Question

Give an account of domestic tourism in India.

Answer 1

Domestic tourism refers to travel by Indian residents within the country. It plays a crucial role in India’s tourism industry and contributes significantly to the local economy. Key Features of Domestic Tourism:

• Affordable and Accessible: Promotes travel across cultural and geographical boundaries.
• Religious and Cultural Importance: Pilgrimage continues to be a major motivation for domestic travel. Initiatives like the PRASAD scheme aim to enhance infrastructure at pilgrimage sites, boosting tourism driven by religious sentiment.
• Hill Stations and Natural Beauty: Hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Nainital, and Ooty remain favorite destinations during summer vacations. National parks and sanctuaries are also gaining popularity among Indian travelers.
• Tourist Volume: In 2017, domestic tourist visits reached 1,652.5 million, up from 1,615.4 million in 2016. The top five destination states were Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, accounting for over 63% of total visits.