Every year, on the 27th of September, people worldwide come together to celebrate the special occasion of World Tourism Day.
This global celebration serves as a beautiful reminder of the vast tapestry of traditions and cultures that grace our planet.
It provides a unique opportunity to spread awareness about the incredible diversity found in different corners of the world.
In 2023, the theme chosen for World Tourism Day is "Tourism and Green Investment," a selection made by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
This theme brings attention to the crucial role of investments in the tourism sector and their contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
As we commemorate this occasion, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the remarkable growth of the tourism sector in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014.
One noteworthy initiative has been the introduction of the e-tourist visa facility, which was launched on November 27, 2014.
This initiative has significantly expanded its reach, now encompassing 150 countries, and has issued over 7.5 lakh visas under the scheme, as per the ET reports.
Presently, an average of 3,500 e-tourist visas are granted to foreign nationals daily.
According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in April 2017 stood at 7.40 lakh, a notable increase compared to 5.99 lakh in April 2016 and 5.42 lakh in April 2015.
As the government promises to welcome Non-Residential Indians (NRIs) traveling to India during this period, NRI arrivals reached 5.43 million in 2014 and 5.26 million in 2015, and the numbers continue to increase.
Under the current government's leadership, efforts to promote holistic development in the tourism sector have been a priority.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a post-budget webinar on "Developing Tourism in Mission Mode" on March 3, 2023, organised by the Ministry of Tourism.
This webinar was part of a series aimed at brainstorming ideas for the effective implementation of initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2023.
During his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that tourism has always been an integral part of India's social and cultural civilisation.
India's tourism offerings encompass various aspects, including coastal tourism, wildlife tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, beach destinations, mangroves, Himalayan regions, spiritual sites, and more.
The Union Budget for 2023-24 allocates Rs 2400 crores to the Ministry of Tourism, maintaining the funding level from the previous year.
The post-budget webinar included six breakout sessions that delved into various aspects of tourism development, such as Destination-Centric Approaches, Collaboration, Public-Private Partnerships, Innovation, Digitalisation, and Cultural Heritage promotion.
In that post-budget webinar, Secretary of Culture, Shri Govind Mohan, underscored the significance of harnessing technology, including AI and VR, to enhance the allure of heritage monuments among the younger generation.
Several valuable suggestions emerged from these deliberations:
- Planning for destinations: A critical aspect of development.
- Destination Management: Involving government agencies, private partners, and local communities.
- Institutionalising PPPs: Creating an enabling framework for collaboration.
- National Digital Tourism Mission: Facilitating interaction between stakeholders and tourists.
- Ease of Doing Business: Streamlining processes for the hospitality sector.
- Heritage Site Development: Introducing specific schemes for heritage-centric tourism.
As of 2021, India was ranked 54th in the Travel and Tourism Development Index. This index, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), encompasses 117 countries.
Prime Minister Modi, in his monthly radio address ahead of International World Tourism Day on September 27.
He highlighted how the event drew over one lakh delegates from around the world, providing them with a unique opportunity to experience India's rich diversity, traditions, cuisines, and historical and cultural heritage.
He stated that tourism is a sector known for generating employment with minimal investment.
In preparation for the new National Tourism Policy, the Indian government has taken several measures aimed at creating more jobs and increasing India's share in the global tourism market.
One such initiative is the 'Incredible India 2.0' campaign, for which eminent ad filmmaker Prasoon Joshi has been roped in.
The Ministry of Tourism has also sanctioned Rs 131 lakh for the development of four rural tourism sites across various states.
Additionally, it has launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme for the integrated development of tourist circuits centered around specific themes.
Furthermore, the northeast region has been divided into theme-based circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to boost tourism in the area.
The government is set to launch six tourist circuits, including the Ramayan Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, and Rural Circuit.
The ministry has also introduced a code of conduct for safe tourism, emphasising dignity, safety, and freedom from exploitation for tourists and local residents, especially women and children.
India's tourism sector has seen remarkable growth and transformation, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.
These initiatives aim to make India an even more attractive and accessible destination for both domestic and international tourists, promising a brighter future for the country's tourism industry.