As per the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2015, of the World Economic Forum, rank of India has improved significantly to 52nd in 2015 from 65th in 2013. Improving ranking of India from 65th to 52nd position in travel and tourism competitiveness index had been set as a target in the Result Framework Document (RFD) of Ministry of Tourism for the year 2014-15.
The measures taken by the Government to improve India’s tourism competitiveness, particularly regarding infrastructure and restrictive visa policy include the Development and promotion of tourism is primarily responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for tourism projects that are complete as per existing scheme guidelines and sanctioned subject to availability of scheme/funds and utilisation of funds released earlier.
Furthermore, the launch of Swadesh Darshan – Integrated Infrastructure Development as Theme-Based Tourist Circuits and National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) added impetus to the sector. The introduction of e-Visa facility was another advantage.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Mahesh Sharma in reply to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha.
