NATIONAL TOURISM DAY “JANUARY 25, 2023”
This day is observed to create and spread awareness regarding Indian Tourism and how it can enhance the economy by reaching out to communities and individuals. Well, this is not it. It certainly will bring out a stronger and rich character of India to the world. As we, the Bhartiya, not only believe in, but also practice “VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM” and “ATITHI DEVO BHAVA” which are two important principles in Indian culture that encourage the welcoming of guests and treating them as family, and treating guests as gods respectively.
A day to celebrate the collective and individual efforts of those representing the Tourism Industry in India, small and/or big contributions. This includes the travelers without whom this service sector cannot function. We all are witness to this post-COVID that how the Tourism and Hospitality sector crippled without tourists.
This day is highly significant, yet not fully recognized. India, a diverse country; be it in culture, heritage, geography and much more, is a symbol of inclusiveness.
With a flourishing Tourism industry, there will be development in multiple fields simultaneously and it’d be of vital importance to make the development sustainable to not affect the environment and society negatively .
Infrastructure (including different kinds of transport, accommodation,), health facilities, employment opportunities, and above all it ensures gender equality in true sense. The Tourism Industry is one of the largest employers of the women workforce.
Tourism Industry contributed around 5.8 % to the total GDP of the country in the year 2021 as sourced.
India is estimated to contribute $250 billion GDP from Tourism, 137 million jobs in the Tourism sector, $ 56 billion in Foreign Exchange Earnings and 25 mn foreign arrivals are expected to be achieved by 2030.
The Government of India is looking for various ways to connect and engage with people involved here. There are numerous schemes and events organized by GOI to encourage and improve the standard of Tourism in India.
The Ministry of Tourism is running a scheme under which National Tourism Awards are given to Travel Agents and Tour Operators including best Adventure Tour Operator, best Domestic Tour Operator, most Innovative Tour Operator, Best Mice Operator, Tourist Transport Operator, best Hotels in the different categories, Outstanding performers in Publishing, etc. Awards are also given to the meritorious students of the institutes of Hotel Management and Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management.
Let's take this forward by our conscious involvement and celebrate every day as National Tourism Day.