Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced plans to increase the number of airports in India from 157 to 350 as the country aims to become a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
Speaking at an event to mark World Tourism Day at Vigyan Bhawan on Friday, Naidu highlighted the importance of enhancing domestic connectivity and improving facilities at airports to attract foreign tourists.
"Today, we have 157 airports, but in the next 20-25 years, we want to increase that number significantly," Naidu stated. He noted that the increase in airports has contributed to a rise in tourist arrivals, from 4.6 crore in 2014 to nearly 7 crore today, with over 35% visiting for holidays and recreation.
The minister also praised the 'Chalo India' campaign, announced by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, which will exempt one lakh foreign tourists from visa fees. He emphasised the government's commitment to connecting previously unserved and underserved airports, especially those near scenic locations.
Naidu stressed the importance of air travel in facilitating foreign tourist arrivals and expressed the ministry's focus on enhancing seaplane and helicopter connectivity. He noted that tourism plays a crucial role in sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27 since 1980, this year focuses on the theme "Tourism and Peace," marking the anniversary of the adoption of the UN's Statutes in 1970.
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