Ramesh Sarraf Dhamora
The tourism industry plays a significant role in earning valuable foreign exchange for the country. Often referred to as a “chimney-less industry,” tourism continues to provide direct or indirect employment to millions of people today. India is among the select few nations in the world boasting an abundance of tourist attractions and landmarks rich in artistic, religious and natural beauty. This is why foreign tourists from thousands of miles away find it impossible to resist the allure of visiting India. Furthermore, vast numbers of domestic tourists can also be seen visiting various tourist destinations across the country, stretching from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
The objective of observing World Tourism Day is to raise awareness about the importance of tourism as a global industry and its social, cultural, political and economic impacts. Celebrating this day helps foster an understanding of how tourism affects us and the world around us, encompassing not only economic consequences but also ethical and social considerations.
Tourism is the largest service industry in India, contributing 6.23 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounting for 8.78 percent of total employment in the country. India sees an annual influx of 5 million (50 lakh) foreign tourists and records 560 million (56 crore) domestic tourist visits. World Tourism Day is an annual event aimed at promoting awareness regarding the significance of tourism as a global industry and its multifaceted impact: social, cultural, political and economic.
World Tourism Day was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), now known as UN Tourism. It has been observed annually on September 27 since 1980, marking the date when the statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. Each year, World Tourism Day is celebrated with a specific theme. According to UN Tourism, the official theme for World Tourism Day 2026 is embracing digital transformation within the tourism sector and fostering the integration of artificial intelligence. This theme highlights how modern technology and innovation are converging to make the future of tourism more modern, transparent and accessible.
According to the latest Economic Impact Trends Report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), India has made a significant leap from its previous tenth position to eighth place among the world’s largest tourism economies in 2025. The report underscores India’s rising stature in the global travel sector and projects that it will reach the fourth position within the next decade. India’s tourism sector is set to contribute $231.6 billion in 2025, reflecting robust growth and strategic development in infrastructure, marketing and service delivery. This upward trend highlights India’s potential as a global tourism hub and emphasises the sector’s crucial role in driving economic expansion and employment.
European nations such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain remain key players. Meanwhile, Asian destinations like Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia and the Philippines are rapidly establishing themselves as major tourism hubs. Countries witnessing a sharp rise in international tourism spending include Saudi Arabia (+91.3%), Turkey (+38.2%), Kenya (+33.3%), Colombia (+29.1%) and Egypt (+22.9%).
In today’s world, where strengthening the economy is a top priority for every nation, the economies of many countries revolve around the tourism industry. Nations in Europe, coastal Africa and East Asia, as well as Canada and Australia, derive significant economic strength from tourism revenue. Tourism is one of the world’s largest sectors, contributing 11 percent to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Economists and policymakers monitoring various aspects of the national economy have almost unanimously acknowledged that the country’s tourism potential is not being adequately utilised. There is a need for more effective and impactful measures in this regard. As part of this strategy, substantial investments are being arranged to enhance telecommunications, road and air transport facilities, connecting various tourist destinations with major cities and towns. Additionally, emphasis is being placed on developing basic infrastructure around traditional tourist hubs and creating new tourist destinations. This scenario clearly indicates a high future demand for experts in tourism management and related sectors. These opportunities are likely to arise predominantly in the private sector rather than the public sector.
Experts predict that within the next decade, India will secure the third position globally in the tourism-based economy. It is estimated that approximately 10 million (one crore) new jobs will be created in this sector during this period; a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council has highlighted such prospects. Currently, around 40 million (four crore) people in the country earn their livelihood, either directly or indirectly, through the travel and tourism industry.
Most tourism-related training courses in the country are at the postgraduate level. Anticipating the future expansion of the tourism sector, universities are rapidly developing tourism education departments. These institutions offer postgraduate courses such as the Master of Tourism Administration. Apart from universities, private training institutes also offer part-time and full-time diploma courses. Obtaining a tourism diploma or degree opens up avenues for self-employment, meaning one need not remain idle while waiting for a job application to yield results. Ventures such as tour operations and travel agencies can be started with minimal capital; these include services ranging from local sightseeing and organised tours to pilgrimage trips and excursions to remote tourist destinations. Nowadays, package tours are being created for international destinations such as Switzerland, Paris, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, the USA, Canada, the Maldives and Nepal. These packages cover all expenses, ranging from local sightseeing and air travel to hotel accommodation. Additionally, one can earn a fixed percentage commission by acting as an authorised ticketing agent for various airlines.
Today, tourism training courses are being offered at most government and private universities. Furthermore, numerous private institutes across the country provide training in various sectors of tourism, issuing certificates upon completion. The Rajasthan Tourism Department periodically organises training camps for guides in the state; selected guides who complete the training are awarded an official guide certificate by the department. Similar courses are being conducted in other states across the country, enabling individuals to pursue a career in the tourism sector through education and training.
Ramesh Sarraf Dhamora
