Why tourism is considered a trade as well as an industry?

Tourism in India has grown substantially over the last three decades.

(i) Foreign tourists’ arrival in the country had seen an increase, contributing 21,828 crore of foreign exchange.

(ii) More than 15 million people are directly engaged in tourism industry.

(iii) Tourism also promotes national integration and provides support to local handicrafts.

(iv) It also helps in the development of international understanding about Indian culture and heritage.

(v) Foreign tourists visit India for heritage tourism, ecotourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, medical tourism and business tourism.

(vi) Rajasthan, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir and temple towns of South India are important destinations of foreign tourists in India.