India ranks 24th in International Tourist Arrivals

India ranks 24th in International Tourist Arrivals

Question: What is India’s ranking in Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2017 released by the World Economic Forum?
(a) 40th
(b) 52nd
(c) 41st
(d) 50th
Ans: (a)

  • As per UNWTO assessment for March 2017, Rank of India in International Tourist Arrivals in both 2014 and 2015 is 24 as against the previous rank of 41 and 40 in the year 2014 and 2015, respectively.
  • As per the UNWTO definition, International Tourist Arrivals (ITA) comprises two components namely Foreign Tourist Arrivals and Arrivals of Non-Resident Nationals.
  • The UNWTO in its barometer ranks countries in terms of their ITAs. So far only the figures of FTAs were compiled in India. However, now India has started compiling the data arrivals of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), also.
  • The number of NRI arrivals during 2014 and 2015 were 5.43 million and 5.26 million, respectively.
  • Accordingly, the numbers of ITAs in India during 2014 and 2015 were 13.11 million and 13.28 million, respectively.
  • Due to this inclusion, UNWTO has acknowledged India’s improved rank.
  • Earlier India’s rank in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), 2017 had also shown a 12 places jump from 52nd in 2015 to 40th in 2016. Rank of India in TTCI Report of 2017 was 40th as compared to 52nd in 2015, 65th in 2013 and 68th in 2011.
  • It is notable that UNWTO and TTCI rankings are based on different parameters. UNWTO gives ranking in terms of numbers of ITAs whereas TTCI provides rank on 14 pillars organized into four sub-indices of ‘Enabling Environment’, ‘Travel & Trade Policy and Enabling Conditions’, ‘Infrastructure’ and ‘Natural and Cultural Resources.

Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=161959