National Sample Survey
Comprehensive data collection and analysis supporting evidence-based policy formulation
Introduction
The National Sample Survey (NSS) was set up by the Government of India in 1950 to collect socio-economic data employing scientific sampling methods. Till date NSS has conducted 79 rounds of surveys covering a number of subjects of contemporary interests apart from undertaking several ad hoc surveys outside the ambit of NSS rounds and pilot surveys as well as methodological studies. The survey and fieldwork of NSS 80th round covering the subject “Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey” is launched from July 2025.
OBJECTIVE OF THE SURVEY
Objective of ‘Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey’ (Schedule 21.1): Since India is a large and diverse country with vast variety in its geography, traditions, culture, language, religion, cuisine the importance of tourism is significant in the national economy. Tourism is a valuable source for generating employment in various industries like hospitality, handicrafts, transport services etc. Tourism, by itself, does not constitute any specific industry in the economy in the way industry is defined in the System of National Accounts. Rather, it is an amalgam of several traditional sectors like transport, accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, etc.
- Expenditure on domestic tourism of overnight trips collected through Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey is an important component for preparation of Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), which is meant to measure goods and services according to international standards of concepts, classifications and definitions. Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey of NSS 80th round is designed to collect detailed information on expenditure on domestic tourism along with some information on household characteristics, visitor characteristics and trip characteristics in relation to domestic overnight trips, required for preparation of Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) which will be done by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT). Also, MoT provides the travel and tourism data to UNWTO to generate Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI). Few of such data points are generated from this survey. In addition, some important information on trips and expenditure shall also be collected in connection with domestic same-day trips.
Besides providing input for preparation of TSA, the survey will cover a wide range of information on the various aspects viz. Month of starting the trip, Purpose of the trip, Main destination of the trip, mode of travel, type of accommodation used, duration of stay, type of trip-package or non-package, use of various tourism specific products and services for the trip, such as services of tour operators, tour guides availed through them. This valuable information may be used for further policy research and for formulation of sector specific policies and programmes for creation and development of infrastructure, tour packages, etc.
SURVEY PERIOD
The survey will be conducted during the period July 2025–June 2026.
SUB ROUNDS
The survey period will be divided into four sub-rounds, each of three months duration as mentioned below:
| Sub-round | Period |
| Sub-round 1 | July–September 2025 |
| Sub-round 2 | October–December 2025 |
| Sub-round 3 | January–March 2026 |
| Sub-round 4 | April–June 2026 |
In each of these four sub-rounds, equal number of sample First Stage Units (FSUs) will be allotted for survey with a view to ensure uniform spread of sample FSUs over the entire survey period. Attempt will be made to survey each of the FSUs during the sub-round to which it is allotted.