布鲁金斯学会-南亚旅游：印度与该地区的旅游联系（英文）-2020.7-20页_2mb

Summary of Policy Brief: "Travel South Asia: India's Tourism Connectivity with the Region"

Core Content

This policy brief explores India's tourism connectivity with its South Asian neighbours, highlighting the role of visa liberalisation, transportation infrastructure, and regional tourism trends. It also compares India's tourism dynamics with China's growing influence in the region.

Main Points

1. Tourism as a Key Indicator of Soft Power

• Tourism is a key indicator of a country's soft power, reflecting people-to-people connectivity and economic potential.
• South Asia has become an attractive tourist destination due to its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and price competitiveness.
• India is a major contributor to the region's tourism GDP and a preferred destination for regional tourists.

2. Growth in South Asian Tourist Arrivals to India

• Tourists from South Asia (N7) account for approximately 29% of India's total foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in 2018.
• The share of South Asian tourists has been increasing since 2014, reaching 21.6% in 2018.
• Bangladesh has become the largest source of South Asian tourists to India, with a 311% increase in arrivals from 2013 to 2017.
• The liberalisation of visa rules in 2013 and 2018 played a significant role in this surge.

3. Visa Policies and Regional Connectivity

• India has bilateral visa agreements with Nepal and Bhutan, allowing visa-free travel.
• The Maldives allows visa-free travel for tourists staying less than 90 days.
• An openness index shows that Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka have the most open visa policies towards other South Asian countries.
• India ranks fifth in terms of regional tourism openness, with only three countries (Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives) eligible for visa-free travel.

4. Mode of Arrival and Infrastructure

• Air and road are the dominant modes of arrival for South Asian tourists to India.
• Rail and sea connectivity remain underdeveloped due to infrastructure gaps.
• Improvements in cross-border infrastructure such as Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and air routes have contributed to increased tourist movement.

5. China's Growing Influence in South Asian Tourism

• Chinese tourist arrivals in South Asia have grown significantly between 2007 and 2018, with the highest increase in Sri Lanka (2486%).
• China is the world's largest tourism source market since 2012, with outbound travel increasing from 4.5 million to 150 million in 2018.
• Chinese tourists spend more per capita (US$1850) compared to Indian tourists (US$960).
• China's investments in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, airlines, and airports, have boosted its presence in the region.

Key Information

• India's Tourism Growth: India's total foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) have shown linear growth since 2003, with a CAGR of 10% between 2003-2013 and 22% between 2013-2017.
• Bangladesh's Surge: The 2013 and 2018 visa liberalisation agreements with Bangladesh led to an 80% increase in tourist arrivals by 2018, with an average annual growth of 40% since 2014.
• China's Tourism Expansion: Chinese tourists have seen a massive increase in their presence in South Asia, with a 753% rise in the last decade (2007-2018).
• Infrastructure Development: Investments in cross-border infrastructure, such as ICPs, airports, and air routes, have enhanced connectivity and tourist movement.
• Economic Impact: Tourism contributes significantly to South Asia's GDP, with the sector contributing US$234 billion or 6.6% in 2019.

Policy Recommendations

• Expand E-Visa Facility: Extend e-visa availability to all South Asian countries to facilitate easier travel.
• Invest in Digitisation: Promote digital services in the tourism sector to enhance security, efficiency, and revenue.
• Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Home Affairs to improve infrastructure and digital immigration services.
• Regional Tourism Initiatives: Leverage regional platforms such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, and BBIN for joint tourism promotion and cooperation.
• Promote Religious Tourism: Develop religious tourism circuits, such as the Buddhist and Ramayana circuits, to capitalise on cultural and historical linkages.

Conclusion

India has made significant strides in regional tourism, but challenges such as visa restrictions and infrastructure gaps persist. China's growing influence in the region underscores the need for India to enhance its connectivity and promotional efforts. With the rise of digital and regional cooperation, India can further solidify its position as a leading tourism hub in South Asia.