4.1– Tourism Policies and Development
4.1 Tourism Policy 1982
1.Main purpose and importance of the Tourism Policy 1982
• The Tourism Policy 1982 was an important step in giving tourism a clear direction at the national level.
• It recognised tourism as an activity that could support economic development, employment and social progress.
• The policy stressed planned development instead of allowing tourism to grow without proper facilities and organisation.
• It gave importance to India’s natural beauty, historical places, culture and heritage as tourism resources.
• It also encouraged improvement of facilities so that visitors could travel comfortably and safely.
2.Tourism Policy 1982 – Main Objectives
The policy aimed to develop tourism in an organised and useful way
• To develop tourism facilities and infrastructure in important tourist areas.
• To make India more attractive to both domestic and international tourists.
• To improve accommodation, transport, information and other facilities required by visitors.
• To promote India’s cultural, historical and natural attractions.
• To create employment and income opportunities through tourism activities.
• To encourage balanced tourism development in different regions of the country.
3.Tourism Policy 1982 – Guiding Principles
Important principles followed for tourism development
• Planned development: tourism should be developed according to proper plans and priorities.
• Better facilities: tourists should have access to accommodation, transport, information and basic services.
• Promotion: India’s attractions should be properly publicised to attract visitors.
• Cultural protection: historical monuments, traditions, arts and culture should be valued and protected.
• Natural resources: natural attractions should be used carefully so that they remain available in the future.
• Balanced growth: tourism benefits should reach different areas rather than being limited to a few destinations.
4.Tourism Policy 1982 – Tourism Infrastructure
Infrastructure is necessary for a good tourist experience
• Tourism cannot develop properly without good transport, accommodation and communication facilities.
• The policy therefore gave importance to developing facilities at tourist destinations.
• Roads, railways, air connections and other transport facilities help tourists reach destinations easily.
• Hotels and other accommodation facilities are needed for visitors to stay comfortably.
• Tourist information, guidance and other visitor services help improve the overall travel experience.
• Better infrastructure also supports local businesses and creates additional employment.
5.Tourism Policy 1982 – Promotion and Development
Promotion helps India attract visitors and increase tourism activity
• India has many historical, cultural, religious and natural attractions that can be promoted for tourism.
• Proper publicity helps visitors learn about destinations and encourages them to travel.
• Fairs, festivals, handicrafts and traditional cultural activities can add value to the tourist experience.
• Different regions can be promoted according to their special attractions.
• Tourism promotion can support local shops, transport services, accommodation and other small businesses.
• The policy therefore connected tourism promotion with wider economic development.
6.National Action Plan for Tourism 1992
The 1992 Action Plan gave practical direction to tourism development
• The National Action Plan for Tourism was introduced in 1992 as a follow-up approach to tourism development.
• It focused more on practical action and implementation than a general policy statement.
• It aimed to improve infrastructure, tourist facilities, marketing and tourism services.
• The plan also recognised the importance of domestic tourism and special forms of tourism.
• It encouraged cooperation between government, tourism organisations and the private sector.
7.1992 Action Plan – Objectives
Major objectives of the National Action Plan for Tourism
• To improve tourism infrastructure and facilities at important destinations.
• To encourage domestic tourism and increase travel within India.
• To develop pilgrimage tourism and other special-interest tourism.
• To promote fairs, festivals, crafts and cultural attractions.
• To encourage investment in tourism and strengthen tourism businesses.
• To improve tourism manpower through training and skill development.
• To improve marketing and publicity in domestic and international markets.
8.1992 Action Plan – Major Strategies
The plan used several strategies to put tourism development into practice
• Develop selected tourist destinations through planned and integrated development.
• Improve roads, transport, accommodation and other basic facilities.
• Promote tourism circuits so that visitors can travel to several related attractions.
• Encourage private investment and participation in tourism projects.
• Strengthen marketing and publicity to attract domestic and foreign visitors.
• Develop trained manpower for hotels, travel agencies, guiding and other tourism services.
• Improve coordination between government departments and tourism organisations.
4.1 – Importance of the 1982 and 1992 Policies
Together, these policies created a stronger base for tourism development
• The 1982 policy provided broad guiding principles for national tourism development.
• The 1992 Action Plan gave greater attention to practical implementation.
• Both approaches recognised the importance of infrastructure and tourist facilities.
• They encouraged promotion of India’s culture, heritage and natural attractions.
• They also connected tourism with employment, investment and regional development.
• These developments provided a foundation for later tourism policies in India.
PRIYA.K
BA. TOURISM AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT (26-29)
ETHIRAJ COLLEGE FOR WOMEN