World Tourism Day 2024

Context:

The Ministry of Tourism marked World Tourism Day on September 27th, 2024, under the theme “Tourism and Peace.” This theme emphasizes the role of tourism in fostering global peace through the enhancement of cross-cultural interactions and understanding.

Relevance:

GS III: Inclusive Growth

Dimensions of the Article:

1. The Importance of World Tourism Day:
2. How Tourism Promotes Peace
3. India’s Travel and Tourism Industry: Outlook for the Future
4. Challenges Facing India’s Tourism Sector
5. India’s Tourism Strengths

The Importance of World Tourism Day:

• First Celebrated: In 1980, World Tourism Day was first commemorated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Its purpose is to raise awareness about the societal, cultural, and economic benefits of tourism.
• Historical Significance: The day also marks the adoption of UNWTO’s statutes in 1975, leading to its official establishment five years later.
• Global Advocate: UNWTO promotes tourism as a key driver for economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability while helping advance global knowledge and tourism policies.
• Membership: UNWTO consists of 160 member nations, 6 associate members, 2 observers, and over 500 affiliate members.
• Location: The UNWTO is based in Madrid, Spain.
• Annual Themes: Each year, the day is celebrated with a theme, emphasizing the pivotal role tourism plays in different parts of the world.
• Host for 2024: In 2024, Georgia will host World Tourism Day, focusing on the theme “Tourism and Peace.”

Linking Tourism to Sustainable Development:

• The day emphasizes the role tourism can play in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable resource management.
• Eco-tourism is highlighted as a key tool for supporting SDG 13 related to climate action.

How Tourism Promotes Peace:

• Cultural Exchange: Tourism fosters understanding and tolerance among different cultures, helping reduce prejudice.
• Economic Impact: Tourism accounts for 10% of global GDP, contributes 7% of global exports, and provides 1 in every 10 jobs globally. By generating jobs and enhancing local economies, tourism helps reduce poverty and inequality, key factors that often fuel conflicts.
• Environmental and Cultural Conservation: Responsible tourism helps conserve natural and cultural heritage, building community pride and mitigating resource-related tensions.
• Governance and Stability: A thriving tourism sector encourages governments to focus on peace-building policies and overall national stability.
• Empowerment and Engagement: The industry helps empower women and engages local communities.
• Tribal Home Stays Initiative: Under India’s Swadesh Darshan Program, the Tribal Home Stays initiative offers alternative livelihoods to tribal communities, tapping into their tourism potential while promoting social equity.
• Post-Conflict Recovery: Tourism can play a crucial role in rebuilding economies and promoting healing in post-conflict nations, as evidenced by Rwanda.
  • Rwanda’s Growth: The country saw its GDP grow by 8.4% in the first three quarters of 2022, following an 11% increase in 2021, driven largely by the revival of tourism, helping restore employment levels.

India’s Travel and Tourism Industry: Outlook for the Future

• Global Ranking: India ranks 39th in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024, with its strength derived from its rich natural, cultural, and non-leisure resources, which serve purposes beyond just leisure travel.
• Economic Contribution: According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), India’s tourism sector contributed USD 199.6 billion to its economy in 2022.
• Foreign Direct Investment: The total FDI inflow in the hospitality and tourism sectors reached USD 17.2 billion from April 2000 to March 2024, constituting 2.54% of all FDI across sectors.
• Growth in Domestic Tourism: Domestic Tourist Visits (DTV) in 2023 surged to 250 crore, almost doubling from 128 crore in 2014.
• Growth Projections: The tourism industry in India is projected to expand at an annual rate of 7.1%.
• Vision for the Future: The Indian government aims to generate USD 56 billion in foreign exchange and create 140 million jobs in tourism by 2030, focusing on areas like cruise tourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism.
• Visitor Spending: Domestic tourist spending grew by 20.4% in 2022, while international tourist spending rose by 81.9%.
• Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): FTAs reached 9.24 million in 2023, up from 6.43 million in 2022, with the US, Bangladesh, and the UK being the top sources of tourists. FTAs are forecasted to hit 30.5 million by 2028.

Challenges Facing India’s Tourism Sector:

• Safety Concerns: Reports of crime, such as theft and assault, have led to safety concerns, particularly for women travelers, creating a negative perception.
• Security Issues: These safety issues can deter tourists from visiting certain areas, affecting India’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Many tourist spots, particularly in remote areas like the Northeast, lack critical infrastructure, including reliable air, rail, and road connectivity, limiting accessibility for both domestic and international travelers.
• Lack of Trained Personnel: The tourism sector faces a shortage of trained manpower, including multilingual guides, which affects the quality of services and experiences for international visitors.
• Sustainability Challenges: Unregulated tourism in ecologically sensitive regions like the Himalayas has led to issues such as resource depletion, soil erosion, and habitat destruction, which put strain on local ecosystems.
• Environmental Threats: Iconic tourist sites, like the Taj Mahal, suffer from pollution, and climate change brings additional risks such as natural disasters, further threatening tourism infrastructure and heritage sites

India’s Tourism Strengths

• Cultural and Historical Richness: India is a diverse nation with a rich tapestry of languages, religions, and customs. It is home to renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Taj Mahal, Hampi, and Jaipur’s forts, which draw history and culture enthusiasts.
• Adventure Opportunities in the Himalayas: India encompasses 70% of the Himalayan range, offering ample adventure sports and trekking possibilities.
• Vast Coastline: With a coastline stretching 7,000 km, India offers abundant opportunities for water sports and beach tourism, covering both hot and cold deserts.
• Ecotourism Potential: The country’s extensive forest cover plays a key role in fostering ecotourism.
• Biodiversity Hotspots: India’s rich biodiversity is reflected in its diverse flora and fauna, with well-known national parks such as Jim Corbett and Kaziranga.
• Adventure Tourism Hub: With activities like trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and wildlife safaris, India is becoming a top choice for adventure tourism.
• Affordable Travel Costs: Compared to many Western nations, India offers lower travel costs, making it an attractive option for tourists from various income brackets.
• Warm Hospitality: The Indian tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God) ensures that visitors receive warm and welcoming hospitality.
• Engaged Locals: Locals are eager to share their rich cultural heritage, making tourists’ experiences more enriching.
• Culinary Diversity: The country offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. India’s famous street food offers authentic flavors for food lovers.
• Improving Infrastructure: India is actively enhancing its tourism infrastructure through expansions in airports, improvements in railways, and developments in highways under projects like Bharatmala.
• Focus on Hospitality and Skill Development: Investments in hospitality and skill development programs aim to raise service standards and meet the needs of increasing tourist numbers.

-Source: The Hindu