Current Affairs Classes Pre cum Mains 2025, Batch Starts: 11th September 2024 Click Here for more information
Source – This post on Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi Initiative is based on the article “Ministry of Tourism Launches Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi – A National Responsible Tourism Initiative” published in PIB on 28th September 2024.
Why in News?
Ministry of Tourism launched a new initiative ‘Paryatan Mitra’ and ‘Paryatan Didi’ on the occasion of World Tourism Day (September 27th, 2024).
About the ‘Paryatan Mitra’ and ‘Paryatan Didi’ Initiative
| Aspects | Description |
| About | ‘Paryatan Mitra’ and ‘Paryatan Didi’ program is to connect tourists with locals who can act as Ambassadors and Storytellers for their regions. |
| Launched by | Ministry of Tourism |
| Aim | To enhance tourism through social inclusion, employment generation, and economic progress. |
| Vision | To create a welcoming and memorable experience for tourists by promoting Incredible India through the efforts of Incredible Indians, further enhancing India’s reputation as a top tourist destination. |
| Key Objectives | Improve tourist experience through interaction with locals trained in hospitality, cleanliness, safety, and sustainability. |
| Pilot Program Locations | The initiative was piloted in 6 tourist destinations across India Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan) and Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) |
| Target Groups for Training | Cab and auto drivers, Railway station and airport staff, Hotel, restaurant, and homestay staff, Police personnel, Tour guides, street vendors, and shopkeepers and Students and other community members |
| Features | 1) Training on developing new tourism products such as Heritage walks, food and craft tours, nature treks and homestay experiences. 2) This training is driven by the ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ philosophy, emphasizing the importance of treating tourists as honored guests. 4) It involves knowledge sharing on local history, stories, and lesser-known tourist attractions to create engaging tourist interactions. 5) Special emphasis on empowering women and youth to develop tourism-based livelihoods. 6) Training on digital literacy and the use of digital tools to ensure global visibility and discoverability of the tourism experiences created by locals. |
UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes
