Assessing India's National Tourism Policy (2002-2024): An Empirical Analysis Based On The Tourism-Led Growth Hypothesis (TLGH) Approach

Sadanand Prakash Gaonkar; S.V. Sukthankar

doi:10.5281/zenodo.18061525

Authors

Sadanand Prakash Gaonkar Assistant Professor in MBA (I) in Hospitality and Tourism, Goa Business School, Goa University (India) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9528-4111
S.V. Sukthankar Department of Commerce and Research at the Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce in Khandola, Marcel, Goa (India) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8185-8951

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18061525

Keywords:

Contribution, Cointegration, Economic, Growth, Tourism

Abstract

The National Tourism Policy (2002) has significantly strengthened India’s tourism industry and economy by positioning tourism as a catalyst for economic development. Therefore, this study examines tourism’s contribution to India’s economic growth and its long-term relationship with key indicators, including gross domestic product (GDP), employment, foreign exchange earnings (FEE), and tourist growth, using the Tourism-Led Growth Hypothesis (TLGH) approach. Based on secondary data from 2002 to 2025, the research employs descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and Johansen cointegration tests to explore these relationships. Findings indicate that tourist growth significantly enhances GDP growth, employment and FEE. Moreover, a long-term equilibrium relationship exists between tourism and the analysed economic factors. These results align with the National Tourism Policy 2002’s vision of leveraging tourism for national development. The study provides theoretical support for the TLGH by establishing a long-term relationship between tourism growth and key economic indicators, such as GDP, employment, and FEE. In practice, the findings guide policymakers in enhancing tourism strategies, investing in infrastructure, and promoting skill development to drive equitable job growth. The results also highlight opportunities for private investment and public-private partnerships, reinforcing tourism’s role as a driver of sustainable economic growth in developing economies.

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Author Biographies

Sadanand Prakash Gaonkar, Assistant Professor in MBA (I) in Hospitality and Tourism, Goa Business School, Goa University (India)

PhD in Commerce (2025). Master's in Commerce (2017). Graduation in Commerce (2015). Full-time Assistant Professor in MBA (I) in Hospitality and Tourism, Goa Business School, Goa University. He has 8 years of teaching experience to date. Dr Gaonkar has a strong academic and research orientation, with a focused interest in tourism studies, sustainable tourism development, and allied interdisciplinary areas. He has contributed to the academic community through the publication of nine research papers in reputed national and international journals indexed in SCOPUS, Web of Science, ABDC, and UGC-CARE Group I. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9528-4111 ; Scopus Author ID: 59204933300; E-mail: sadanand@unigoa.ac.in ; sadanand.gaonkar56@gmail.com

S.V. Sukthankar, Department of Commerce and Research at the Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce in Khandola, Marcel, Goa (India)

Holds a PhD in Social Sciences, along with a Master’s and a Graduate degree in Commerce. He serves as a full-time Associate Professor and Head of the Postgraduate Department of Commerce and Research at the Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce in Khandola, Marcel, Goa. With 36 years of teaching experience, he supervises researchers and instructs postgraduate students in finance and commerce. He has authored or co-authored five books and published research papers in prestigious national and international journals indexed by SCOPUS, Web of Science, ABDC, and the UGC-CARE Group. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8185-8951; Scopus Author ID: 59193628500 e-mail: svsukh@yahoo.co.in

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