Professional Documents
Culture Documents
3.1 Introduction
India, a country situated in South Asia, is of sub continental dimension
with a population of over one billion people. Even after completing eleven five
year plans and five yearly plans, India is beleaguered with several problems.
Agriculture, the
very bad shape. Even after spending billions of rupees under various names for
alleviating poverty, it continues to be very acute. Different estimates of poverty
varyThe Planning Commissions estimate is the most conservative and Utsa
Patnaiks is the broadest estimate. Utsa Patnaiks study using NSS data vis-a-vis
the calorie intake prescribed by the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)
shows that around 70 percent of the Indian population are living below the
poverty line. There was lot of controversy about the Planning Commissions
estimate of poverty. There are related problems like social and gender inequalities,
illiteracy,
lack
of
adequate
health
facilities,
unplanned
urbanisation,
76
the more dynamic emerging economies such as India, have been experiencing an
increased demand for travel.
The country has a large treasure of natural beauty, archaeological and
architectural monuments. In addition, there are many hill resorts, beach resorts,
mountains and rivers etc. The northern part of India is famous for its hills, plains,
rivers, and monuments etc- the Himalayas, Kashmir Valley, the Ganges. The Taj
Mahal, the Kutub Minar, religious centers like Varanasi, Badrinath attracts large
number of tourists. The western region has tourist centers like Ajantha-Ellora and
industrial centre like Mumbai. Goa beach attracts foreign and Indian tourists. The
southern region has many temples, beaches, hill resorts, cultural heritage etc.
Places like Chennai, Madurai, Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram are important
centres of tourism in South India. The eastern region has tourist attraction like the
Gir Forest, pilgrim centers like Konarak and industrial centres like Kolkata.
There are colourful tribal life-styles of the North Eastern States of
Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur with their folk culture is also worth
mention. In the central Indian states of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh, tribal village
life has resulted in a variety of artistically executed handicrafts. Indias mountains
provide opportunities for mountaineering and trekking. Beaches provide lazy sun
bathing as well as wind surfing and snorkeling and its jungles provide shooting
wildlife. Indias natural beauty and its geographic location can be compared with
that of any other country in the world and its rich heritage makes it unique in the
world.
India is one of those rare countries, which has a wonderful blend of all the
resources essential to make it as a golden star on the Tourism map of the world.
Indias glorious tradition and rich cultural heritage are linked with the
development of tourism. Its magnificent monuments attract large numbers of
visitors from all over the world. India has an exceptionally varied climate ranging
from the extreme cold in high altitude and hot summer in the plains. Considering
the significance of tourism, 27th September is being observed as the World
Tourism Day every year. Tourism in developing countries mainly depends upon
its biodiversity. The quality of their natural environment gives many developing
countries a comparative advantage in tourism.
77
Tourism in India is probably as old as its 5000 plus year old culture. The
post second world war period saw an unprecedented growth in international
tourism. Tourism, unlike other development options such as manufacturing,
mining, forestry etc was widely perceived to be a clean and renewable industry.
Because it drew upon free natural, historical, social and cultural resources it was
thought to be less capital intensive in its requirements for development. Tourism,
as it is known today; began in India only after 1946, following the
recommendations of the Sargent Committee. It was only after the 1980s tourism
activity gained momentum in India. In India tourism and its development in an
organised manner has received attention over 45 years only. The significant
development that took place was setting up of the Indian Tourism Development
Corporation in 1966 to promote India as a tourist destination and the Tourism
Finance Corporation in 1989 to finance tourism projects. Altogether, 21
Government-run hotel management and catering technology institutes and 14 food
craft institutes were also established for imparting specialised training in
hoteliering. The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for the development and
promotion of tourism in India and catering. In the year 1986, Tourism has been
declared as Tourism Industry by the government of India. On March 4, 1993, the
United Nations Statistical Commission adopted WTOs (World Tourism
Organisations) recommendations on tourism.
Ecotourism has received much attention in recent years especially within
the developing world. Ecotourism in simple terms means management of tourism
and conservation of nature in a way so as to maintain a fine balance between the
requirements of tourism and ecology on the one hand and needs of the local
communities for jobs, new skills, income generating employment and a better
status for women on the other. Tourism policy provides the guidelines, goals and
objectives and tourism planning is the process of identifying objectives and
defining evaluations.
In India the emergence of alternative tourism promotes natural and cultural
events and others. Few promising alternative tourism paths include green tourism,
ecotourism, eco cultural tourism, heritage tourism etc. Ecotourism developed in
India in 1970s and 1980s. Ecotourism was globally identified as a means of
78
Jobs
Agriculture
44.7
Manufacturing
12.6
2.6
Railways
0.9
Other transport
13.8
Tourism
47.5
79
more foreign and domestic tourists from 15,000 in 1950 reached to more than 5
million foreign tourist arrivals with the growth rate of 9.9 percent during 2010.
The following achievements and contributions are enough to prove Indias
tourism potential in the global world:
Travel and tourism is the second highest foreign exchange earner for India,
and the government has given organisations in this industry export house
status.
The industry is waking up to the potential of domestic tourism as well,
with a 582.1 million domestic trips in 2009 as against 236.5 millions
domestic trips in 2003.
Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected
to generate 6.7% of total exports (INR 718.2 billion or US$ 18.5 billion
in 2008 growing to INR 2,750.2 billion or US$51.6 billion (4.4% of total)
in 2018.
The contribution of the travel and tourism economy to employment is
expected to rise from 30,491,000 jobs in 2008 (6.4% of total employment
or 1 in every 15.6 jobs) to 39,615,000 jobs (7.2% of total employment or 1
in every 13.8 jobs) by 2018.
Incoming foreign tourist arrivals have shown a 6% compound annual
growth rate over the last 10 years. Real GDP growth for travel and tourism
economy is expected to be 7.9% in 2008 and to grow at 8.6% per anum
over the coming 10 years.
3.1.3 India the 4th Most Favoured Country for Holidays
India has been ranked as the 4th most favoured country for holidays, above
South Africa and Switzerland, as per a survey undertaken by Conde Nast
Traveller Magazine. A reputed Consultant has been assigned the job to examine
the various aspects of tourism including existing policies, infrastructure, and
marketing strategies and prepare a plan for increasing the flow of foreign tourists.
The entry of low-cost airlines has provided a fillip to tourism industry. The other
catalyst is medical tourism. The number of foreigners visiting India to avail
quality and inexpensive medical treatment is growing day by day.
As per the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009 by the World
Economic Forum, India is ranked 11th in the Asia Pacific Region and 62nd overall,
81
In the Tenth Five Year Plan, various factors responsible for the inadequate
growth of tourism sector, i.e., barriers related to approach, barriers that discourage
private investment, absence of legislative support, unprofessional and adhoc
approach etc. needs to be removed. The effective and early removal of these
barriers during the tenth plan is urgently required for the successful
implementation of new tourism policy and for the speedy growth of tourism. It
was only during the 7th plan that the tourism promotion activities found a place in
the functioning of the department of Tourism. The 10th and 11th plan laid much
emphasis to tourism. The country witnessed a Compounded Annual Growth Rate
(CAGR) of 3.18% in FTAs (Foreign Tourist Arrival) during 2007-2010, as against
a 16.93% growth during the 10th Plan period.
The 11th five-year plan outlines six key strategic objectives for Indian
tourism sector and they are follows:
Commission highlights the need to adopt pro-poor tourism for increasing net
benefits to the poor and ensuring that tourism growth contributes to poverty
reduction. There is a significant shift in the strategies of the 12th five-year plan for
deriving maximum returns from proposed investments in the tourism sector based
on the approach Paper of the Planning Commission.
arrivals and 562 million domestic tourist visits. The tourism industry in India
generated about US $275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4%annual growth rate. By 2020
tourism in India could contribute Rs 8,50,0000 million to the GDP (Source:
WTTC).Domestic and foreign tourist arrivals have increased substantially from
2000 onwards. In the year 2009, 5.11 million foreign tourists visited India.
Majority of foreign tourists come from USA and UK. Tamilnadu, Maharashtra,
Delhi and Uttar Pradesh were the top four states to receive inbound tourists.
Domestic tourism in the same year was massive at 650 million. Andhra Pradesh,
Uttar Pradesh and Tamilnadu received the big share of these visitors. The
following table shows the advance estimates of Indian tourism.
The table 3:2 shows the trend of Indian tourism in 2010:Table 3:2
Trend of Indian Tourism in 2010
No. of foreign tourist arrivals in India
5.58 Million
12.07 Million
740.21 Million
Rs.64889Crore
Table 3:2 shows the number of tourist arrivals - both domestic and
foreign - to India in 2010.Number of domestic tourist arrivals were more than
that of foreign tourist arrivals. The above table also shows foreign exchange
earnings from tourism in India. The annual growth rate is 18.1% in INR terms
and is 24.6% in U$ terms.
The table 3:3 shows the tourist arrivals in India from 2000 to 2010: -
84
Table 3:3
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) in India from 2000 to 2010
Year
FTAs in India
(In Million)
2000
2.65
6.7
2001
2.54
-4.2
2002
2.38
-6.7
2003
2.73
14.3
2004
3.46
26.8
2005
3.92
13.3
2006
4.45
13.5
2007
5.08
14.3
2008
5.28
4.0
2009
5.17
-2.1
2010
5.58
Source: Tourism Statistics, Government of India.
8.1
Table 3:3 indicates that, the foreign tourists arrival in India shows a fluctuating
trend. FTAs to India have seen somewhat of a dramatic turnaround since 2002,
when a temporary declining trend was reversed aggressively. It could be observed
that, the share of India in world tourists arrival increased from 2.38 million in
2002 to 4.45 million in 2006.The number of foreign tourist arrival is highest in
2010 in the last ten years. The foreign tourist statistics indicates that, India has a
greater potential in tourism sector. The statistical description of foreign tourist
visits is discussed with the help of linear trend line.
The Linear trend line is given by
Y= 1.73 + 0.36 t
Where Y denotes the number of tourist arrivals in millions and the variable
t = year-1999. Here the trend line shows 0.36 million increase in foreign tourists.
Coefficient of determination is 0.93.
It is a measure of how apt this model fits the data.
The figure 3:1 shows the trend regarding foreign tourists arrivals in India: 85
Figure 3:1
Millions
0
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
Year
The trend line in fig.3:1 shows the fluctuations between years in foreign
tourist arrivals. In the ten years from 2000 to 2010, foreign tourist visit is high in
2010 and it is low in 2002.
Table 3:4 explains the domestic tourists arrivals in India from 2000 to
2010:-
86
2012
Table 3:4
Domestic Tourist Arrivals in India from 2000 to 2010
Year
Number of Domestic
Tourists Visit (Million)
Percentage Change
Over the Previous Year
2000
220.11
15.4
2001
236.47
7.4
2002
269.60
14.0
2003
309.04
14.6
2004
366.27
18.5
2005
391.95
7.0
2006
462.31
18.0
2007
526.43
13.9
2008
563.03
7.0
2009
668.80
18.8
2010
740.21
Source: Tourism Statistics, Government of India.
10.7
87
Figure 3:2
Millions
500
400
300
200
100
0
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
Year
The table 3:5 shows the foreign exchange earnings from tourism from
2000 to 2010:-
88
2012
Table 3:5
Foreign Exchange Earning (FEE) (in Rs. crore) from Tourism in India from
the Year 2000 to 2010
Year
2000
15626
20.7
2001
15083
-3.5
2002
15064
-0.1
2003
20729
37.6
2004
27944
34.8
2005
33723
18.5
2006
39025
17.8
2007
44360
13.7
2008
51294
15.6
2009
54960
7.1
2010
64889
Source: Tourism Statistics, Government of India.
18.1
From table 3:5 it can be seen that foreign exchange earnings generated
from tourism increased substantially. In 2010, foreign exchange earnings were
Rs.648890 million. Percentage change over the previous year was high in 2003.
The Linear trend line is given by
Y= 3543.94 + 5207.782 t
Where Y denotes the foreign exchange earnings in million rupees and the variable
t = year-1999.The linear trend line shows one year change over the other in the
case of foreign exchange earnings from tourism in India.
Coefficient of determination is 0.983.
Figure 3:3 explains the foreign exchange earnings from tourism in India
from 2000 to 2010: -
89
Figure 3:3
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
year
Fig.3:3 reveal that in India, foreign exchange earnings from tourism show
the rising trend from 2003 to 2010. In 2010, foreign exchange earnings from
tourism rose by 18.1% over the previous year.
90
Table 3:6
Month-wise Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India during 2009&2010
Month
2009
January
481308
490868
February
489787
600796
March
442062
471781
April
347544
354386
May
305183
344858
June
352353
369600
July
432900
452341
August
369707
381901
September
330707
368972
October
458849
486992
November
541524
606181
December
615775
655068
5167699
5583746
Total
2010
Table 3:6 shows the month-wise foreign tourist arrivals in India during
2009 and 2010. From the table 3:6 we can see that the number of foreign
tourists were high in December in 2009. It was low in May. In 2010, the
highest foreign tourist arrival month was December. The number was 655068.
The lowest number of tourist arrival was in May in 2010 also. In 2010 the
percentage change over the previous year was 8.1.
91
Table 3:7
Tourists Coming from Top Ten Countries to India in 2010
Rank
Source Country
Percentage (%)
Share
USA
0.916
16.40
UK
0.755
13.52
Bangladesh
0.381
6.82
Canada
0.240
4.30
Germany
0.224
4.01
Sri Lanka
0.219
3.92
France
0.218
3.90
Japan
0.165
2.95
Australia
0.164
2.94
10
Malaysia
0.160
2.87
3.442
61.64
Others
2.142
38.36
All Countries
5.584
100.00
92
Table 3:8
Share of Top 10 States/UTs of India in the Number of Domestic Tourist Visit
in 2010
Rank
State/UT
Percentage (%)
Share
Andra Pradesh
155789584
21.0
Uttar Pradesh
144754977
19.6
Tamil Nadu
111637104
15.1
Maharashtra
48465492
6.5
Karnataka
38202077
5.2
Madhya Pradesh
38079595
5.1
Uttarakhand
30206030
4.1
Rajasthan
25543877
3.5
West Bengal
21072324
2.8
10
Gujarat
18861296
2.5
6326123561
85.5
Others
107601941
14.5
Total
740214297
100.0
93
Table 3:9
Share of Top 10 States/UTs of India in the Number of Foreign Tourist
Visit in 2010
Rank
State/UT
Percentage (%)
Share
Maharashtra
5089126
28.5
Tamil Nadu
2804687
15.7
Delhi
1893650
10.6
Uttar Pradesh
1675123
9.4
Rajasthan
1278523
7.2
West Bengal
1192187
6.7
Kerala
659265
3.7
Bihar
635722
3.6
Himachal Pradesh
453616
2.5
10
Goa
441053
2.5
16116952
90.3
Others
1735825
9.7
Total
17852777
100.0
94
access to an area. Various hill stations or beaches therefore do not get categorised
as ecotourism destinations because it is impossible to control access to them.
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are on the other hand most amenable to
regulate access and thus most suitable as eco-tourist destinations. The Protected
Area Network in the country therefore becomes the most logical starting point for
development of ecotourism. Most eco tourists are from Europe, North America
and Japan.
But National parks and wildlife sanctuaries wherever established have
often displaced local communities, especially tribals or have in any case restricted
livelihood options of the original inhabitants. This left the poor local communities
still poorer and often without a viable recourse. The imperative of conservation
has therefore to be balanced with the primacy of economic development of local
communities within or on the periphery of a protected area. Ecotourism can be
made a most effective instrument in bringing about the balance where local
livelihoods actually benefit from improved conservation unlike in the past.
3.2.1 North Eastern States have Immense Potential for Eco-Tourism
Development
Government attaches great importance to the development of tourist
infrastructure in the northeastern region in view of immense tourist potential of
the region. The rich natural beauty, serenity and exotic flora and fauna of the area
in the eight states of the north eastern region are invaluable resources for the
development of ecotourism.
The national ecotourism policy and guidelines aim to preserve, retain and
enrich natural resources and to ensure regulated growth of ecotourism with its
positive impacts on environmental protection and community development. Under
these guidelines, the government has prioritised several projects in various parts of
the country. Assam has immense potentialities for the growth and development of
ecotourism.
98
The Tourism Ministry has taken several steps including the setting up of a
Chapter of Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management at Guwahati on
the basis of sound ecotourism principles. Table 3:10 indicates the tourist statistics
(both foreign and domestic) in 2009 and 2010: -
Table 3:10
State-wise Domestic and Foreign Tourist Arrival in North East
(2009&2010)
States
Domestic
(2009)
Foreign
(2010)
Domestic
(2009)
Foreign
(2010)
Assam
3436833
12899
3617306
14426
Arunachal Pradesh
91100
2212
149292
3020
Manipur
101484
396
112151
354
Meghalaya
457685
5267
549936
4919
Mizoram
43161
669
55924
902
Nagaland
22085
936
21129
1209
Sikkim
329075
17498
460564
19154
Tripura
244795
3181
245438
3577
India
526564364
1326724
562915569
1411250
99
Unfortunately these animals are now on the verge of extinction. This marsh land
has become a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures in yellow and black strips.
Deer, antelopes, gaur and wild pigs also have made this marsh land their home.
Goa Eco-Tour
Goa is a place where the visitors can have the real feeling of enjoyment
and fun with the package of ecotourism. Goa is a combination of natural resources
and our rich heritage. The churches, temples, monuments, forts will tell us the
story of history. The beaches, wildlife and national park will introduce us to the
natural magic of Goa. The carnival and cuisines of Goa adds the extra flavour to
the eco-visitors. Goa is making keen efforts to develop ecotourism by developing
interior green spots like water falls, sanctuaries and lakes.
Himalayas
The whole mountain range of North India will give the tourists a perfect
picture of an eco-tour. Several places like Kulu, Manali, Ladak, Dharmashala,
Dalhosi etc are specially known for its natural beauty to the nature lovers. The
eco-visitors can witness the magical glow of sunrise and sunset from the different
corner of mountain range. Himalaya ranges are famous for trekking and camping.
In different colours, shapes and heights, valleys of mountains impress the ecovisitors by their inherent qualities.
Coorg
The scenic beauty of this hill station is unmatched. Exploring this hill
station and its natural possession, world famous waterfalls, Iruppu and Abbey and
101
Garhwali
Snow capped mountains, beautiful meadows, serenelakes and dense forests
offering amazing wildlife view are some of the embedded geographical features of
this Northern region of country.
Kodaikanal
The whole beauty of this small place is assembled in its beauty of
untouched serene and virgin lakes and caves, which are full of offering diverse
range of eco-adventure. This place is situated in Tamilnadu.
Sikkim
With the joy of trekking in the second highest peak of the world,
Kanchenjunga, exploring the Rhododendron trek and beautiful land of orchid,
Sikkim is unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Shimla
Fine opportunity to enjoy excursion like Oak and Rhododendron forest
exploration, Sking and ice-skaling and Himalayan sightseeing make this small hill
station one of the most favourite vacationing spots for domestic as well as
international tourists.
Uttaranchal
Constituting the two naturally rich regions: Tumaon and Garhwal, this
Northern state is full of spots offering tourists many of the salubrious, pleasant
and adventurous activities like trekking, birding and river rafting.
species of trees, 50 species of mammals and 580 species of birds, the park is the
ultimate ecotourism destination for all the animal lovers across the world.
platform etc. The picnicker, casual tourists, adventure tourist, ornithologists and
photographers constitute the major types of the tourists. More than one lakh
tourists visit the park annually.
Table 3:11 lists the other major ecotourism sites in India:Table 3:11
Major Eco - Tourism Sites in India
Eco Parks
Kanala Bird Sanctuary
Parambikulam Wildlife
Sanctuary
Bheemeshwari Wildlife
Sanctuary
Similipal Tiger Reserve
Namdapha National Park
Neoravalley National
Park
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Periyar Sanctuary
Bandipur National Park
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Ranthambhore National
Park
Corbett National Park
Kanha Tiger Reserve
Dachigam National Park
Dudihwa National park
Nagarhole National Park
Silent Valley National
Park
Eco Place
Rabangla
Chilka Lake
Eco Fauna
Rufous-Necked Hornbill
Himalyan Tree Pie
Sangla Valley
Naggar
Dalhousie
Rishikesh
Red Fox
Himalayan Black Bear
Scarlet Miniet
Blue Mormon
Blue Whistling Thrush
Himalyan Goral
Himalayan Griffon
Himalayan Musk Deer
Coonor
Mahabalipuram
Sela Pass
Sonamarg
Kumbhalyarh
Mount Abu
Pachmarhi
Chandertal
Lava and Lolaygaon
Saputara
Mandvi
Diu
Thirparappu Falls
Pondicherry
Yercaud
Valpari
Pollibetta
Vythiri
Kedremukh
Source: www.ecotourismindia.com
104
Table 3:12 depicts the important eco destination, ecotrivia and eco flora in
India: Table 3:12
Eco-Destination, Eco Trivia and Eco Flora in India
Eco Destination
Ladak
Nisargadhama
Amboli
Khekranala
Karwar
Volaghar
Andaman and Nicobar
Eco Trivia
Edakkal Caves
Karla Caves
Western Ghats
Lokpal or
Hemkund
Namola Phas
Treasures
Tami Tea Estate
Stinging Nettles
Eco Flora
Chigoza
Cobra Plant
Cortigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Deodar
Himalayan Yew
Karvi Bushes
Magical World of Ferns
Mussoorie Trees
Shola Forests
Warm Wood
World Tallest Rhododendron
Source: www.ecotourismindia.com
The main eco-treks and eco-adventures are mentioned in table 3:13: -
Table 3:13
Eco-Treks and Eco-Adventures in India
Eco Treks
Eco Adventures
Wayanad Treks
Bungee
Brahmagiri Treks
Jumping
Hiking
Paragliding
River Rafting
Table 3:14 lists the important hill stations in India: Table 3:14
Hill Stations in India
State
Himachal Pradesh
Jharkhand
Ranchi
Kerala
Uttaranchal
Almora,
Dehradum,Kasuni,Mussoorie,Nainital,Pithoragarh
Madhya Pradesh
Bhedaghat
Rajasthan
Mount Abu
Maharashtra
Sikkim
Gangtok
Tamil Nadu
West Bengal
Darjeeling
Source: www.ecotourismindia.com
106
Table 3:15
Indian Eco-System and Resources
Biosphere Reserves
Mangroves
Coral Reefs
Deserts
Caves
Source: www.ecotourismindia.com
Biosphere reserves are multi-purpose protected areas, for preservation of
the genetic diversity and the integrity of plants, animals and microorganism in
representative eco systems. There are 7 such reserves in India at present and they
are listed in table 3:16:-
Table 3:16
Bio-Sphere Reserves in India
Nilgiri
Nanda Devi
Nokrek
Great Nicobar
Gulf of Mannar
Manas
Sunderbans
Source: www.ecotourismindia.com
Mangroves are much specialised forest eco-systems of tropical and
subtropical regions, bordering sheltered seacoasts and estuaries. The major
mangrove areas are listed in table 3:17:-
107
Table 3:17
Mangroves in India
Goa
Coonapur (Karnataka)
Achra/Ratnagiri(Maharashtra)
Vembanad (Kerala)
Source: www.ecotourismindia.com
Table 3:18 indicates the Coral reef eco-systems in India: -
Table 3:18
Coral Reef Eco-Systems in India
Gulf of Mannar
Lakshadweep Islands
Gulf of Kutch
Source: www.ecotourismindia.com
The great Himalayas and other mountain ranges in the country, along with
the snow-clad slopes, forests and rivers have also become important attractions for
eco-tourists. The country has an area of about 752.3 lakh hectares designated as
forest land and of this about 406.1 lakh hectares are classified as reserve forests
and 215.1 lakh hectares as protected forests.
The Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal brace the sides
of the Indian subcontinent, except for the land locked northern boundary. The
landmass of India is crossed by several rivers and dotted by lakes of many places.
The water bodies provide attractive opportunities for water sports.
108
of them lying still in the pristine lap of mother lap guarantee its visitors to fetch
them a unique view of their natural richness.
The diversity of the wildlife in India is as rich as those of the flora and
fauna found only in Africa. Traditionally, India has sought to protect its
biodiversity through a Protected Area Network (PAN) consisting of 590 protected
areas, including 90 National Parks and 500 Wildlife Sanctuaries spread over 4.7%
of the geographical area. India houses three-fourth of the worlds tigers in its
Tiger Reserves.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has constituted two
awards in the field of ecotourism. One is the best eco-friendly tourism project/
organisation, and the other is the most innovative unique tourism project.
110
Development of Tourist Circuit (Western Assam Circuit) DhubariMahamaya-Barpeta-Hajo has been sanctioned for an amount of Rs.4.97
crore.
111
destinations such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Egypt. If the climate is not
conducive to ecotourism, it can never grow and flourish and which attributed to
some unfavourable factors.
The Ministry of Tourism is developing Indias first ecotourism model in
the valley of flowers in Uttarkhand with the assistance of UNDP (United Nations
Development Programme). In the south, Kerala has announced its eco drive
branding Kerala as an environmental state to increase its international appeal.
The states department of tourism has presented hoteliers eco friendly guidelines.
Ever-green Kerala is the aim behind this drive. India houses three-fourths of the
worlds tigers in its tiger reserves. The government of Tamilnadu has announced
an ecotourism policy that will help to create awareness among the youth about the
importance of the states ecology. The ecotourism wing of the Tamilnadu Tourism
Development Corporation (TTDC) would set high standards of ecology to be
maintained by TTDC hotels, chalkout programmes for youth, so that adventure
tourism could be promoted along with ecotourism and recognise outstanding
organisations and give awards every year. The government of India is also
developing a nature and wildlife circuit in the central region, largely in Madhaya
Pradesh, and an ecotourism circuit in the Northeast region.
Several state governments have also taken policy initiative to promote
ecotourism. The government of Himachal Pradesh has announced a Policy on
development of Ecotourism in May 2001 with special focus on the involvement
of local communities. The government of Madhya Pradesh has announced an
Eco and Adventure Tourism Policy on 2001-2002 placing emphasis on the
involvement of the private sector. Forest Departments in Kerala, Goa, Karnataka,
Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim have designated officials to coordinate ecotourism
activities. Several state governments including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Karnataka and Andra Pradesh have issued orders for recycling of entry fees from
protected areas for conservation and community development. The Forest
Corporation of West Bengal and Uttaranchal has initiated ecotourism activities
and the government of Kerala has launched The Thenmala Eco-Tourism
Promotion Society to develop a model for ecotourism. Recently, practioners and
interested individuals in Sikkim established the Ecotourism and Conservation
Society of Sikkim (ECOSS) with the objectives of promoting conservation and
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ecotourism projects, research and advocacy. In the private sector there are
examples of eco-friendly concept hotels such as the Orchid Hotel and product
development by the Casino Group in Kerala.
3.8.1 National Eco-Tourism Policy and Guidelines of the Ministry of
Tourism, Government of India
The National Ecotourism Policy and Guidelines of the Ministry of
Tourism after considering the national policy on tourism has identified the
following cardinal principles for the development of ecotourism:
It should identify the likely conflicts between resource use for tourism
and the livelihood of local inhabitants and attempt to minimise such
conflicts
The new policy is built around the 7-s Mantra of Swaagat (welcome),
Soochanaa (information), Suvidhaa (facilitation), Surakshaa (security),
Sahyog (cooperation), Sanrachnaa (infrastructure) and Safaai (cleanliness).
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The policy proposes the inclusion of tourism in the concurrent list of the
Constitution so as to enable both the central and state governments to
participate in the development of the sector.
Concession rates on customs duty of 25% of goods that are required for
initial setting up or for substantial expansion of hotels.
Approved hotels are entitled to import essential goods relating to the hotel
and tourism industry up to the value of 25% of the foreign exchange
earned by them in the preceding licensing year. This limit for approved
travel agents/tour operators is 10%
Hotels located in locations other than the four major metro cities are
entitled to 30% deduction from profit for a ten-year period.
The expenditure tax has been waived in respect of hotels located in the
hills, rural areas, and places of pilgrimage or specified place of tourist
importance.
The Indian tourism industry has not good since the early 1990s. With
potential. With the efforts of central and state governments, various problems such
as poverty, unemployment, foreign exchange earnings, international peace,
regional imbalances, industrial recession etc can be solved to a large extent if the
existing ecotourism resources are fully explored.
3.10 Conclusion
Considering the wide geographical and biological diversity, the scope of
ecotourism in India is very high. If these resources are tapped successfully we can
transform the face of ecotourism industry in India. What actually needed is careful
planning and a target oriented approach. Ecotourism in India has flourished
because of the immense bio-diversity that exists nowhere else in the world. It
must, however, be realised that there is immense potential still to be tapped in
terms of making optimum use of the available natural resources. Well-managed
ecotourism can be hugely beneficial for biodiversity. There are some factors that
have promoted ecotourism in India to a great extent. However, Indias full
potential is yet to be realised and in the future years the country can expect to reap
some great rewards. Looking at the tremendous potential the ecotourism industry
offers in the field of its employment generation and foreign exchange earning
capacity, it is the time that Government pays urgent attention to the needs of the
ecotourism industry. It is believed that by 2020, tourism industry would be a
single biggest industry in the world. In this way, the ecotourism in India requires
to be developed by amending laws for attaining the objectives of sustainability.
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