INTRODUCTION TO NATIONAL TOURISM POLICY (NTP) IN INDIA
The National Tourism Policy (NTP) is a policy framework of the Government of India for the planned development and promotion of tourism in the country. India’s first Tourism Policy was presented in Parliament on 3 November 1982. It recognised tourism as an important sector for economic and social development.
The policy aimed to promote India as a tourist destination, improve tourist facilities, preserve the country’s cultural heritage, generate employment and encourage better understanding among people through travel. It also stressed that tourism development should be a common effort of the Central Government, State Governments and other agencies.
4.3 Tourism Policy of Tamil Nadu – 2023
- Introduction:
The Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy 2023 was introduced to develop Tamil Nadu as an attractive tourism destination and to make tourism more sustainable, inclusive and investment-friendly. The policy focuses on improving tourism infrastructure, creating employment and developing new tourism experiences.
- Main Objectives
The important objectives are:
1.To develop and promote tourism destinations in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
2.To improve the quality and variety of tourism products and services.
3.To improve tourism infrastructure and facilities.
4.To increase the safety, comfort and convenience of tourists.
5.To preserve Tamil Nadu’s culture and heritage.
6.To protect natural resources such as hills, forests, beaches and mangroves.
7.To promote new and niche tourism segments.
8.To increase the length of tourists’ stay and their spending in the State.
- Major Targets
The policy has a five-year policy period and includes targets such as:
Attract ₹20,000 crore investment in tourism.
Tourism to contribute at least 12% of the State GSDP annually.
Create employment for about 25 lakh people in tourism and supporting industries.
Provide skill development for 3 lakh workers.
Improve tourist safety and convenience through technology.
Establish virtual Tourist Information Centres at anchor tourism sites.
12 Priority Tourism Segments
The policy gives special importance to 12 tourism segments:
Adventure Tourism – trekking, water and other adventure activities.
Recreation Tourism – amusement parks and leisure activities.
Caravan Tourism – travelling and staying in caravans.
Rural & Plantation Tourism – experiencing villages, farms and plantations.
Coastal Tourism – beaches and coastal activities.
Cultural Tourism – festivals, traditions, food, music and dance.
Medical & Wellness Tourism – medical treatment, wellness and relaxation.
Religious Tourism – visiting temples and other religious places.
Eco Tourism – tourism that protects and respects the environment.
MICE Tourism – Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.
Heritage Tourism – historical monuments, buildings and heritage sites. Film Tourism – promoting places associated with film shooting and cinema.
Easy way to remember:
A R C R C C M R E M H F
(Adventure, Recreation, Caravan, Rural, Coastal, Cultural, Medical, Religious, Eco, MICE, Heritage, Film) 5. Tourism Projects
The policy encourages private investment in tourism projects. Tourism projects are given industry status, allowing them to receive benefits similar to industrial projects. Projects such as amusement parks, heritage hotels, ecolodges, museums, adventure tourism, cruise tourism and caravan tourism can receive support under the policy.
6. Single Window Clearance
Single Window Clearance is introduced to make approval of eligible tourism projects easier and faster.
Instead of an investor having to approach different government departments separately, the process is streamlined through a single-window system. This helps:
Reduce delays.
Simplify approvals.
Make investment easier.
Encourage private-sector participation.
Improve the ease of doing business in tourism.
A Tourism Facilitation Cell was also planned to support investors and facilitate tourism projects.
7. Conclusion
The Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy 2023 aims to transform Tamil Nadu into a diverse and attractive tourism destination. Its focus on 12 priority tourism segments, investment, infrastructure, employment, sustainable tourism and single-window clearances is intended to support the long-term growth of tourism in the State.
DHARSHINI.V
BA.TOURISM AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT (26-29)
ETHIRAJ COLLEGE FOR WOMEN