World Tourism Day 2024 was a spectacular occasion marked by insightful discussions and impactful initiatives, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This year’s celebrations on September 27th were hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India under the theme “Tourism & Peace”, emphasizing the vital role tourism plays in fostering peace and cultural understanding across borders.
Key Dignitaries and Their Role in the Event
The grand event witnessed the presence of key leaders and industry figures including Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, who graced the event as the Chief Guest. Other prominent figures included Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, and Smt. V. Vidyavathi, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism. Their addresses highlighted the collective approach needed to make tourism a pillar of India’s economic growth and cultural development.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Tourism & Peace”, was echoed throughout the event by various speakers, who underscored the importance of travel as a bridge for peace, mutual respect, and understanding across nations.
Launch of Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi: Empowering Responsible Tourism
Among the groundbreaking initiatives launched was the Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi program. This National Responsible Tourism Initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism practices across 50 tourist destinations. The initiative seeks to empower local communities by ensuring that tourism growth aligns with the cultural and environmental preservation of these sites.
Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi will work closely with the tourism industry and local authorities to provide responsible tourism experiences that focus on preserving local heritage, promoting eco-friendly practices, and supporting local economies. The program is a monumental step toward developing tourism that benefits both travellers and host communities.
MoUs Signed Between Hospitality Giants and Institutes of Hotel Management
In a significant development for the Indian hospitality sector, the Ministry of Tourism facilitated the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between 8 leading hospitality groups and 21 Central Institutes of Hotel Management. This collaboration is set to bridge the gap between academic institutions and the hospitality industry, fostering skill development, and employment, and enhancing the overall quality of service across India’s tourism infrastructure.
This partnership ensures that students from these institutes receive cutting-edge training, paving the way for a stronger workforce ready to take India’s hospitality sector to new heights.
Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024: Promoting Rural Tourism
The winners of the prestigious Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 were announced during the event. This competition, aimed at recognizing the potential of rural tourism, showcases India’s efforts to promote tourism in lesser-known, but culturally rich destinations.
The Best Tourism Villages initiative has been pivotal in transforming remote villages into vibrant tourism destinations, creating sustainable income sources for the local population. The winners were lauded for their commitment to sustainability, community involvement, and innovation in tourism.
Handbook for States and UTs: Granting Industry Status to Tourism & Hospitality Sector
In a landmark moment for the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism launched a comprehensive Handbook for States and Union Territories to facilitate the process of granting industry status to the Tourism & Hospitality Sector. This handbook offers a step-by-step guide for State Governments and Union Territories to recognize tourism and hospitality as a formal industry, thereby ensuring better governance, investment, and policy support for this vital economic segment.
Granting industry status to tourism can unlock numerous benefits, including tax incentives, infrastructure development, and employment generation, thereby propelling the growth of tourism as a significant contributor to India’s GDP.
Incredible India Content Hub and Digital Portal: A Gateway to Indian Tourism
As part of its commitment to digital transformation, the Ministry of Tourism launched the Incredible India Content Hub & Digital Portal, designed to offer a seamless online experience for travellers, tour operators, and industry stakeholders. This portal is a one-stop destination for curated content, resources, and tools that promote India’s tourism offerings.
The Incredible India Content Hub will feature detailed information on destinations, cultural insights, itineraries, and travel tips, making it easier for tourists to plan their journeys. The portal also allows for greater engagement with the international audience, offering content in multiple languages to attract foreign tourists.
‘Whole of Government’ Approach to Tourism: Developing Masterlist of Destinations
One of the most talked-about announcements was the Ministry of Tourism’s plan to develop a master list of Tourism Destinations for Development. This master list will highlight priority tourist destinations that will be developed in collaboration with multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
This “Whole of Government” approach is designed to ensure that tourism development happens holistically and sustainably, with a focus on improving connectivity, infrastructure, and service standards. The master list will also be available to the public, encouraging private sector investments to align with government efforts and boost India’s tourism appeal.
Gratis Visas for Foreign Tourists: Boosting International Tourism
To further strengthen India’s tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism announced the Chalo India campaign, offering 1,00,000 gratis visas to foreign tourists. This initiative is aimed at promoting India as a must-visit destination on the global stage, particularly in the post-pandemic era.
By waiving visa fees for the first 100,000 foreign visitors, the Government of India is hoping to attract a diverse set of travellers, thereby giving a significant boost to the country’s tourism economy.
India By Air: Enhancing Air Connectivity for Tourism Growth
Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, elaborated on the theme “India By Air” during the event. He underscored the pivotal role of air connectivity in driving tourism growth, citing the success of initiatives like the UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme) and Digi Yatra.
With the expansion of air routes, the increase in airport infrastructure, and technological advancements like Digi Yatra, India is making air travel more accessible and convenient. This is expected to open up new opportunities for tourism growth, especially in regions that were previously difficult to reach.
The Future of Indian Tourism: A Roadmap for Growth
The 2024 World Tourism Day Celebrations were a testament to India’s commitment to transforming tourism into a key driver of economic growth and cultural exchange. With a focus on sustainable practices, community involvement, and technological innovation, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in tourism.
By fostering partnerships, improving infrastructure, and promoting responsible tourism, the Indian government is paving the way for a tourism revolution that benefits both the local economy and international visitors.
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