1. Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi: A National Responsible Tourism Initiative
The Ministry of Tourism launched a national responsible tourism initiative named ‘Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi’ across 50 tourist destinations on World Tourism Day, 2024. Initially piloted at six destinations — Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) — the initiative aims to enhance the overall tourist experience through training local individuals as tourism ambassadors and storytellers.
Driven by the ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ the program focuses on training people like cab drivers, hotel staff, street vendors, tour guides, and others involved in tourism. The training encompasses various aspects such as hospitality, general cleanliness, safety, and sustainability. Additionally, the Ministry aims to empower women and youth to develop tourism products and experiences like heritage walks, food tours, craft tours, nature treks, and homestays.
Since its pilot launch on August 15, 2024, over 3,000 individuals have been trained. In the coming months, Paryatan Mitra and Didi will receive special recognition in the form of badges, identifying them as official tourism ambassadors. This step is aimed at creating a positive, welcoming environment for tourists across India.
2. Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024: Recognizing Sustainable Tourism Efforts
On the same day, the Ministry announced the winners of the second edition of the Best Tourism Villages Competition, which aims to promote rural tourism by recognizing villages that preserve and promote cultural and natural assets through sustainable practices. This year, 991 applications were received from 30 States and Union Territories, out of which 36 villages were recognized across 8 different categories, such as Adventure Tourism, Agri Tourism, Craft, Community-Based Tourism, Heritage, and more.
Some of the top winners include Dhudmaras (Chhattisgarh) for Adventure Tourism, Kumarakom (Kerala) for Agri Tourism, Chitrakote (Chhattisgarh) for Community-Based Tourism, Sualkuchi (Assam) for Craft, Hafeshwar (Gujarat) for Heritage, and Tar Village (Ladakh) for Responsible Tourism. The competition reflects the Ministry’s vision to promote India’s diverse rural tourism potential and support local communities.
3. Boosting Hospitality Skill Development: MoUs Signed with Leading Hospitality Groups
The Ministry of Tourism also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with eight national and global hospitality giants, including the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, ITC Group of Hotels, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, Radisson Group of Hotels, and Lemon Tree Hotels.
The MoUs, signed with the Central Institutes of Hotel Management (CIHMs), are intended to create robust industry-academic collaborations to enhance student engagement, faculty development, and institutional growth. The partnerships will focus on activities like pairing students with industry mentors, conducting masterclasses, offering career guidance, and providing internships and placements.
A New Era for Indian Tourism
These combined initiatives underline the Ministry’s commitment to creating a world-class tourism experience by empowering local communities, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and skilling the next generation of hospitality professionals. With Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs, a focus on rural tourism through the Best Tourism Villages Competition, and strategic partnerships with hospitality leaders, India is set to welcome tourists with a more enriched and inclusive tourism environment.
By encouraging responsible tourism and focusing on skilling initiatives, the Ministry of Tourism aims to make India not just a tourism destination but a destination for unique and memorable experiences, reflecting the essence of ‘Incredible India.’
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