In 2019, the travel and tourism industry grew at 3.5% compared to the global GDP growth rate of 2.5%. Accounting for 10.3% of total GDP, the industry fetched $8.9 trillion to the global GDP, generating about 330 million jobs, one in 10 in 2019. The tourism sector has a major impact on the economy of India. As per data released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in 2019, the tourism industry in India contributed $194 billion to the country’s GDP.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the global economy, the WTTC is estimating losses of around $2.7 trillion, with up to 100 million jobs at risk. The travel and tourism industry in India might see up to 40 million job losses (both direct and indirect) and about $17 billion in revenue losses in the next one year. For rising above this, the government, industry and institutions need to make joint efforts for creating a supportive ecosystem for tourism.
Tourism in the course of years evolved into different types and among them, agri-tourism is a new and growing concept. According to the World Tourism Organization, Agri-tourism involves “accommodation being offered at the farmhouse, providing meals, and organising and assisting the participation of tourists in various farming operations”.
Agri-tourism comprises a variety of activities and services like farm accommodation, local food and beverage, festivals, nature observation, you-pick (harvest) activities, educational and leisure visits, hunting, fishing and sale of gifts. This type of tourism is considered in many locations as a low-investment, low-risk strategy with farms making use of their existing resources.
