FAITH Advocates for Industry Status and ‘Brand Bharat’ to Elevate Indian Tourism
FAITH has introduced a Tourism Growth Charter, calling for industry status, ‘Brand Bharat’ campaigns, and a more accessible visa policy to establish India as a leading global tourism destination.
New Delhi, Jul 16 (PTI) To realize India’s ambition of becoming a global tourism powerhouse, targeted reforms are essential. These include granting industry status to reduce financing costs, launching a worldwide promotional campaign to showcase ‘Brand Bharat,’ and simplifying entry procedures to enhance travel convenience, according to the hospitality body FAITH.
The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) unveiled its “Tourism Growth Charter” on Thursday, proposing a time-bound action plan to capitalize on India’s travel and tourism potential.
“The primary challenge is no longer demonstrating tourism’s potential, but rather harnessing it effectively on a large scale. Tourism serves as a growth engine with a significant multiplier effect on both economic and social development. By taking immediate action on industry status, developing 50 key destinations, promoting ‘Brand Bharat,’ and improving ease of travel, we can position India as a global tourism leader within this decade,” stated Puneet Chhatwal, Chairman of FAITH.
Chhatwal added, “Refining these elements will lead to increased profitability within the sector and consequently, the creation of more employment opportunities.”
The Charter outlines immediate, quantifiable priorities, such as the central government granting ‘Infrastructure’ status and all states conferring ‘Industry’ status upon tourism. FAITH believes this will improve access to capital and lower financing expenses, thereby increasing the sector’s appeal for investment.
Additionally, the charter recommends accelerating the development of 50 tourism destinations through a Mission Mode approach, complete with clear implementation schedules.
It also proposes a dedicated global tourism promotion campaign under a robust ‘Brand Bharat’ initiative, backed by sustained funding, to increase the number of foreign tourist arrivals and strengthen India’s standing in international markets.
The charter argues that a more accommodating visa regime, including expanded e-visa availability and streamlined entry processes, can substantially boost inbound tourism.
Furthermore, it calls for investments in tourism infrastructure, encompassing last-mile connectivity, convention centers, wayside amenities, cruise terminals, and digital infrastructure, to enhance the overall visitor experience.
The charter also advocates for tax rationalization to align with international standards and the establishment of a single-window clearance system to encourage greater private sector involvement.
