5.2 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION

Introduction:

Tourism is one of the important sectors contributing to the economic, social and cultural development of India. India is a country with a rich and diverse tourism potential because it has mountains, beaches, forests, wildlife, rivers, historical monuments, ancient temples, pilgrimage centres, museums, traditional arts, festivals and different cultural traditions. Tourism provides opportunities for people to travel, learn about different cultures and enjoy natural and man-made attractions. It also creates employment opportunities for local people and supports industries such as hotels, restaurants, transportation, handicrafts, shopping and entertainment. To promote tourism in a systematic and effective manner, the Government of India has introduced several programmes and initiatives. Dekho Apna Desh, Thematic Tourism and E-Visa are important measures that help to develop and promote tourism. These initiatives encourage domestic travel, develop different types of tourism and make India more accessible to international tourists. Together, they help to increase tourist interest, improve the tourism experience and strengthen India’s position as an attractive tourism destination.

1.TOURIST  DEKHO APNA DESH:

Dekho Apna Desh is an important tourism promotion initiative of the Government of India. The main purpose of this initiative is to encourage Indian citizens to travel within India and explore the country’s rich natural, historical, cultural and spiritual attractions. India is a large country with a great variety of destinations, but many people may not be fully aware of the tourism opportunities available in different states and regions. Dekho Apna Desh creates awareness about these destinations and encourages people to discover the beauty and diversity of their own country. It promotes the idea that India has many places that can be explored for holidays, education, culture, adventure, spirituality and relaxation.

The initiative gives importance to India’s culture, heritage, history, food, traditions, festivals and local lifestyles. Tourists can visit historical monuments, temples, forts, museums, beaches, hill stations, wildlife areas, villages and other attractions. It also encourages people to visit destinations that are less popular but have significant tourism potential. 

Dekho Apna Desh is also important for the development of domestic tourism. When people travel within the country, they spend money on accommodation, transportation, food, shopping, entrance fees, local guides and other services. This creates income for local communities and provides employment opportunities. Small businesses such as handicraft shops, local restaurants, taxi services, homestays and tour operators can benefit from increased tourist activity. 

Important Points of Dekho Apna Desh:

1. Promotion of Domestic Tourism: It encourages Indian citizens to explore tourist destinations within India.

2. Promotion of Culture and Heritage: It creates awareness about India’s historical monuments, traditions, festivals, food and cultural heritage.

3. Support to Local Communities: Increased tourism provides income and employment opportunities for local people and small businesses.

4. Promotion of Lesser-Known Destinations: It helps bring attention to destinations that have tourism potential but are not widely known

2. THEMATIC TOURISM:

Thematic tourism is a type of tourism in which a destination or group of destinations is promoted according to a particular theme, interest or special tourism experience. Instead of promoting only a general sightseeing experience, thematic tourism focuses on a specific subject that attracts a particular group of tourists. India has excellent opportunities for thematic tourism because of its wide variety of natural resources, historical heritage, cultural traditions and religious importance. Different tourism themes can be developed according to the interests of tourists.

Some major forms of thematic tourism in India include heritage tourism, cultural tourism, spiritual and pilgrimage tourism, wildlife tourism, adventure tourism, wellness tourism, rural tourism, coastal tourism and Buddhist tourism. Each type provides a different experience to visitors. For example, heritage tourism focuses on forts, palaces, monuments, museums and historical cities. Spiritual tourism focuses on temples, churches, mosques, monasteries and other religious places. Wildlife tourism allows tourists to experience forests, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Adventure tourism may include activities such as trekking, rafting and other outdoor experiences.

Thematic tourism helps tourists select destinations according to their interests. A tourist interested in history may prefer heritage destinations, while a person interested in nature may choose wildlife or eco-tourism destinations. Similarly, people interested in spirituality may visit pilgrimage centres, and people looking for health and relaxation may choose wellness tourism. Therefore, thematic tourism creates more specialised and meaningful tourism experiences.

The development of thematic tourism also helps to diversify India’s tourism products. If tourism is concentrated only around a few famous attractions, those places may become overcrowded and face pressure on their infrastructure and natural resources. Promoting different themes and destinations can distribute tourists across different areas. It can also help develop rural and less-developed regions. Local people can benefit through employment in hotels, restaurants, transport, guiding services, handicrafts and other tourism activities.

Important Points of Thematic Tourism:

1. Tourism Based on Themes: It develops tourism around specific interests such as heritage, wildlife, spirituality, adventure and wellness.

2. Different Tourist Experiences: It allows tourists to choose destinations according to their interests and provides specialised experiences.

3. Development of New Destinations: It promotes lesser-known and rural destinations and helps distribute tourists across different regions.

3. E-VISA:

E-Visa, or Electronic Visa, is an important facility that supports international tourism by making the visa application process more convenient for eligible foreign travellers. A visa is an official permission that allows a foreign visitor to enter a country for a permitted purpose. The traditional visa process could require travellers to complete procedures through embassies or consulates. The introduction of electronic visa facilities has made the process more convenient by allowing eligible applicants to apply through an online system before travelling.

E-Visa is particularly important for tourism because international travellers usually look for destinations where travel arrangements are convenient and straightforward. A simpler visa application process can make a country more attractive to potential visitors. Eligible foreign tourists can submit the required information and documents through the appropriate online process and receive information about their application electronically. The exact eligibility, permitted purposes, requirements and validity depend on the type of E-Visa and the applicable Indian government rules.

The E-Visa facility contributes to the growth of international tourism in India. Foreign tourists visiting India spend money on hotels, restaurants, transportation, shopping, sightseeing, entertainment and other services. This expenditure supports tourism businesses and creates employment opportunities. Tourists may also purchase local handicrafts, traditional products and souvenirs, which can provide income to local artisans and small businesses.

E-Visa also supports India’s image as a modern and visitor-friendly tourism destination. 

Important Points of E-Visa:

1. Online Visa Facility: Eligible foreign travellers can apply for an electronic visa through an online process.

2. Convenience for Tourists: It makes the visa application process more convenient and reduces the need for some traditional procedures.

3. Promotion of International Tourism: Easier travel arrangements can encourage eligible foreign visitors to choose India as a destination.

4. Economic Benefits: Foreign tourists contribute to hotels, restaurants, transport, shopping and other tourism-related businesses.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dekho Apna Desh, Thematic Tourism and E-Visa are significant initiatives and approaches connected with the development and promotion of tourism in India. Dekho Apna Desh encourages people to discover the diverse attractions of their own country and strengthens domestic tourism. Thematic Tourism provides specialised tourism experiences based on themes such as heritage, culture, wildlife, spirituality, adventure and wellness, thereby expanding India’s tourism products and promoting different destinations. E-Visa facilitates international tourism by providing an online visa facility for eligible foreign travellers and making travel arrangements more convenient.

These initiatives can contribute to employment generation, local economic development, cultural promotion, destination development and increased tourist movement. They also help India present its diverse tourism resources to both domestic and international visitors.

KHATHEEJATHUS SAFRA.A

BA. TOURISM AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT (26-29)

ETHIRAJ COLLEGE FOR WOMEN