By Our Special Correspondent
Concerned over the country's low ranking in the Global Travel and Tourism Index (TTDI), the Ministry of Tourism will launch an exercise to conduct a gap analysis and identify key areas where India is lagging behind.
During the process, it also identifies and develops indicator-wise action plans. A Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) is planned to be set up for this purpose. This department communicates and follows up with the concerned Ministries or Departments to ensure performance improvement in TTDI.
According to officials, along with supervision of TTDI as per the directions of NITI Aayog, PMU will guide, help and assist in assessment of tourist destination. Providing assistance to various research studies on behalf of the Ministry and follow-up activities will also be the job profile of the proposed unit.
This department prepares mid-term or short-term action plans and interventions with a major focus on improving India's rank in the 2023 index. It will also formulate a long-term action plan aimed at improving the 2025 ranking.
TTDI, Biennial Travel and Tourism Study, Flagship Index of World Economic Forum. It serves as a strategic benchmarking tool for policy makers, companies and complementary sectors to drive the future development of the travel and tourism sector by providing unique insights into the strengths and development areas of each country or economy.
India fell to 54th position in the 2021 TTDI released in May from 46th position in 2019. Despite the loss of ranks, the country remains at the top of South Asia. Japan topped the chart, followed by America (US), Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, UK, Singapore and Italy in the top 10.
Reports say that India ranks 33rd in terms of improved air infrastructure and 28th in port infrastructure. It ranks 51st in international openness, 14th in natural resources and 8th in cultural resources. India has progressed in many areas such as business environment, overall T&T policy, enabling conditions, infrastructure and information and communication technology.
The Ministry has invited bids from empanelled agencies to set up the unit. The Unit is required to prepare status/analytical reports of work progress done in respect of each index is required for monthly meetings of Sectoral Group of Secretaries and other meetings related to improvement of India's ranking performance as required Ministry officials.
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