A recent move from the Ministry of Tourism seeks to identify six unique experiences in rural India, including agritourism, art and culture, ecotourism, wildlife, tribal tourism, and homestays. The aim is to provide tourists with unique experiences while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in the country.
Key Points of the Initiative
This initiative has sustainability at its heart and aims to avoid large-scale infrastructure development. It seeks to utilise local resources and communities to provide a unique experience and boost job opportunities in villages. The financial aspects of the initiative are being formulated, including certain training modules that are 100 percent centrally financed, and other components shared 60 percent by the Centre and 40 percent by the State.
The plan also includes the identification of clusters of five to seven nearby villages to provide a more comprehensive tourist attraction than rural tourism projects focusing on individual villages separated by long distances. These clusters will also serve to facilitate the marketing of local products through craft bazaars.
The Concept of Rural Tourism
Rural tourism in India focuses on exploring rural lifestyles and cultures and involves activities such as farming, handicrafts, and village walks. The potential for rural tourism in India lies in its diverse culture, rich traditions, vibrant festivals, and stunning landscapes. It has been estimated that agritourism alone will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.4% between 2022 and 2030.
Not only can rural tourism boost local arts and crafts, but it can also aid in rural redevelopment, job creation, heritage preservation, poverty alleviation, and the creation of new business opportunities.
The Challenges of Rural Tourism in India
Despite its potential, rural tourism in India faces several challenges. Lack of infrastructure, limited awareness, low income, and high unemployment rates in rural areas can hinder its development. Other challenges include threats to ecological balance due to mismanagement, safety concerns due to inadequate security arrangements, and the perception of rural areas being unsafe.
Government Initiatives Related to Rural Tourism
The government is actively engaged in promoting rural tourism. It has launched initiatives such as the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region (MOVCD-NER) to foster organic agriculture and to develop these areas as rural tourist destinations.
Moreover, the Best Tourism Village Competition Portal was recently launched to promote rural tourism nationwide. The Ministry of Tourism also launched Visit India Year 2023, which focuses on inbound travel to highlight the diverse tourism offerings in India to global visitors.
The PRASHAD (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme and Swadesh Darshan scheme were also launched for promoting heritage and theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
Avenues for Future Growth
The future of rural tourism in India lies in tactical planning and strategic promotion. Accessibility should be prioritized when selecting destinations for development. Additionally, advertising and effective marketing can help artisans sell their products and boost tourism. Revenue from tourism can be utilized to preserve local arts and traditions. This approach not only protects rural interests but also lessens the necessity for rural inhabitants to leave their homes to seek employment.
