In the vibrant year 2024, India transformed its tourism landscape into a masterpiece of cultural celebration, sustainable innovation, and global outreach. As the nation embraced the spirit of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Tourism unveiled initiatives that echoed the aspirations of a country marching towards Viksit Bharat@2047.
A Year of Record-Breaking Milestones
2024 began with a wave of enthusiasm as India welcomed 18.89 million international tourists in 2023, a testament to its growing allure on the global stage. Domestic tourism flourished even more spectacularly, with a staggering 2509 million visits recorded. Meanwhile, the sector’s contribution to the economy soared, with Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) reaching an impressive ₹231,927 crore.
Redefining Infrastructure and Experiences
Infrastructure development took centre stage with groundbreaking projects aimed at enhancing the tourist experience. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme evolved into Swadesh Darshan 2.0, embracing sustainability and a destination-centric approach. From floating huts and eco rooms in Uttarakhand to illumination at iconic sites like Kusum Sarovar in Uttar Pradesh, the efforts emphasized both innovation and cultural preservation.
Key achievements include:
- 40 projects across 23 states, sanctioned for ₹3,295.76 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.
- 34 sustainable projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, focusing on themes like spiritual tourism, ecotourism, and cultural heritage.
Empowering Communities and Showcasing Heritage
The Ministry’s commitment to inclusive tourism found expression in the ‘Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi’ initiative, empowering locals to become tourism ambassadors. These community champions not only enriched the visitor experience but also fostered employment and pride in their heritage.
The Best Tourism Village Competition 2024 celebrated 36 exceptional villages across eight categories, spotlighting the grassroots efforts that make India’s tourism vibrant and diverse.
Innovative Campaigns: Chalo India and Dekho Apna Desh
Two campaigns captured the imagination of millions:
- Chalo India: Invited the Indian diaspora to bring their non-Indian friends to explore the country’s splendour, offering 1 lakh free e-visas.
- Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024: Engaged the nation in identifying the most cherished tourist attractions, underscoring the people’s role in shaping India’s tourism vision.
A Global Stage for India’s Splendor
India’s tourism story resonated globally through active participation in international travel fairs like ITB Berlin, FITUR Madrid, and WTM London. The Incredible India Content Hub provided an unparalleled platform for promoting India’s travel offerings worldwide. Events like the World Tourism Day celebration, themed ‘Tourism & Peace,’ further highlighted India’s role as a beacon of cultural harmony.
Tourism for the Future: Sustainability and Skill Development
Sustainability remained at the heart of 2024’s initiatives, with projects that integrated ecotourism and cultural heritage. Partnerships with global hospitality giants aimed to redefine hospitality education, enhancing employability and service standards in India’s tourism sector.
In addition, a new handbook simplified the process of granting industry status to tourism, paving the way for investments and job creation across the country.
Also Read | Tourism Ministry Approves ₹3,295.76 Crore for 23 States’ Lesser-Known Destinations
Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2047
As 2024 draws to a close, the Ministry of Tourism’s initiatives reflect a seamless blend of modernity and tradition, ensuring India remains a top global destination. With efforts like Challenge-Based Destination Development and the promotion of iconic tourist centres, the future of Indian tourism shines brighter than ever.
India’s tourism journey is more than statistics; it’s a tale of people, culture, and dreams, woven together in a tapestry of experiences that inspire both locals and the world. As the nation strides confidently towards Viksit Bharat@2047, the legacy of 2024 will stand as a cornerstone of its incredible journey.
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