Pitching India as a signature destination: Dharamshala Declaration

Source: The post is based on an article “Pitching India as a signature destination” published in The Hindu on 27^th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Industries and industrial policies

Relevance: Tourism sector in India and problems associated with it, Dharamshala Declaration.

News:  World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27^th September 2022 but tourism sector has been severely impacted by the pandemic in India and around the world.

However, the government is making efforts to bring the industry back on track.

One of such efforts is the ‘The Dharamshala Declaration’ which has been developed with help of various Ministers.

What is Dharamshala Declaration?

The Dharamshala Declaration aims to recognize India’s role in contributing towards global tourism as well as focusing on recovery of domestic tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism has come up with strategy to encourage more Indians to travel domestically and explore India. It will help to reach the goal of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.

The Tourism Ministry has also been working with the Ministry of External Affairs to identify 20 Indian missions abroad. This will help in bringing higher number of tourists in India.

Moreover, there are goals set for the Indian tourism sector for the coming years that will boost the sector’s growth.

What are the goal set for India in tourism sector?

India would be achieving $150 billion as GDP contribution from tourism and $30 billion in foreign exchange earnings with 15 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2024.

India is estimated to grow at 7%-9% compounded annual growth rate by 2030.

The Tourism Ministry is committed to work on these goals to ensure the positioning of India as one of the world’s best tourism destinations by 2047.

What is the current situation of tourism in India and what steps have taken by government?

Tourism has been one of the sectors severely affected by COVID-19.

The Government of India’s Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme was recently enhanced from ₹4.5 lakh crore to ₹5 lakh crore to benefit enterprises in hospitality and related sectors.

Further, the Ministry of Tourism has also prepared a draft National Tourism Policy 2022.

What are the provisions of the draft National Tourism Policy 2022?

First, it aims at improving the framework conditions for tourism development in the country.

This will be done by supporting tourism industries, strengthening tourism support functions and developing tourism sub-sectors.

Second, it also promotes sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism in line with our cultural values.

Third, it aims to give support to digitalization, innovation and technology through the National Digital Tourism Mission and skilling through the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Mission.

Fourth, the policy also gives a special focus to private sector participation through public-private-partnerships (PPP).

This policy has been first attempt towards tourism and hospitality sectors after 2002.

Moreover, the presidency of G20 will be an advantage for India to bring its tourism Infront of the world.

How can the presidency of G20 will be helpful for tourism sector in India?

India has an opportunity to position itself as a major tourism destination during India’s presidency of the G20.

India will welcome delegates from the 20 countries/European Union and it will be hosting around 200 meetings with foreign delegates.

This will be an opportunity for India to showcase its country’s cultural richness to the world.

Moreover, the Ministry of Tourism should also work with other Ministries to bring required transformation in visa, ease of travel, traveler-friendly and improved immigration facilities at airports.