Swaagat! This is an Indian word that means “welcome.” It is also the core of the Incredible India slogan for the country’s tourism industry, and the reason why so many foreign tourists are making plans to visit India.

Right now the tourism industry of India is supported mainly the local middle class which has experienced a tremendous surge in the past years. It has been enhanced by the incredible number of working foreigners who travel to India because of the outsourcing companies. In 2006 alone, 4 million traveled to India and spent an estimated $8.9 billion.

This vibrant and colorful country has been mentioned time and again by top world economies as the next economic boom, alongside China. Domestic growth spurred by foreigners willing to invest in the country has resulted in a 10.11% increase annually in disposable income.

From outsourcing, India has gone on to develop a strong IT industry, and this has prompted growth in other industries like handicrafts, construction, agriculture, poultry, and horticulture.  In 2004, the foreign exchange earnings enjoyed a 33% spike and up to last year, the country’s tourist arrivals steadily increased by an estimated 22%.

Incredible India is the brainchild of the Tourism Ministry of India. Their zeal in promoting India has translated in a rapid increase to 20 million local tourism jobs for a country with an exploding 1.2 billion people.  The government has made it one of their priorities to encourages each state and province to provide support industries for tourists and visiting business investors.

An offshoot of this priority is medical tourism with a annual growth rate of 30% every year. Tourists coming to India because of its excellence medical facilities and service are expected to reach a million in a short time.

Indeed, the beauty of India is seen in the people, places, souvenirs, events, and ultimately, the progress from what was once a struggling economy to a force the world now has to respect and admire.