National Tourism Day is observed annually across India on January 25 to highlight the significance of tourism in India’s economy. The day emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting various tourist destinations across India.
- The theme for National Tourism Day 2025 is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”.
- This theme aligns with India’s broader tourism vision, Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, being held from January 13 to February 26, 2024, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
Background:
i.On January 25, 1949, the Government of India (GoI) instituted this day as a National Tourism Day, marking the formation of the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).
- The Tourist Traffic Committee established in 1948 initiated the celebration of “National Tourism Day” to promote tourism in India.
iii.The day highlights the importance of tourism in driving India’s growth, a vision formalized in 1982 to promote tourism.
Significance:
i.Sustainability in Tourism: It promotes responsible tourism and sustainable practices, focusing on environmental preservation and heritage conservation.
ii.Economic Impact: Tourism is a key driver of India’s economy, supporting employment and infrastructure development.
iii.Cultural Promotion: The day celebrates India’s unique traditions, languages, and cuisines on a global platform.
Government Initiatives :
i.Travel for LiFE Program: Launched in 2023, focuses on promoting sustainable tourism practices and encourages eco-friendly travel and responsible behavior among travelers and businesses.
ii.Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Launched in 2014-15 to develop theme-based tourism circuits, including:
- ‘Eco Circuit’ which promotes sustainable tourism infrastructure.
- ‘Buddhist, Coastal, and Wildlife Circuits’ that enhance visitor experiences with improved infrastructure and cohesive storytelling.
iii.PRASAD Scheme: The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) launched in 2014-15, focuses on the development and rejuvenation of iconic pilgrimage sites like Varanasi, Amritsar, and Puri, with improved infrastructure and amenities
iv.Incredible India Campaign 2.0: A digital marketing campaign was launched in 2017 to promote India as a top tourist destination which targets adventure, luxury, wellness, and cultural tourism for both domestic and international audiences.
Facts about Indian Tourism:
i.India has 43 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites, with the latest addition of Moidams, the burial system of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam.
ii.The Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), is the world’s highest rail bridge, 35 meters (m) higher than the Eiffel Tower, France at 1,315 m long.
iii.Kangra Fort in Himachal Pradesh (HP) was the oldest fort in India, dating back around 3,500 years.
iv.India boasts over 550 wildlife sanctuaries, with Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan being the largest.
v.Mawlynnong, in Meghalaya, is known as Asia’s cleanest village and offers a stunning and pristine location in Northeast India.
vi.Kumbh Mela holds the title of the largest peaceful gathering in the world.
Points to Note:
i.As per the World Economic Forum 2024, India is ranked 39th out of 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI).
ii.The United Nations (UN’s) World Tourism Day is observed annually on September 27 globally to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Statutes in 1970.
About Ministry of Tourism (MoT):
Union Minister – Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Constituency – Jodhpur, Rajasthan)
Minister of State (MoS) – Suresh Gopi (Constituency – Thrissur,Kerala)
