As per the 2nd Tourism Satellite Account of India 2009-10, the contribution of Tourism in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment generation in the country in 2009-10, has been estimated to be 6.8% and 10.2%, respectively. The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) during the years 2002-2012 were Rs.5,22,206 Crore.
The tourism sector has a major role to play to promote faster, sustainable and more inclusive economic growth. It has better prospects for promoting pro-poor growth than many other sectors. This is because tourism is labour intensive and involves a collection of activities, services and industries comprising transportation, accommodation, eating and drinking establishments, retail shops, entertainment businesses and other hospitality services provided to individuals or groups traveling away from home for leisure, business or other purposes. The broad scope of economic activities involved enables wide participation in its growth, including participation by the informal sector.
