World Tourism Day, an annual event celebrated on 27th September, is set to take place in Bali, Indonesia this year. The theme for 2022 is “Rethinking Tourism.” This worldwide observance has been celebrated each year since 1980 and aligns with the historic date of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Statutes’ adoption in 1970.
Understanding World Tourism Day
Established in 1980 and observed every year on 27th September, World Tourism Day commemorates the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970. The UNWTO is a dedicated agency of the United Nations entrusted with promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.
The objective of World Tourism Day is to boost awareness of tourism’s potential and to encourage people throughout the world to travel more. It hypothesizes that tourism can unify and connect individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.
The Significance of World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day accentuates the vital role of the tourism industry in preserving cultural and natural heritage globally. It supports efforts to protect habitats and endangered species, emphasizing the sector’s significance in job creation and opportunity provision. These opportunities, primarily available to women and youth, are prevalent in both rural and urban settings.
Tourism in India: An Overview
India, known for its legendary wealth, has been a favorite destination for travelers throughout history. Famous visits, such as that by devout Chinese Buddhist Hieun-tsang, exemplify this appeal. Pilgrim travel flourished when emperors like Ashoka and Harsha initiated the construction of rest houses for pilgrims.
Furthermore, ‘Arthashastra,’ an ancient scripture, highlighted the importance of travel infrastructure for state function. Post-independence, tourism found consistent mention in India’s Five Year Plans. Different forms of tourism, including Business Tourism, Health Tourism, and Wildlife Tourism, were introduced in India after the seventh Five-Year Plan.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2021 report, India’s tourism sector ranks 6th in terms of contributing to the World Gross Domestic Production, adding USD 178.0 billion. In terms of foreign exchange, it earned USD 6.96 billion in 2020, with expectations of further increases post-pandemic. In FY20, India’s tourism sector accounted for 39 million jobs or 8.0% of total employment. By 2029, this figure is projected to reach approximately 53 million jobs.
India boasts 40 World Heritage sites – the 6th highest globally – consisting of 32 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed site. The most recent additions to this list are Dholavira and the Ramappa Temple in Telangana.
Initiatives Focused on Tourism
Several initiatives in India aim to boost tourism. These include the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive, Iconic Tourist Sites, Buddhist Conclave, and the Dekho Apna Desh Initiative.
