Tourism - Current Affairs Questions and Answers

1)   What was the focus of the 6th ITM 2017 held in Assam on 5th Dec, 2017?

a. Act East Policy
b. Start Up India
c. Digital India
d. Swachch Bharat
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Act East Policy

Explanation:
The 6th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2017 was held in Guwahati, Assam. It was inaugurated by Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal and Union Tourism minister K L Alphons.

The three day program was organized by Union Ministry of Tourism in association with all North Eastern states.

The focus areas of 6th ITM was to spotlight on India's "Act East Policy", blossoming ties with ASEAN and larger East Asia region, home to world's rapidly growing economies and India's emerging tourism markets.

It also held panel discussions, workshops, business to business (B2B) meetings, cultural programs.

ITM: Know More

  • The International Tourism Mart is an annual event organised in North Eastern States on rotation basis.
  • Its objective is to highlight tourism potential of region in domestic and international markets.
  • It also brings together tourism business fraternity and entrepreneurs from the eight North Eastern States.
  • The earlier editions of this mart were held in Guwahati, Shillong, Tawang, Gangtok and Imphal.


2)   Which rank was attained by India in WEF's Travel and Tourism Competitive Index?

a. 39
b. 40
c. 41
d. 42
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 40

Explanation:
There has been an improved rank of India in the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index (TTCI) of World Economic Forum released on 5th April 2017.

India has moved 12 places up in this ranking from 52nd to 40th position.

The tourism sector in the country has been on a growth trajectory since the present government came into power in May, 2014.

India’s ranking in the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index (TTCI) of World Economic Forum moved from 65rd position to 52nd position in 2015.

Now India has moved up by another 12 positions and ranked at 40th position.

In all, in last three years India has cumulatively improved its ranking by 25 places which is a significant achievement.

India continues to attract international tourists with its vast cultural and natural resources with a ranking of 9th and 24th respectively which are the USP’s of Indian Tourism product.

In terms of price competitiveness advantage, India is ranked 10th.

India continues to enrich its cultural resources, protecting more cultural sites and intangible expressions through UNESCO World Heritage lists, and via a greater digital presence.

In terms of International openness, India is ranked 55th, up by 14 places.

This has been possible through stronger visa policies. Implementing both visas on arrival and e-visas, has enabled India to rise through the ranks.

The T&T sector benefited from improvements in the country's ground transport infrastructure, which has traditionally been a challenge (29th).

At a macro level, the primary reasons for India’s jump in the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index 2017 should be attributed to the pro-active steps taken by our Government in terms of development of tourism infrastructure.

Also critical are the easing of entry formalities for tourists by introducing the e-visa facilities in November 2014.

WEF's TTCCI: Know More

  • The World Economic Forum has, for the past 11 years, engaged leaders in travel and tourism.
  • It also aims to carry out an in-depth analysis of the Travel and Tourism competitiveness of 136 economies across the world i.e.The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index
  • The index assesses the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector, which in turn, contributes to the development and competitiveness of a country”.
  • The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index enables all stakeholders to work together to improve the industry’s competitiveness in their national economies.
Some of the key achievements of the Ministry of Tourism in the last 3 years are as follows:-

Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) which were 6.97 million tourists in 2013, increased to 7.68 million in 2014, 8.03 million in 2015 and 8.89 million in 2016. FTA has grown with a CAGR of 8.45% against the international growth rate of 4-5%.
The Ministry of Tourism set up a Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board on 5th October 2015 for the promotion of Medical and Wellness tourism in India.
The Ministry of Tourism created a task force for Cruise Tourism on 24th November 2015 to formulate a common Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for promotion of Cruise Tour- ism in India.
The Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh was set up and commenced its academic session with the 3-year regular B.Sc. course (Culinary Arts) from August 2016. The e-Tourist Visa was introduced in September 2014 for 46 countries. This facility is now called e-Visa. It is now available for nationals of 161 countries and allows visits for business and medical treatment. The process of obtaining the e-Tourist Visa has been simplified significantly by addressing issues like more than one entry and longer lead period for applying for e-Visa.10,79,696 tourists visited India on the e-Tourist Visa in 2016.
Incredible India Tourist Helpline was launched on 8th February 2016. The helpline provides assistance and information to tourists in 12 major languages of the world including Hindi & English. The helpline is available 24x7 and can be accessed on the Toll-free Number 1800- 11-1363 or on a short code 1363. The languages covered are Hindi, English, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) which were US$18.45 billion tourists in 2013, increased constantly, to US$20.24 billion in 2014, US$21.07 billion in 2015 and US$23.15 billion in 2016. FEE has grown with a CAGR of 7.86% against a contraction of 5% in international tourism receipts. FTA has registered a growth of 16.3% in January 2017 when compared to January 2016.
FTA registered a growth of 16.5% in January 2017 compared to January 2016. FTAs during the period January- February 2017 were 19.40 lakh with a growth of 14.7%, as compared to the FTAs of 16.91 over January-February 2016.
The Ministry of Tourism has launched a ‘Welcome Card’ for distribution at immigration counters to tourists arriving at international airports. From 15th February 2017 the Ministry has introduced free SIM Cards with pre-loaded talk time and data to all tourists arriving in India on the e-Tourist Vis
18 projects worth Rs. 488.45 crores have been sanctioned under the PRASAD Scheme since its launch on 1st January 2015. 25 religious cities have been identified under the scheme for development.
56 projects covering 29 States /UT’s worth Rs. 4,823.91 crores have been sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme since its launch on 1st January 2015. 13 thematic circuits have been identified under which projects are sanctioned.
Two new schemes for development of tourism infrastructure in the country with a holistic coverage of an entire circuit instead of individual tourist spots. PRASAD Scheme is targeted towards the development of tourism infrastructure in and around famous religious and pilgrimage cities. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme aims at the development of a complete circuit on a specific theme.


3)   An MoU was signed for implementing Tourism projects in which state on 6th Feb 2017?

a. J&K
b. HP
c. UP
d. Uttarakhand
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: J&K

Explanation:
A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementation of Tourism projects in Jammu and Kashmir was signed among Ministry of Tourism, M/s NPCC & NBCC and Government of Jammu and Kashmir on 6th Feb 2017.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, M/o Tourism and the signatories for the MoU included

- Shri. Suman Billa, Joint Secretary , Ministry of Tourism ;

- Shri. Shamim Ahmad Wani, Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation ;

- Shri. K K Sharma, Executive Director, M/s NPCC ; and

- Shri. Alok Rastogi, Chief General Manager (BD), M/s NBCC

The Prime Minister announced the Development Package (Reconstruction Plan) for Jammu and Kashmir on 7.11.2015.

The details of all proposals included in the Development Package for Tourism are as under:

  • Log Huts,
  • Heliports,
  • Open air theatre,
  • Walking trail,
  • Landscaping,
  • Solar lighting,
  • Solid waste management & public amenities etc.


4)   Island Tourism Festival is being held at which city?

a. Port Blair
b. Colombo
c. Diu
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Port Blair

Explanation:
Island Tourism Festival is an annual cultural event organized for the promotion of tourism and entertainment for islanders.

The main event is being held in Port Blair. A part of festival are also organized in other places like Wimberlygunj, Wandoor, Neil, Havelock, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Hut Bay, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Campbell Bay etc.

The ten-day festival is held annually from 5th January at ITF ground Port Blair.

The highlight of the festival at ITF ground is the exhibition depicting strides made by the Island Administration in various spheres and sale of general merchandise, food stalls, and stalls of interest to tourists, Floating Restaurant etc.

The main focal point, however, is the performance of mainland artists especially reputed music bands, Bollywood singers, dancers, performers etc.

Inaugurated by Lt. Governor Jagdish Mukhi at ITF Ground on 5th Jan, the 10 day mega event will see performances by the cultural troupes from mainland India to help the Islanders renew their cultural ties with mainland.

The cultural troupes from mainland as well as the Isles will also perform in outer Islands apart from South Andaman.

An International Cultural Group from Kazakhstan will also perform in this event. The other attractions of this event will be the food courts, fun games and handicrafts etc. Water sports competitions like Nicobari Hodi race are organized.


5)   How many tourists visited India in Dec 2016?

a. 8.91 lakh
b. 8.90 lakh
c. 7.91 lakh
d. 7.90 lakh
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 8.91 lakh

Explanation:
Demonetisation did not impact the tourist footfall adversely this year, with 8.91 lakh foreign tourists visited India in Nov 2016.

This marks the growth of 9.3 % over the same month last year.

Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) during December 2015 was 8.16 lakh, while it was 7.65 lakh in December 2014.

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism during the month of December were INR 14,474 crore as compared to INR 12,649 crore in the same month last year, recording a growth of 14.4 %.

The US accounted for highest share of tourist arrivals followed by the UK and Bangladesh in December 2016, according to an official release.

FTAs during January-December, 2016 were 78.53 lakh, recording a growth of 10.4 % as compared to 71.14 lakh during the corresponding period last year.

FEEs from tourism in January-December were Rs 1,38,845 crore, witnessing an increase of 14.7 % as compared to the INR 1,21,041 crore during the corresponding period last year.

Among the top 15 source countries in December, share of the US was highest with 15.53 %, followed by these:

15 Source countries with Highest Foreign Tourist Arrivals (Dec 2016)



“Country”Highest Foreign Tourist Arrivals (Dec 2016)
US(15.53 %)
UK(11.21 %)
Bangladesh(10.72 %)
Canada(4.66 %)
Russia(4.53 %)
Australia(4.04 %)
Malaysia(3.65 %)
Germany(3.53 %)
China(3.14 %)
France(2.88 %)
Sri Lanka(2.49 %)
Japan(2.49 %)
Singapore(2.16 %)
Nepal(1.46 %)
Thailand(1.37 %)

“Airport”Share of foreign tourists
Among the top 15 ports, the share of Delhi Airport was highest with(32.71 %)
followed by Mumbai Airport(18.51 %)
Chennai Airport(6.83 %)
Bengaluru Airport(5.89 %)
Haridaspur Land check post(5.87 %)
Goa Airport(5.63 %)
Kolkata Airport(3.90 %)
Cochin Airport(3.29 %)
The share of Hyderabad Airport was(3.14 %)
while that of Ahmadabad Airport(2.76 %)
Trivandrum Airport(1.54 %)
Trichy Airport(1.53 %)
Gede Rail(1.16 %)
Amritsar Airport(1.15 %)
Ghojadanga land check post(0.82 %)


6)   Government has constituted which council on 28th Oct 2016 to make India a global tourism hub?

a. Indian National Tourism Council
b. National Tourism Council
c. National Advisory Council
d. National Tourism Advisory Council
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: National Tourism Advisory Council

Explanation:
The government of India has constituted a national tourism advisory council with top officials of leading ministries and key names from the private sector as members take steps to help people to make the nation an international hub.

  • The Union tourism ministry on 28th Oct 2016 issued an order which said that this council, with a tenure of 3 years will act as a think tank and advise the government on numerous policy matters relating to tourism.
  • Secretaries of Union Home, Finance, Foreign, Culture, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Drinking Water, Sanitation are members of this council along with chiefs such as the Railway Board and ITDC.


7)   Incredible India Tourism Investor’s Summit prompted how many investable projects from across the country?

a. 690
b. 700
c. 710
d. 720
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 700

Explanation:
IITIS is a platform for domestic and foreign investors to meet project owners from Indian states and private sectors.

  • the summit was held on 22nd Sept 2016
  • It includes State Presentations encompassing all investible Properties, Session on Why Invest in India, MSME in tourism sector, Panel discussions on core infrastructure for tourism, Session on Start-ups, digital India, Investing into Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD, MICE and Niche Tourism Products, B2B meetings and signing of MoUs.
  • It has dedicated space for Seminars, Business to Business meetings and Roundtables around focus themes.

    Over 1800 delegates were from:

  • Private sector Project Owners;
  • Banks and Financial Institutions;
  • Business Developers;
  • Cruise Liners;
  • Domestic Investors;
  • Entertainment Companies; I
  • Indian States with Ready Investible Projects
  • Territory Administrations;
  • Global Investors;
  • Helicopter Services;
  • Hoteliers;
  • Infrastructure Developers;
  • International Associations;
  • Restaurateur;
  • Spa and Yaga Centres;
  • Tour and Travel Operators;
  • Urban Developer and Venture Capitalists
  • The Confederation of Indian Industry and Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd are principal partners of this summit. Four Knowledge Partners i.e. Ernst & Young, KPMG, Yes Bank and Invest India will assist States and UTs for identifying projects, Suggesting Tourism Policy updates and presenting these to the potential investors during the summit.

    There will be six Plenary Sessions on 22nd and 23rd September, 2016

  • Plenary Session –1 - Why Invest in Incredible India
  • Plenary Session –2 - Core Infrastructure for Tourism
  • Plenary Session –3 - Digital India & Start UP India
  • Plenary Session –4- Open House with State Tourism Ministers
  • Plenary Session –5 - Open-house with CEOs
  • Plenary Session– 6 -Medical Tourism


8)   Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit 2016 is held as a platform for investors across the globe in which city?

a. New Delhi
b. Kolkata
c. Chennai
d. Mumbai
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: New Delhi

Explanation:
Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture has said that Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit 2016 is a platform for investors across the globe to explore investment opportunities available within the ambit of the Indian tourism sector as well as core infrastructure.

  • India is one of the fastest growing economies and the tourism sector seeks to escalate its culture and heritage
  • India’s tourism offerings will be on display during the summit
  • Centre has allowed 100 percent FDI under the automatic route in tourism and hospitality as well as tourism construction projects
  • Policies offer attractive investment potential in the tourism sector
  • Incredible India Tourism Summit organised by Ministry of Tourism is its initiative in association with CII and TFCI
  • Highlights of the summit include participation from more than 27 Indian states, around 600 investable projects from across the country and from across various sectors of tourism participation from 140 investors from 70 companies and 21 seminars across two shows along with event road shows, an updated website and B2G meetings prefixed online


9)   Which state bagged six National Tourism Awards in the marketing category?

a. Kerala
b. Karnataka
c. Tamil Nadu
d. Telangana
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Kerala

Explanation:
Kerala tourism has bagged six National Tourism Awards for 2014-2015 in the marketing category.

  • It also received two more awards including for Responsible Tourism initiative in Wayanad.
  • It received three of six awards for states in Tourism promotion and Publishing category.
  • Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal fetched the award for Kerala Tourism in rural tourism project category.
  • Third award for Kerala tourism came for innovative use of information technology.
  • Turtle on the Beach, Kovalam was judged best 5 star hotel while Coconut Lagoon won the Best Heritage hotel award and Coconut Creek Farm and Homestay was given the award for best B&B


10)   What does FEE stand for in the context of Foreign Tourist Arrivals?

a. Foreign Exchange Earnings
b. Foreign Evaluation Earnings
c. Free Exchange Earnings
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Foreign Exchange Earnings

Explanation:
The following findings were arrived at by the Ministry of Tourism which compiles FTAs and FEEs on the basis of data received from BOI:

  • FTAs during June 2016 were 5.50 lakhs as against FTAs of 5.12 lakhs during the month of June 2015 and 5.02 lakhs in June 2014.
  • There has been a growth of 7.3 percent in June 2016 over June 2015.
  • FTAs during the period January-June 2016 were 41.86 lakhs with a growth of 8.9 percent as against FTAs of 38.45 lakh with a growth of 3.7 percent in January-June 2015 over 2014.


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