The Indian tourism and hospitality industry will account for 7 per cent of the country’s GDP in 2015, a study said.

“In 2014, the tourism sector contributed Rs 7.64 trillion to the GDP and provided employment to 36.7 million people. By the end of 2015, these numbers are expected to increase to Rs 8.22 trillion and 37.4 million respectively. This would mean that tourism will account for 7 per cent of India's GDP in 2015,” according to FICCI-EY jointly Knowledge Paper on ‘Unexplored Tourism Destinations of India’.

The report identifies 12 chosen unexplored tourism destinations in the country, focusing on their main attractions, connectivity and availability of accommodation facilities.

“Destinations such as Majuli Islands, Auroville (Pondicherry), Desert Camps of Rajasthan, Chitrakoot (MP), Diu (Daman & Diu), Dudhwa National Park (UP), Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra), Hampi (Karnataka), Lahaul & Spiti (HP), Rann of Kutch (Gujarat), Sundarbans Delta (West Bengal) and Gurez/Gurais (J&K), have potential to be developed as great tourist destinations,” it said.

Key policy interventions such as organisation of marquee events/festivals, development of theme-based activities, provision of basic tourist facilities, preservation of heritage and nature, dedicated state tourism policy, among others, can further boost tourism at the chosen destinations, the report suggested.

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