation.
Cost:To get treatment or a procedure that may be cheaper in another country.
Culture:To receive care from a healthcare provider who shares the traveler’s culture and language.
Unavailable or Unapproved procedure: To get a procedure or therapy that is not available or approved in the
United States.
A continued growth in medical tourism in India, driven by high-quality medical care at affordable prices and
a desire for medical treatments not available in their home countries.
An increase in the availability of specialized medical treatments, such as cancer care and cardiac surgery.
Growth in the number of international medical centers and hospitals offering high-quality medical treatments
and services.
Continued growth in medical tourism in India as more people seek affordable, high-quality medical care.
A potential increase in investment in medical tourism infrastructure, such as new medical centers and
hospitals, to meet the growing demand for medical treatments.
An emphasis on quality and patient safety to ensure that medical tourists receive the highest quality care.

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Heritage tourism in India saw the following trends in 2022
WhatTo Expect In 2023:
India is home to many important heritage tourism destinations,
including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Mumbai, which offer a range of
historic buildings, monuments, and cultural attractions.
A rise in heritage tourism in India is driven by a growing interest in history, culture, and architecture.
An increase in the number of heritage sites being developed and promoted as tourist destinations.
Growth in the development of heritage tourism infrastructure, such as museums, cultural centers, and guide
services.
Hotel property management companies started venturing into heritage cities of India to capture the demand
of heritage tourism
Continued growth in heritage tourism in India as more people seek to learn about the country's rich cultural
heritage.
A potential increase in investment in heritage tourism infrastructure, such as the restoration of historic
buildings and the development of new heritage sites.
An emphasis on sustainable and responsible heritage tourism practices ensures that this form of tourism has a
positive impact on local communities and the environment.

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Conclusion:
The future of tourism in India looks bright and holds immense potential for growth and development.With an increase
in disposable incomes, a growing middle class, and an increasing interest in travel, India is poised to become one of the
leading tourist destinations in the world. However, to fully realize this potential, the government and private sector
must take active measures to improve infrastructure, provide better services, and promote the country as a tourist
destination. With the right policies in place, India has the potential to become a hub for both domestic and
international tourism, generating substantial economic growth and creating jobs for millions of people.
Written by Aafreen S.