Tourism sector estimated to grow at over 25% CAGR: Union Minister Shekhawat

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said the tourism sector contributes ₹20 lakh crore to India's GDP, and is expected to grow at a rate of over 25%. At the heart of this transformation lies the belief that tourism is a national priority, not an auxiliary industry, the Minister for Culture and Tourism on (October 11), addressing the 'Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart' organised by the state's tourism department.

"Tourism now contributes over Rs 20 lakh crore to our national GDP. It provides livelihood to more than 84 million people," Shekhawat said. "India welcomed 20 million inbound tourists last year, and 2.94 billion tour trips were made by domestic travelers. Tourism sector in India is estimated to grow with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of more than 25 per cent," he added.

These numbers tell a deeper story, the story of empowerment, the tourism minister said.

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"Artisans finding new markets, families running home-stays, women entrepreneurs creating eco retreats, local youth becoming confident guides and hosts," he said.

At the heart of this transformation lies the belief that tourism is a national priority, not an auxiliary industry, with an unprecedented investment in highways, airports, inland waterways and digital infrastructure, he said, adding that travel across the country has been made seamless.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday met representatives of the film and tourism industries as part of the state's efforts to promote it as a prime shooting and tourism destination.

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The one-on-one meetings took place on the sidelines of the MP Travel Mart at the Kushabhau Thakre auditorium. Producer Ekta Kapoor, actors Gajraj Rao and Raghubir Yadav, Lara Molina of the Spanish Film Commission and film producer Anna Saura were among those who met Yadav.

The CM assured them that his government was committed to making Madhya Pradesh the most attractive hub for tourism and film production in the country.

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MP Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi and Minister of State for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Krishna Gaur were also present at the travel mart.

Experts from the wedding planning and event management sector also shared their ideas with the chief minister to promote Madhya Pradesh as a wedding destination, the official release said.