India is a vast country in South Asia with diverse terrain, from the peaks of the Himalayas to the coast of the Indian Ocean, and a history dating back 5 millennia. Tourism in India is important to the country's economy. The World Travel and Tourism Council calculated that tourism generated 15.24 lakh crore, or 9.4% of India's GDP in 2017 and supported 41.622 million jobs, 8% of its total employment. The sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.9% to 32.05 lakh crore by 2028 (9.9% of GDP). In October 2015, India's medical tourism sector was estimated to be worth $3 billion and is expected to grow to $7-8 billion by 2020. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report for the Year 2017 , ranked India 40th out of 136 countries overall. The report ranks the price competitiveness of the Indian tourism sector 10th out of 136 countries. India is stated to have fairly good air transport (ranked 32nd), especially considering the country's stage of development, and reasonable land transport infrastructure (ranked 29th). The country also scores high in terms of natural and cultural resources (ranking 9th). However, some other aspects of its tourism infrastructure remain somewhat underdeveloped. The World Tourism Organization reported that India's revenue from tourism in 2012 ranked 16th in the world and 7th among Asia-Pacific countries. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The Ministry of Tourism designs national policies for the development and promotion of tourism. In this process, the Ministry consults and collaborates with other industry stakeholders, including various central ministries/agencies, state governments, union territories and private sector representatives. Concerted efforts are being made to promote niche tourism products such as rural, cruise, medical and ecotourism. The Ministry of Tourism maintains the Incredible India campaign focused on promoting tourism in India. With international tourist arrivals reaching one billion each year and growth only expected to increase, the opportunities in the tourism sector are endless. Yet many tourism destinations and businesses fail to achieve success. Marketing is a big part of the problem, but it's also an integral part of the solution. Therefore, stop marketing. Start marketing with a purpose. A successful tourism business requires a brand that speaks to its target markets, content that successfully generates prospects, and a level of service that listens to customer requests, all within ever-shrinking budget constraints. Incredible India is the name of an international tourism campaign carried out by the Indian government since 2002, to promote tourism in India to a global audience. The title 'Amazing India' was officially branded and promoted by Amitabh Kant, the then Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Tourism, in 2002. The key initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism were in areas such as promoting safe and honorable tourism , infrastructure development, advertising, promotion and marketing, skills development, simplification of hotel and restaurant classification/reclassification procedures, development of niche tourism products, use of technology for service delivery and market research. Below are the highlights of the initiatives undertaken in various areas: In the 2014-2015 Budget, two new schemes have been proposed with the following allocation:Rs. 500crore for developing 5 tourism circuits around specific themes.Rs. 100 crore for the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation (PRASAD). Advertising Promotion and Marketing: Television commercials (TVCs) are produced on the North Eastern region and Jammu and Kashmir. 9 city maps have been uploaded on the official website of Ministry of Tourism. Road shows to promote the country's tourism destinations and products were organized in the United States, Europe and China in collaboration with interested parties. The markets for the opening of Indian Tourism Marketing Representatives (ITMR) have been finalized and the RFP has been formulated. National guidelines for the safety and security of tourists have been formulated. Relevant guidelines for holding spiritual festivals in Bodh Gaya through the state government of Bihar in collaboration with international monasteries located there, in the lean season are being finalized in consultation with MEA and MHA. Safe and Honorable TourismThe National Conference of State Ministers of Tourism held on 21. 8. In 2014, the promotion of safe and honorable tourism was discussed with emphasis on safe and honorable tourism. The entire state government/UT administration has decided to continue ensuring safety and security of all tourists, especially women. The Ministry of Skills Development has tied-up with the Ecole Hotelier de Lausanne, Switzerland to improve the quality of hotel education. The first phase has already begun. The foundation stone for the establishment of the Indian Culinary Institute was laid on 02-09-2014. The decision has been taken to establish the Sector Skill Council (SSC) to regulate and promote hospitality and tourism related education and training. skills development in the country. 11,367 people trained under the Hunar Se Rozgar Tak program from this financial year to August 2014. A culinary survey of India has been launched, for identification and documentation of recipes. To overcome the bottleneck of shortage of Chinese-speaking tour guides in India, the Ministry organized a 3-month tour facilitator training course at the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, Noida for tour operator executives members of the Indian Association of Tour Operators. Six months certified courses were organized in 4 sectors of hospitality launched.h) A capacity building program for tourist transport drivers was conducted. Revised Hotel and Restaurant Guidelines for Classification / Reclassification for Hotels under 5 Star, 4 Star, Heritage Classic - with Alcohol Service or Without Alcohol Service.Awareness Workshop on Bed & Breakfast/Homestay with All States /UT and tourism industry stakeholders have been completed. This will increase the room capacity in the country's tourist destination. The list of bed & breakfasts/homestay facilities has been published on the Ministry of Tourism website. Simplified hotel classification/reclassification/enforcement system. Niche TourismComprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for three major sectors of the tourism industry - accommodation, tour operators and beaches, ponds, lakes and rivers was launched on 26 August 2014. A action to invite foreign tour operators to familiarize themselves with the incredible Indian Himalayas. Guidelines for the promotion of golf tourism revised. Guidelines for the promotion of wellness and medical tourism revised. Scheme for the use of telephones drawn up. satellite channels for Adventure Tour Operators. Revised guidelines formulated.