Volume : 2, Issue : 12, December - 2013

ICT and Impact of National Tourism in India : Challenges and Opportunities

Shefali Saini

Abstract :

Tourism is one of the first sectors to emace Information Technology (IT). IT is crucial to the tourism industry and its success. Tourism emerged as very largest global industry of the 20th century and is projected to grow even faster in the 21st century. India has huge possibilities of growth in the tourism sector with vast cultural and religious heritage, varied natural attractions, but a comparatively small role in the world tourism scene. Development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed the contemporary business environment. It has led to new information economy which is digital in nature. A New Tourism Policy, which builds on the strength of the national Tourism Policy of 1982, but which envisages new initiatives towards making tourism the catalyst in employment generation, environmental re–generation, development of remote areas and other disadvantaged groups in the country, besides promoting social integration is, therefore, vital to our economy. It would lead to larger foreign exchange earnings and create conditions for more Foreign Direct Investment. IT has bought with it a number of changes and challenges that affect business and tourism.