COUNTRY CLUB (INDIA) LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2011-2012 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Growth trends The tourism and hospitality sector's direct contribution to the GDP in 2011 was estimated at US$ 32.7 billion. It registered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13 per cent during 2006-11. Total contribution increased to US$ 76.7 billion in 2011 from US$ 56.3 billion in 2009. The total contribution comprises direct, indirect and induced contribution to the GDP. Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during the Month of April 2012 was 452,000 as compared to FTAs of 438,000 during the month of April 2011. Indian medical tourism is a sunrise sector valued at more than US$ 310 million. Currently, India receives more than 100,000 foreign patients a year. The number of medical tourists is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 19 per cent during the forecast period to reach 1.3 million by 2013. Foreign Direct Investment Foreign direct investment (FDI) of up to 100 per cent is permissible in the sector through the automatic route. The term hotels include restaurants, beach resorts, and other tourist complexes providing accommodation and/or catering and food facilities to tourists. Tourism related industry include travel agencies, tour operating agencies and tourist transport operating agencies, units providing facilities for cultural, adventure and wild life experience to tourists, surface, air and water transport facilities to tourists, leisure, entertainment, amusement, sports, and health units for tourists and convention/seminar units and organisations. According to data released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), the hotel and tourism sector has attracted FDI worth Rs.14,770.58 crore (US$ 2.64 billion) between April 2000 and January 2012. Government initiatives The Ministry of Tourism functions as the nodal agency for the development of tourism in the country. It plays a crucial role in coordinating and supplementing the efforts of the State/Union Territory Governments, catalysing private investment, strengthening promotional and marketing efforts and in providing trained manpower resources. Augmentation of quality tourism infrastructure throughout the country is a key area of functioning of the Ministry. More than 50 per cent of the Ministry's expenditure on Plan schemes is incurred for development of quality tourism infrastructure at various tourist destinations and circuits in the States/ Union Territories (UTs). Some of the major initiatives taken by the Government of India to promote tourism and hospitality sector in the country are: - Gujarat has allocated Rs.400 crore (US$ 71.6 million) for tourism promotion in the State during the current fiscal. The amount includes Rs.120 crore (US$ 21.49 million) as grant which has been approved by the Planning Commission for 2012-13. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is investing Rs.300 crore (US$ 53.72 million) to implement nine hotel projects and develop new facilities, including three eco-tourism sites. In an endeavour to give a stimulus to the 'Incredible India' campaign and cinema as a sub-brand of Incredible India, at various international film festivals abroad, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) and Ministry of Tourism have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide support for film tourism. It is proposed to promote places of tourist interest under the control of the Central Agencies. The developmental work under this Scheme taken up by the Central Agencies should follow prescribed norms and the monuments/structure should be restored to its original form/condition. State Tourism Development Corporations are entrusted with responsibility of formulating and implementing Rural Tourism Projects in consultation with District Collectors/Deputy Commissioners to ensure convergence from other yojnas, schemes and allocations for broader/integrated development at the site to benefit local communities. The Department of Tourism will provide financial assistance to State Governments / UT Administrations for organising fairs / festivals and tourism related events such as seminars, conclaves, conventions etc. for the promotion of tourism. Road ahead The Indian tourism industry has been upswing for last few years partially due to an excellent 'Incredible India' campaign and is expected to rise up to US$ 431.7 billion by the end of 2020. The presence of world-class hospitals and skilled medical professionals make India a preferred destination for medical tourism. The segment could earn India US$ 2.2 billion per year by 2012. Tour operators are teaming up with hospitals to tap this market. Cruise shipping is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing components of the global leisure industry. India with a vast and beautiful coastline, virgin forests, and undisturbed idyllic islands can be a fabulous tourist destination for cruise tourists. India has the potential to develop the rural tourism industry as most of its population resides in rural areas. This can benefit the local community economically and socially, and enable interaction between tourists and locals for a mutually enriching experience. Signed Y Rajeev Reddy CMD