IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN INDIA- AN OVERVIEW

Before the outbreak of COVID-19, the tourism industry was the fastest growing industry all over the world. Many countries in European continent, UAE and South Asian region have been developing the tourism business giving them good revenue. Among the fast-growing business activities, the tourism industry had occupied a fair position in terms of employment and foreign exchange earning throughout the world as well as India. Available data on tourism indicated that around 9% of the people in the economy are employed in this sector. The foreign exchange earnings from this sector were 5931 million US dollars in 2005-06. India is blessed with a wide and diverse climatic condition, culture, history, beautiful coastline. Sudden outbreak of COVID-19 has shaken almost all types of economic activities worldwide. Of all these, Tourism industry has been affected the most. The present study focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on tourism industry in India. The study reviewed the online reading material, reports and articles. It is concluded that with a set of necessary efforts and hygiene maintenance at tourist places, tourists can be assured of security and protection from the disease. This will help tourism industry for its revival