30-September-2024-Special-Article

WORLD TOURISM DAY 2024

World Tourism Day is an annual event celebrated globally on September 27th to raise awareness about the social, cultural, and economic significance of tourism.

In 2024, the theme “Tourism and Peace” was adopted, emphasizing how tourism fosters cross-cultural understanding, promotes peace, and contributes to global stability. By encouraging dialogue and cultural exchange, tourism plays a crucial role in reducing conflict, enhancing cooperation, and supporting sustainable development.

History and Importance of World Tourism Day

• Origins: World Tourism Day was first observed in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
• Significance: The day aims to highlight the role of tourism in driving economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability.
• UNWTO Establishment: World Tourism Day marks the adoption of the UNWTO’s statutes in 1975, leading to its official creation five years later in 1980.
• Role of UNWTO:

• UNWTO advocates for tourism as a catalyst for global development and economic growth.
• The organization assists in forming policies and initiatives that promote tourism while ensuring sustainability.
• UNWTO is headquartered in Madrid, Spain, and has 160 Member States, including India, 6 Associate Members, and over 500 Affiliate Members.

• Annual Themes: Every year, World Tourism Day is centered around a theme that showcases tourism’s unique role in various regions. In 2024, the theme is “Tourism and Peace,” with Georgia as the host country.

How Tourism Promotes Peace

Cultural Exchange:

• Tourism encourages understanding between people of different cultures, fostering tolerance and reducing prejudice.
• It offers shared experiences that allow visitors and locals to engage in meaningful dialogues, breaking down barriers and building peaceful relationships.

Economic Empowerment:

• Tourism is a significant driver of global economic growth, contributing 10% of global GDP and accounting for one in every ten jobs worldwide.
• By creating jobs and generating income, tourism can reduce poverty and inequality, which are often root causes of social unrest and conflict.

Sustainable Practices:

• Responsible tourism practices promote the conservation of cultural and natural heritage.
• Sustainable tourism reduces resource-related tensions and enhances community pride, fostering long-term peace and stability.

Good Governance:

• A flourishing tourism sector incentivizes governments to maintain stability, develop policies, and improve infrastructure.
• This stability fosters a peaceful environment conducive to international cooperation.

Gender Equality:

• Tourism supports gender equality by empowering women through job creation and engaging local communities in decision-making processes.
• Initiatives such as the Tribal Home Stays under India’s Swadesh Darshan program promote social equity and reduce inequalities, particularly in tribal regions.

Post-Pandemic Recovery:

• Tourism plays a crucial role in post-pandemic recovery, especially in rebuilding economies and promoting peace in post-conflict areas.
• For example, Rwanda’s tourism revival has significantly contributed to its economic growth, with an 8.4% GDP increase in 2022, following an 11% increase in 2021.

India’s Travel and Tourism Industry

Global Ranking:

• India ranks 39th in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index (2024).
• Its performance is bolstered by rich natural, cultural, and non-leisure resources.

Economic Contribution:

• In 2022, India’s travel and tourism sector contributed USD 199.6 billion to the economy.
• The sector has attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of USD 17.2 billion from April 2000 to March 2024, accounting for 2.54% of total FDI inflow.

Domestic Tourism Growth:

• Domestic tourist visits (DTV) in India surged to 250 crore in 2023, nearly double the number recorded in 2014 (128 crore).

Government Initiatives:

• National Tourism Policy, 2022
• Dekho Apna Desh Initiative
• Swadesh Darshan Scheme
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
• e-Visa Facility
• Cruise Tourism

Growth Projections:

• The tourism sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.1%, with a goal to create around 140 million jobs by 2030.
• Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) reached 9.24 million in 2023, up from 6.43 million in 2022. FTAs are expected to rise to 30.5 million by 2028.

Challenges Faced by the Indian Tourism Sector

Safety and Security:

• Crimes such as theft and assault, especially against women, create safety concerns and deter tourists from visiting certain areas.

Infrastructure Deficiencies:

• Many tourist destinations, particularly in remote regions like the Northeast, lack adequate infrastructure, such as air, rail, and road connectivity.

Lack of Skilled Manpower:

• The tourism sector faces a shortage of trained professionals, including multilingual guides, which impacts service quality and the overall tourist experience.

Unsustainable Practices:

• In ecologically sensitive areas like the Himalayas, unsustainable tourism practices lead to resource depletion and environmental degradation, harming local communities and ecosystems.

Pollution and Climate Change:

• Major tourist sites such as the Taj Mahal are affected by pollution.
• Climate change poses a significant risk, causing natural disasters that impact tourism infrastructure and cultural heritage conservation.

India’s Tourism Advantages

• Cultural and Historical Richness: India’s diverse cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s forts, attracting millions of tourists.
• Natural Beauty: India is home to 70% of the Himalayas, extensive forest cover, 7,000 km of coastline, and vast biodiversity, making it a prime destination for ecotourism and adventure activities.
• Affordable Travel Options: India offers low-cost travel compared to many Western countries, making it an attractive destination for a broad range of tourists.
• Warm Hospitality: The Indian ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God) ensures a welcoming atmosphere for tourists, enhancing their overall experience.
• Culinary Diversity: Indian cuisine, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, offers unique experiences across different regions, with popular street food catering to diverse tastes.
• Infrastructure Development: India is investing heavily in enhancing tourism infrastructure through airport expansions, improved railways, and highway developments under initiatives like Bharatmala.

Way Forward

• Enhancing Connectivity: Investments in transportation infrastructure, such as Vande Bharat trains, will improve access to remote tourist destinations.
• Safety Measures: Implementing strict security protocols and establishing tourism police will boost tourists’ confidence in India’s safety.
• Skill Development: Training programs for the tourism workforce, especially multilingual guides and service providers, will improve service quality and tourist satisfaction.
• Sustainable Tourism: Responsible tourism practices, with a focus on eco-tourism, can help conserve India’s natural resources while promoting sustainable development.
• Leveraging Technology: Digital tools like the Digi Yatra app and social media can streamline travel experiences, enhance destination visibility, and make trip planning easier for tourists.
• Promoting Staycations: Encouraging staycation trends in major cities can boost local economies and increase hotel occupancy rates.
• Strengthening International Ties: Partnerships with countries like Russia through travel bubbles and sister cities will facilitate tourism and foster cultural and economic collaboration.

Mains Question:

1. “Discuss how tourism can contribute to promoting global peace, with a focus on cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and sustainable development. (150 WORDS)