The Government has intensified digital initiatives and policy reforms aimed at strengthening the tourism and hospitality sector while improving transparency, service delivery and safety for travellers across the country.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared details of these initiatives in a written reply in Lok Sabha, outlining a range of measures covering digital platforms, regulatory frameworks, tax reforms and international tourism promotion.
One of the key initiatives is the implementation of a fully digital approval system for classification of accommodation units and recognition of tourism service providers. The Ministry of Tourism has introduced an online mechanism through the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry portal, enabling businesses in the hospitality sector to submit and track applications digitally.
The portal allows accommodation units and tourism service providers to file applications online for classification and recognition while ensuring transparency and accountability in the approval process. The system also integrates an online payment gateway, streamlining administrative procedures and reducing processing delays.
Officials stated that the digital platform is part of the government’s broader effort to modernize the tourism ecosystem and improve ease of doing business for hospitality stakeholders.
To enhance safety and assistance for travellers, the Ministry of Tourism has also established a 24 hour multilingual tourist helpline. The service operates on the toll free number 1800111363 and the short code 1363.
The helpline currently supports twelve languages, including ten international languages, enabling both domestic and foreign tourists to access information and guidance while travelling in India. The service provides assistance related to travel information, emergency support and guidance for tourists facing difficulties during their journeys.
As part of policy support for the tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism released a Handbook on Industry Status to the Tourism and Hospitality Sector in September 2024. The handbook has been circulated to State Governments and Union Territory administrations to support the incorporation of tourism industry status within state level tourism policies and frameworks.
The Government has also expanded the e Visa programme to facilitate easier international travel to India. At present, the e Visa facility is available to nationals of 175 countries.
Tourists using the e Visa system can enter India through 33 designated international airports, 19 designated seaports and four land ports, significantly improving accessibility for international visitors.
In addition to digital and regulatory initiatives, the Government has introduced major tax reforms affecting the tourism and hospitality sector through changes in the Goods and Services Tax structure implemented from September 22, 2025.
Under the revised framework, GST on hotel rooms priced below 7500 rupees per day has been reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent without input tax credit. This change is expected to reduce accommodation costs and make domestic travel more affordable.
GST on buses with seating capacity of more than ten passengers has been reduced from 28 percent to 18 percent, providing relief to the transport segment of the tourism sector.
The government has also reduced GST on art and cultural goods from 12 percent to 5 percent. The reduction aims to support artisans and sculptors whose work forms an integral part of the cultural tourism economy.
In addition, several consumer durables and hospitality related items such as televisions, refrigerators and air conditioners have seen reduced GST rates. Most food and related consumables now attract GST at 5 percent or lower, with some items exempt from tax altogether. Officials say these changes will reduce operational costs and capital expenditure for hotels, restaurants and other tourism related businesses.
The Ministry of Tourism has also introduced measures to strengthen safety standards in adventure tourism activities.
In collaboration with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, the Ministry has developed Model Adventure Safety Guidelines designed to establish a comprehensive and standardized safety framework across the country.
These guidelines have been circulated to all State Governments and Union Territories for adoption and integration into their local regulatory systems. Authorities have been asked to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and licensing requirements by all operators engaged in adventure tourism activities.
State and Union Territory administrations have been requested to closely monitor adventure tourism operations and ensure that operators follow prescribed safety norms to protect tourists and participants.
At present, the Ministry of Tourism has not undertaken any specific study to identify high risk adventure tourism destinations or activities. The Ministry also clarified that there are currently no plans to establish a centralized database to record casualties, accidents or safety violations linked to adventure tourism activities.
Meanwhile, official data indicates that international tourist arrivals to India have shown strong recovery after the pandemic period.
International tourist arrivals reached 20.57 million in 2024 on a provisional basis, representing a significant increase compared with the pre pandemic level of 17.91 million recorded in 2019. The increase reflects a growth of 14.82 percent compared to the 2019 benchmark.
According to data from the Bureau of Immigration, international tourist arrivals in 2024 stood at 2,05,68,622, representing an 8.9 percent increase compared with 2023.
Provisional figures for 2025 indicate international tourist arrivals of 2,00,85,644, reflecting a marginal decline of 2.4 percent compared with 2024.
To further boost inbound tourism, the Ministry of Tourism continues to conduct promotional campaigns in key international markets.
These initiatives are undertaken in coordination with Indian Missions abroad, State Governments, Union Territory administrations and stakeholders from the travel and tourism industry.
Promotional activities include tourism roadshows, participation in international travel trade exhibitions and tourism fairs, organization of familiarization tours for foreign tour operators, media representatives and influencers, and cultural promotion through India food festivals.
The Ministry also engages local tour operators and tourism industry stakeholders in international markets while using social media platforms to promote India as a global tourism destination.
Officials stated that these combined efforts aim to strengthen India’s tourism ecosystem, improve the experience of international travellers and support sustainable growth in the hospitality and tourism sector.
