In order to boost tourist inflow in the country, unexplored destinations such as Hampi, Diu, Auroville, among others, must be developed and positioned intelligently, a study says. The Indian tourism and hospitality industry will account for 7 per cent of the country’s GDP in 2015.

“In 2014, tourism contributed ₹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 ₹8.22 trillion and 37.4 million, respectively,” according to FICCI-EY joint Knowledge Paper on ‘Unexplored Tourism Destinations of India.’

The report identifies 12 unexplored tourism destinations in the country, focusing on their attractions, connectivity and availability of 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 tourist destinations,” it says. 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 suggests.

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