India betters ranking in international tourist arrivals

India has ranked 24^th in terms of International Tourist Arrivals (ITA) for 2014 and 2015 as pre revised rankings of World Tourism Barometer by World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Inclusion of arrivals of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs):

It is to be noted that earlier, India ranked 41st and 40th in 2014 and 2015, respectively. However, on inclusion of non- resident Indians among international tourists, India leaped up 16 places to rank at 24th.

• Including arrivals of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs),India’s share in international tourist arrivals (ITA) for 2015 has increased to 1.12% from 0.68% before inclusion.

Travel and Tourism Sector in India:

• This sector generated Rs 14.1 trillion in 2016 which is equivalent to 6% of India’s GDP.
• 3 million Jobs were created in travel and tourism sector of India in 2016.
• Overall, the sector accounts for 3% of total jobs in India.
• For the year 2016, India’s Travel and Tourism sector registered a growth of 8.5% – the fastest amongst G20 countries.
• India ranked 40^th on Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), 2017. This marks a jump of 12 spots as compared to 52^nd rank in previous edition of this index, released in 2015.
• Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, administers and regulates the tourism industry in India.
• Mahesh Sharma is the Tourism Minister of State (Independent Charge)

About World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO):

UNWTO is the United Nation’s agency entrusted with the responsibility to promote responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

• Through its publications such as ‘World Tourism Barometer’, UNWTO serves as a source of information about tourism trends and statistics for its members.
• It was founded in year 1975.
• Headquarters of UNWTO is located in Madrid, Spain.
• Taleb Rifai is the current Secretary-General of UNWTO.