21.12.22 Daily [Uttarakhand] UKPSC Current Affairs

With more tourists thronging the hill state after dip in numbers during Covid pandemic, tourism authorities are contemplating changes to attract moreforeign touristsand high spenders.

The number of tourists, including foreign nationals, witnessed a significant dip but things were back on track this year. In 2019, Uttarakhand attracted 3.9 crore tourists out of which 1.5 lakh were foreigners.

In 2022, the number of visitors in the first 10 months (till October) shot up to 4.7 crore and the number of foreign tourists was 45,163. In 2020, the number of foreign nationals was 38,763 and 15,410 in 2021.

Though the number of foreign nationals visiting Uttarakhand is still below the 1.5 lakh mark of 2019, authorities expect the number to go up significantly in the next few years with improved and facilities. With the increase in overall numbers, tourism authorities are contemplating moves to draw the attention of foreign and high-end tourists.

Wellness centres, homestays, better air connectivity, more ropeway projects, upgradation of Chaurasi Kutiya under Rajaji Tiger Reserve as per international standards, winter games and tourism, construction of museum at Rambara, a meditation centre at Chhoti Lincholi, development works around Tehri Lake are among the projects which are either underway or in the pipeline to boost tourism sector.

According to Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board data, the Himalayan state had 3.4 crore tourists (excluding Char Dham), which included 3.3 crore domestic and 1.4 lakh from foreign nations. Due to Covid, the number dipped to 78.7 lakh – 78.3 lakh national and 38,763 international visitors in 2020.

However, states can add more blocks to the programme later.

According to the latestHenley Passport Index,Japanhas retained its position as the most favourible passport in the world, allowing visa-free entry to 193 global destinations. which the country tops for the fifth consecutive year.Singapore and South Koreacame in a joint second on the ranking, followed by Germany and Spain, and then a slew of other European nations.