The Indian government established January 25 as the National Tourism Day to raise awareness about the importance of tourism for the country’s economy.
The day is observed to cultivate awareness among the global community on the importance of tourism and its social, political, financial and cultural worth.
India offers several forms of tourism such as cultural, nature, heritage, educational, business, sports, rural, medical, cruise, and eco-tourism.
The ministry of tourism is the nodal agency in India to form national policies for the promotion and development of tourism. It also coordinates with central, state agencies and the public sector.
What is tourism?
Tourism and travel are often used interchangeably. However, travel is the movement of an individual or a group of people from one place to another due to work, health, education or meeting with the family.
Tourism, on the other hand, identifies with a person or group’s movement for recreational purposes.
National Tourism Day History:
It is not known when exactly this day came about. However, in 1948, a Tourist Traffic Committee was formed to promote tourism.
The first regional offices of the same were established in Delhi and Mumbai. Three years later, in 1951, more offices were added in Kolkata and Chennai.
A department specifically pertaining to tourism was established in 1958 under the Ministry of Tourism and Communication that was headed by the Deputy General in the rank of Joint Secretary.
Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh forest turning into tourism hub, offering new means of livelihood to tribals
National Tourism Day Significance:
The day’s importance is plain and simple. It is to highlight the prominence of tourism in the country and how it impacts India’s economic prospects.
Each and every region in the country has a rich history attached to it that is commemorated in various ways.
Tourism is the best way to highlight it all. Along with this, people are educated about the role it plays in the country as well.
Important facts about National Tourism Day
The tourism industry generated 247.3 billion dollars in 2018, contributing to 9.2 per cent of the country’s GDP, according to a FICCI-YES Bank report of 2019.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, tourism supported 39.5 million jobs or 7.7 per cent of its total employment. Every year, the country is visited by millions of foreign tourists.
National Tourism Day 2022 Theme:
The theme for National Tourism Day 2022 is “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.” The theme of National Tourism Day in 2021 was ‘Dekho Apna Desh.’
After the COVID-19 Pandemic, the most effective sector in the world arrives which is traveling but still, we continue fighting with it and trying to make our life like before.
World Tourism Day: Theme, history, significance and importance
