Enhanced Connectivity and Hospitality to Foster Tourism Growth
In a recent address at the World Tourism Day celebration at Vigyan Bhawan, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu outlined ambitious plans to increase the number of airports in India from 157 to 350 by the year 2047. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Naidu highlighted the ministry’s commitment to improving domestic connectivity and enhancing facilities at airports to ensure a warm welcome for international visitors. He described airports as “the gateways to a nation,” emphasizing their crucial role in tourism.
“Currently, we have 157 airports, but our goal is to significantly raise that number in the next 20-25 years, in line with our vision for a developed India by 2047,” he stated during the event hosted by the Ministry of Tourism.
The Minister congratulated the tourism ministry on the announcement that the ‘Chalo India’ campaign will exempt one lakh foreign tourists from visa fees, aimed at boosting travel to India.
Naidu shared statistics illustrating the growth in tourism, noting that the number of international travelers landing in India has surged from 4.6 crore in 2014 to nearly 7 crore today, with over 35% visiting for leisure and recreation.
He also pointed out the ministry’s efforts to connect previously “unserved” and “underserved” airports situated near picturesque locations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to making air travel accessible to all citizens.
“The UDAAN scheme has made air travel more accessible, and we’re looking to expand airport networks to connect hidden gems in our country,” Naidu remarked.
Additionally, the Minister expressed interest in enhancing seaplane and helicopter services to further improve connectivity for tourists, stating that air travel is essential for maximizing India’s tourism potential.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) promotes World Tourism Day to emphasize tourism’s role in sustainable development and poverty reduction, celebrating the day annually on September 27 since its inception in 1980.
