Rajeev Gandhi College Research Journal Research Scapes, Bhopal, Research Scapes An International Multidisciplinary Journal, Bhopal

Poverty alleviation is a major concern for many developing countries including India. Poverty can
be alleviated mainly through achieving higher sectorial growth and ensuring that the poor have a
percentage in that growth. There is evidence of tourism contributing to the economic growth of
countries through foreign exchange earnings, creation of employment opportunities and provision
of public revenues. Today tourism is one of the largest service industries in India, with a
contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and providing 8.78% of the total employment. Pro Poor
Tourism as an approach to tourism development, that generates net benefits for poor people was
introduced in the late 1990s through policy documents and reports sponsored primarily by the
United Kingdom Department for International Development to explore the potential of tourism to
eliminate poverty (Goodwin, 2002). It refers to tourism that is developed in a way that fosters the cause of poverty alleviation. The present paper highlights the current status of tourism in the
country with reference to pro poor tourism approach as an effective measure in poverty
eradication.