The Ministry of Tourism marked the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with the nationwide launch of Paryatan Parv-2019. From 2nd to 13th October 2019, this event was held across the country. ‘Paryatan Parv’ or ‘Tourism Festival’ is an initiative aimed at promoting local tourism and showcasing the unique cultural diversity of India. With a key message of ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ (Visit Your Own Country), the event encourages Indian citizens to explore the rich tourist destinations within their homeland.
Goals of Paryatan Parv
Paryatan Parv aims not only to boost domestic tourism but also to promote the idea of ‘Tourism for All’. The initiative seeks to highlight the manifold rewards of tourism, from fostering economic growth to promoting cultural exchanges. Furthermore, it underscores the efforts made in boosting India’s global tourism standing, which improved significantly from the 65th position in 2013 to 34th in 2019. This ranking was revealed in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report- 2019, released by the World Economic Forum.
According to the Tourism minister, the ambition to double the tourist count is projected to be realized well before the year 2022, owing in part to such initiatives as Paryatan Parv.
Three Key Components of Paryatan Parv
Paryatan Parv revolves around three central components.
Dekho Apna Desh
Dekho Apna Desh is a call to action encouraging Indians to explore their own country. Leading up to the festival, numerous activities like photography contests, social media promotions, tourism-related quizzes, and essay competitions were organized to engage the general public. This engagement was largely facilitated through the MyGov platform.
Tourism for All
In line with the ‘Tourism for All’ policy, festivities were conducted at various tourist sites across all states in the country. The activities included cultural programs showcasing local dance, music and theatre, as well as site illuminations.
Tourism & Governance
Interactive sessions and workshops featuring a range of thematic discussions were held nationwide. These sessions, organized in cooperation with concerned stakeholders, were aimed at improving governance in the tourism sector.
Impressive Facts about Indian Tourism Industry
| Year | Global Tourism Rank | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 65 | N/A |
| 2019 | 34 | +31 |
The Impact of Paryatan Parv
The impact of the Paryatan Parv event goes beyond simply promoting domestic tourism. It is about instilling pride in Indians for their country’s rich history and cultural diversity, encouraging people’s participation in preserving this heritage, and fostering a recognition of the economic benefits that a flourishing tourism industry can bring. The Indian Government’s determined efforts to boost the domestic tourism industry are manifested in the form of such lively and purposeful events as Paryatan Parv.
