Context: National Tourism Day, celebrated on January 25 each year, promotes responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism.
- The primary objective of this day is to highlight India’s diverse and captivating tourist destinations, showcasing them on the global stage.
- India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes make it a popular destination, with each site offering its own unique historical story.
- Tourism is one of India’s fastest-growing industries, contributing to economic growth, cultural exchange, and international understanding.
- It aims to broaden perspectives on tourism by emphasizing its multi-faceted nature and serving as a platform to learn fascinating facts about India, such as its 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
National Tourism Day 2025 Theme
- The theme for this year’s National Tourism Day is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth,” focusing on how tourism can drive economic growth while benefiting all sectors of society through job creation and sustainable practices.
History
- In 1948, the Government of India established a separate tourism department to preserve the nation’s heritage and make tourist destinations more accessible and enjoyable.
- The Ministry of Tourism spearheads the development and implementation of national policies, overseeing the strategic growth, effective management, and comprehensive promotion of the sector.
- Collaborating with public sector entities and central government agencies, the Ministry endeavours to boost tourism across the country.
Significance
- It emphasizes the potential of tourism to strengthen the economy, promote environmental sustainability, and preserve cultural heritage.
- It highlights the importance of responsible tourism, supporting local economies, and fostering intercultural understanding.
- The day is celebrated with events like workshops, cultural exhibitions, and conferences to encourage sustainable tourism practices.
Initiatives of Government
- The Travel for LiFE program has been launched by the Ministry of Tourism to encourage sustainable practices among tourists and businesses.
- The Ministry of Tourism promotes tourism infrastructure and cultural heritage through schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and Assistance to Central Agencies.
- Developed Eco Circuit as one of the key themes under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which focuses on sustainably developing tourism infrastructure.
- Various aspects of Indian culture are being highlighted and communicated through captivating cultural performances.
Tourism ranking:
- India is ranked 39th among 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
- Previous Ranking: In the 2021 TTDI report, India was ranked 54th.
- In 2020, the top ten states by foreign tourist visits were Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Bihar and Goa.