As India celebrates World Tourism Day 2024, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is rolling out a wave of forward-thinking initiatives designed to invigorate the nation’s tourism landscape. Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, Government of India, has shed light on these exciting developments, which emphasize collaboration, innovation, and skill development to elevate both domestic and international tourism.
One of the key highlights is the launch of the newly revamped Incredible India portal. This platform is now a comprehensive travel planning tool, offering over 4,500 high-quality photos, videos, and informational resources. These materials are freely available for download, making it easier for tourists and travel professionals to access and utilize valuable content. Sinha described the portal as “the grand dame of aggregators,” simplifying the booking process and making itinerary creation a breeze. A unique feature of the revamped portal is its user-generated travel diaries, providing authentic testimonials and personalized itinerary suggestions from fellow travelers, adding an interactive and engaging dimension to the platform.
The Ministry of Tourism is also dedicated to bolstering India’s hospitality sector. As part of this effort, 57 Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with international hotel chains such as IHG, Radisson, Marriott, The Lalit, and Lemon Tree. These partnerships will co-brand the IHMs and introduce a globally benchmarked curriculum. According to Sinha, this move will equip students with world-class hospitality skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the global tourism market.
Furthermore, the MoT has expanded its capacity-building pilot program, which was initially launched in six key destinations. This initiative will now be extended to 50 locations across India, further promoting the ethos of “ Atithi Devo Bhava ” (Guest is God) in the hospitality industry. The program aims to instill high standards of hospitality across more regions, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience.
A significant focus of the Ministry’s new initiatives is on promoting rural, responsible, and community-led tourism. Sinha announced that the winners of the Rural Tourism initiative will be unveiled in eight categories, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable tourism and inclusive growth. These efforts are designed to empower local communities, giving them an active role in tourism-related activities, which in turn fosters economic growth in rural areas while preserving cultural heritage.
This year’s World Tourism Day also marks a renewed focus on inter-ministerial cooperation. The Ministry of Tourism has partnered with the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Railways to take a unified approach to boosting tourism infrastructure. By collaborating with these key infrastructure ministries, the MoT aims to implement a destination-production-driven tourism strategy that will streamline and enhance the travel experience across India.
Looking ahead, Mugdha Sinha hinted at a major event planned for next year’s World Tourism Day, tentatively titled the “ Tourism Global Initiative .” This initiative will focus on leveraging India’s Talent, Tradition, Trade, and Technology to further strengthen the country’s position as a global tourism leader. While specific details remain under wraps, Sinha expressed her ambition to create a landmark event that will bring global attention to India’s tourism sector.
Today’s World Tourism Day celebrations, held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, carry the theme “Tourism and Peace” , underlining tourism’s role in fostering global harmony and development. The event is being chaired by India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, with Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum, and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi in attendance. During the celebration, several initiatives will be showcased, including Paryatan Mitra (a program aimed at encouraging locals to become tourism facilitators), the announcement of Best Tourism Village Winners , and the launch of a new handbook on granting Industry Status to Tourism and Hospitality . These efforts highlight India’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its tourism sector through innovative policies and programs.
First celebrated in 1980, World Tourism Day commemorates the founding of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1975. This annual event underscores the importance of tourism in driving global socio-economic development, promoting cross-cultural exchange, and fostering economic growth. With the goal of utilizing tourism as a tool for sustainable development and poverty alleviation, the UNWTO designated September 27 as World Tourism Day. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” encourages the global tourism community to reflect on how travel can promote peace, mutual understanding, and sustainability. By integrating tourism into broader development agendas, nations can unlock new avenues for economic and social progress. India, with its innovative tourism policies and initiatives, continues to lead by example in leveraging tourism for both economic and cultural enrichment. Stay tuned for more updates on World Tourism Day 2024 and the Ministry of Tourism’s latest initiatives aimed at transforming India into a global tourism hub.
