3.1 NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION (NTO) :
Tourism has become an important part of India’s economic and social development. After independence, the Government of India gradually recognized tourism as an organized sector that could generate employment, earn foreign exchange, support regional development and promote India’s cultural heritage. The emergence of tourism policy therefore involved the creation of institutions, plans and programmes to develop tourist infrastructure and encourage both domestic and international travel.
Indian tourism policy has evolved from a mainly promotional approach to a broader development approach. Government planning has addressed accommodation, transport, information services, destination development, heritage conservation, human resources and marketing. Five-Year Plans provided a framework through which tourism could be included in national development priorities.
The growth of tourism also created a need for a national organization capable of developing hotels, transport facilities and tourism-related projects. This requirement contributed to the establishment and growth of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), which became an important public-sector organization in the tourism industry.
NATIONAL TOURIST ORGANISATION – ITDC
The India Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ITDC) is a public-sector organization associated with the development and promotion of tourism in India. It was established in 1966 by the Government of India through the merger of several tourism-related undertakings. ITDC was created to strengthen tourism infrastructure and provide facilities and services that could support the growth of tourism.
ITDC has historically been involved in areas such as hotels, catering, duty-free services, transport and tourism-related infrastructure. Through its activities, the organization helped demonstrate the role that public-sector enterprises could play in building tourism facilities during a period when private tourism infrastructure was comparatively limited.
The corporation’s activities were also connected with the wider objectives of national tourism policy. By developing visitor facilities and supporting tourism services, ITDC contributed to the growth of destinations and to India’s image as a tourist destination.
been the development and management of tourism infrastructure. Accommodation facilities are essential for tourists, and ITDC historically operated hotels and other hospitality properties. Such facilities helped increase the availability of organized accommodation at important tourist centres.
ITDC has also played a role in providing tourism-related services, including catering and travel support. These services are important because tourism is not limited to sightseeing; it involves a complete visitor experience covering accommodation, food, transport, information and other facilities.
Another responsibility has been supporting tourism promotion and destination development. Public-sector tourism organizations can help develop destinations where investment may initially be difficult or where tourism development is considered strategically important for national or regional growth.
The corporation has also contributed to employment generation and professional opportunities in hospitality and tourism. By operating tourism facilities, it created opportunities for people trained in hotel management, travel, catering, administration and related fields.
ITDC – IMPORTANCE TO INDIAN TOURISM
ITDC has significance in the history of Indian tourism because it formed part of the institutional foundation of modern tourism development. At a time when the tourism sector required substantial public investment, the corporation helped establish and operate facilities that supported visitors and tourism businesses.
Its importance can be understood through several areas: infrastructure development,hospitality services, employment generation, tourism promotion and support for national tourism objectives. ITDC’s work demonstrated that tourism could be treated as an organized economic activity rather than simply as leisure travel.
ITDC also supported the wider concept of destination development. Tourism facilities can stimulate local economic activity by increasing demand for transport, handicrafts, restaurants, guides, cultural activities and other services. Thus, investment in tourism can have multiplier effects on local communities.
Over time, the tourism industry became more competitive and private-sector participation increased. The role of public organizations consequently changed, but ITDC remains an important part of the historical development of tourism institutions in India.
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3.2 FIVE YEAR PLAN
KEY WORDS:
- OVERVIEW OF 5 YEAR PLANS
- 11TH 5 YEAR PLAN
- 12TH 5 YEAR PLAN
OVERVIEW OF FIVE-YEAR PLANS
India’s Five-Year Plans were national development frameworks used to set priorities for economicandsocialdevelopment.Tourismwasprogressivelyincorporatedintotheseplansas the government recognized its contribution to employment, foreign exchange, infrastructure development and national integration.
Tourism planning generally focused on developing infrastructure, improving tourist amenities, promoting destinations and strengthening institutional arrangements. Planned development was particularly important because tourism depends on many connected sectors, including roads, railways, aviation, accommodation, communication and public services.
The Five-Year Plan approach also encouraged balanced regional development. Tourism projects could help direct investment towards places with natural, cultural or historical attractions.Thiscouldcreateemploymentandincomeopportunitiesoutsidemajormetropolitan centres.
The planning process changed with India’s economic liberalization and the increasing role of private investment. Nevertheless, national planning continued to provide broad policy direction for tourism, with increasing attention to sustainability, quality, inclusive growth and destination management.
ELEVENTH FIVE-YEAR PLAN (2007–2012)
The Eleventh Five-Year Plan covered the period from 2007 to 2012. Its broad development vision emphasized faster and more inclusive growth. Tourism was viewed as an important sector because it could create employment, generate income and support development in regions with tourism potential.
Tourism development during this period emphasized infrastructure and amenities at destinations,improvingconnectivity,developingaccommodationandstrengthening tourism-related services. The approach recognized that attractive destinations require supporting infrastructure as well as marketing.
Anotherimportantaspectwasemploymentgeneration.Tourismislabour-intensiveandcreates both direct and indirect employment in hotels, restaurants, transport, travel agencies, guiding, handicrafts and entertainment. Skill development and human-resource improvement were therefore relevant to tourism growth.
The Eleventh Plan also encouraged the development of new tourism products and destinations. Heritage, culture, nature, adventure, rural and other forms of tourism could diversify India’s tourism offering and spread visitor benefits more widely.
TWELFTH FIVE-YEAR PLAN (2012–2017)
The Twelfth Five-Year Plan covered 2012 to 2017. It continued the emphasis on faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth. In tourism, greater attention was given to improving the quality of visitor experiences, destination infrastructure, connectivity, cleanliness, safety and sustainability.
The plan period recognized that tourism development should be environmentally responsible. Sustainabletourismseekstoprotectnaturalandculturalresourceswhileallowingcommunities and businesses to benefit economically. Responsible destination management therefore became increasingly important.
Skill development and service quality were also significant. A tourism destination depends on trained personnel who can provide professional hospitality, guiding, transport and visitor information. Improving skills can raise tourist satisfaction and increase the competitiveness of the destination.
The Twelfth Plan also reflected the growing importance of partnerships among government, private businesses and local communities. Such cooperation can improve investment, infrastructure, marketing and destination management while ensuring that tourism benefits are shared more widely.
CONCLUSION
TheemergenceoftourismpolicyinIndiareflectsthecountry’sgradualrecognitionoftourismas an important instrument of economic development, employment creation, cultural promotion and regional growth. Institutions such as ITDC supported the development of tourism infrastructure and services during the early stages of organized tourism development.
The Eleventh and Twelfth Five-Year Plans continued the national effort to strengthen tourism by focusing on infrastructure, employment, skills, destination development, sustainability and inclusive growth. Together, these planning periods show the movement from basic tourism infrastructure towards a more integrated and sustainable tourism-development approach.
In conclusion, ITDC and national tourism planning have played important roles in shaping India’s tourism sector. Effective tourism policy requires cooperation between government agencies, tourism organizations, businesses and local communities. Future tourism development can build on these foundations by emphasizing responsible travel, digital services, quality hospitality, heritage conservation and sustainable destination management.
Key points: ITDC supported tourism infrastructure and services; Five-Year Plans provided national development direction; the Eleventh Plan emphasized inclusive growth and employment; the Twelfth Plan strengthened sustainable and quality-oriented tourism; and coordinated planning remains important for India’s tourism future.
JESSY SHIRLY W.S
BA. TOURISM AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT (26-29)
ETHIRAJ COLLEGE FOR WOMEN