Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
Context
- World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27th of September every year.
About
- Background: The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) established World Tourism Day in 1980, marking the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on September 27, 1970.
- Objectives: The day is celebrated with the aim of using tourism as a major means for sustainable development and poverty alleviation
- Theme for 2024: ‘Tourism and Peace.’
Potential of Tourism in India
- India is geographically diverse and offers a variety of cultures that come with its own experiences, making it one of the leading countries in terms of international tourism expenditure.
- By 2028, India’s tourism and hospitality industry is projected to generate revenue of over $59 Bn.
- Additionally, Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) are anticipated to reach 30.5 Mn by 2028.
- According to the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India is ranked 39th among 119 countries.
- In the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC’s) Economic Impact 2023 report, India’s Travel and Tourism GDP contribution grew by 5.9%.
Benefits of Promoting tourism
- Preservation of Heritage: Tourism leads to restoring and maintaining historical monuments, temples, forts etc. ensuring their preservation for future generations.
- Rural and village tourism initiatives can provide economic benefits to smaller towns and villages, promoting inclusive growth.
- Soft Power Diplomacy: Tourism serves as an important tool for soft power diplomacy by showcasing India’s culture, art, and history to the world.
- Job Creation: It leads to the creation of employment opportunities in various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, tour guiding, and handicrafts etc.
Challenges in Tourism Sector
- Infrastructure Deficits: Many sites lack adequate infrastructure such as transportation, accommodation, and sanitation facilities, hindering the tourist experience.
- Crime Against Tourists: Incidents of theft, scams, and even violent crimes against tourists negatively impact the perception of safety.
- Degradation: Unregulated tourism has led to environmental damage in some regions (e.g., Himalayas, beaches in Goa) and cultural erosion, where local traditions and heritage sites are over-commercialized or poorly managed.
- Problem of Carrying Capacity: Certain sites experience short but intense tourist seasons, leading to overcrowding and straining local infrastructure.
- The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand causes pressure on transport infrastructure and leads to safety hazards like landslides during the monsoon season.
Initiatives taken
- Swadesh Darshan scheme: The scheme Focuses on developing theme-based tourist circuits such as Buddhist Ramayana, Coastal, Himalayan, Desert etc.
- National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD): It was launched in 2015 to identify and develop pilgrim sites across the country to promote religious tourism.
- Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains: These trains provide tourists with an opportunity to explore famous heritage sites, religious places, and historically significant locations.
- Spiritual projects across India such as the Kashi Corridor, the Mahakal Corridor and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya are attracting a high volume of tourists and have been helping boost the local economy.
- The Ministry of Tourism has undertaken a Destination Based Skill Development training programme to train local people residing near the tourist sites and destinations.
- 100% FDI is permitted for tourism construction projects, including the development of exquisite hotels, resorts, and unparalleled recreational facilities.
Way ahead
- World Tourism Day highlights the impact of tourism on the global economy and its role in promoting mutual understanding among different cultures.
- Tourism is not just a leisure activity; it is a crucial driver for economic growth, creating jobs, supporting local economies, and contributing to the protection of natural and cultural heritage.
- Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organisation, Zurab Pololikashvili said, tourism builds trust and respect, and it drives inclusive growth and safeguards against conflict.
Source: PIB