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Source – This post on World Tourism Day is based on the article “World Tourism Day 2024” published in PIB on 28th September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, World Tourism Day was celebrated on September 27.
About World Tourism Day
1. About: World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27.
2. Theme: The theme for World Tourism Day 2024, “Tourism and Peace“. The 2024 theme addresses current trends and challenges in the tourism sector.
3. Aim: The aim is to raise awareness of tourism’s role in promoting international cooperation, sustainable development, and cultural exchange.
4. History: World Tourism Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the adoption of the UNWTO’s (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) statutes in 1970.
5. Significance: It highlights the connection between tourism, peacebuilding, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism practices, contributing to conflict resolution and global harmony.
Initiatives to Boost Indian Tourism
1. Dekho Apna Desh (2020): It encourages domestic travel by promoting India’s lesser-known destinations.
2. People’s Choice 2024 Campaign: It was launched to seek public feedback on the best tourist destinations.
3. Vibrant Villages Programme (2023): It aims to develop border villages in northern India, with tourism and cultural promotion as a core focus.
4. Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) Scheme (2018): It focuses on skilling, reskilling, and upskilling in hospitality and tourism sectors.
5. 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline: It is available in 12 languages, offering support and guidance to tourists.
5. E-Tourist Visa (2014): It expanded from 43 to 76 countries, with future plans to cover 150 nations.
6. RCS-UDAN Scheme (2016): This has improved regional connectivity with 519 operational routes, including 53 tourism routes.
7. Swadesh Darshan Scheme (2014-15): It focused on sustainable tourism development; revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 in 2024 with 57 identified destinations.
8. PRASHAD Scheme (2014-15): It prioritizes sustainable development of pilgrimage destinations.
9. HRIDAY Scheme (2015): It seeks to preserve and rejuvenate cultural heritage in 12 selected cities.
10. Travel for LiFE Initiative (2023): It encourages sustainable tourism through responsible use of tourism resources.
UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes
