A stronger focus on economic growth, employment and tourism development

• The National Tourism Policy 2002 gave tourism a larger role in India’s economic development.

• Tourism was viewed as an important source of employment, income and investment.

• The policy encouraged domestic tourism as well as international tourism.

• It gave importance to rural tourism and the development of less-known destinations.

• It also encouraged greater participation by the private sector.

• The policy aimed to improve the quality of tourist services and the overall visitor experience.

11National Tourism Policy 2002 – Objectives

Key objectives of the 2002 policy

• To make tourism an important engine of economic growth.

• To create direct and indirect employment opportunities.

• To encourage rural tourism and support local economic development.

• To increase domestic tourism and encourage people to visit different parts of India.

• To attract private investment into tourism infrastructure and services.

• To improve the quality of tourism products and visitor services.

• To promote India as an attractive destination in international tourism.

12.National Tourism Policy 2002 – Important Features

Major features that shaped the policy approach

• Integrated tourism development: related destinations and attractions can be developed together as tourism circuits.

• Private-sector participation: private businesses can contribute investment, services and innovation.

• Rural tourism: villages and rural areas can gain income and employment through tourism.

• Domestic tourism: greater attention is given to travel within India.

• Employment: tourism can create jobs in hotels, transport, guiding, food services and other activities.

• Heritage and culture: India’s traditions, monuments, arts and festivals are important tourism resources.

13National Tourism Policy 2002 – Rural and Domestic Tourism

Tourism can spread economic benefits to local communities

• Rural tourism can introduce visitors to village life, local traditions, crafts, food and cultural activities.

• It can create opportunities for local people to earn income without leaving their communities.

• Domestic tourism is important because India has a large population with many different travel interests.

• Pilgrimage, cultural, heritage, leisure and nature-based travel can support domestic tourism.

• Developing new destinations can reduce pressure on heavily visited tourist centres.

• Local participation is important for making tourism useful to communities.

14

National Tourism Policy 2002 – Private Sector

Government and private organisations can work together in tourism

• Tourism requires investment in hotels, transport, attractions, services and other facilities.

• The private sector can contribute investment, management skills and new tourism products.

• Government has an important role in planning, regulation, infrastructure and creating a supportive environment.

• Public-private cooperation can help develop destinations and improve tourism services.

• Better cooperation can also encourage innovation and improve the quality of facilities.

15NITI Aayog – 2015 and Tourism

Strategic policy support and a wider development approach

• NITI Aayog was established on 1 January 2015 as the Government of India’s policy think tank.

• It provides strategic policy inputs and supports coordination across different areas of development.

• In tourism, policy thinking can cover infrastructure, connectivity, skills, destination development and investment.

• It supports approaches that involve different levels of government and other stakeholders.

• Tourism development also includes newer areas such as eco-tourism, wellness and experience-based tourism.

• The role of NITI Aayog is to provide strategic policy support; the Ministry of Tourism remains the central ministry responsible for tourism administration.

16Draft National Tourism Policy 2022

A modern approach based on sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism

• The Ministry of Tourism prepared the Draft National Tourism Policy 2022.

• The draft aims to position India as a preferred tourism destination.

• It focuses on increasing the economic and social benefits of tourism.

• It gives importance to employment, entrepreneurship and development of tourism skills.

• It seeks to improve competitiveness and encourage investment in tourism.

• It gives strong importance to sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism.

17

Draft National Tourism Policy 2022 – Objectives

Major objectives of the draft policy

• Increase the contribution of tourism to the Indian economy.

• Create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for people.

• Develop a skilled and professional tourism workforce.

• Improve India’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

• Encourage investment and better tourism infrastructure.

• Protect and enhance cultural and natural resources.

• Promote sustainable and responsible tourism development.

• Ensure that tourism benefits are more widely shared and inclusive.

18Draft 2022 – Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

Tourism growth should protect destinations for future generations

• Sustainable tourism means developing tourism while taking care of economic, social and environmental needs.

• Natural resources such as forests, beaches, wildlife and landscapes need responsible management.

• Cultural heritage, monuments, traditions and local identity should be respected.

• Tourism activities should avoid unnecessary damage to destinations.

• Local communities should have opportunities to participate and benefit from tourism.

• Responsible tourism encourages visitors and tourism businesses to behave carefully toward people, culture and the environment.

19Draft 2022 – Employment, Skills and Investment

People and investment are important for long-term tourism growth

• Tourism creates employment in accommodation, food, transport, travel agencies, guiding and attractions.

• Skill development can improve the quality of services provided to visitors.

• Entrepreneurship can help local people start tourism-related businesses.

• Investment is required for infrastructure, accommodation, attractions and modern tourism services.

• A skilled workforce and better facilities can improve India’s competitiveness.

• Greater participation of local communities can make tourism development more inclusive.

20 Policy Development – 1982 to 2022

The focus of tourism policy has gradually become broader

• 1982 – Foundation: planned tourism development, facilities and promotion.

• 1992 – Action: practical strategies for infrastructure, investment, manpower and marketing.

• 2002 – Growth: tourism linked strongly with economic growth, jobs, rural and domestic tourism.

• 2015 – Strategic support: NITI Aayog strengthened wider policy thinking and coordination.

• 2022 – Sustainability: greater focus on responsible, inclusive and sustainable tourism.

21Overall Conclusion

Tourism policy in India has moved from basic development towards sustainable growth

• The Tourism Policy 1982 created an important national framework for tourism development.

• The National Action Plan 1992 focused on practical strategies and implementation.

• The National Tourism Policy 2002 strengthened the role of tourism in economic growth, employment and investment.

• NITI Aayog, established in 2015, provides strategic policy support and wider development thinking.

• The Draft National Tourism Policy 2022 gives greater importance to sustainability, responsibility, inclusion, skills and competitiveness.

• Overall, India’s tourism policy shows a gradual shift towards tourism that benefits the economy, communities, culture and the environment.

PRIYA.K

BA. TOURISM AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT (26-29)

ETHIRAJ COLLEGE FOR WOMEN