World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day
Source: Economic Times
For Prelims

What is discussed under World Tourism Day?

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) was established on this day (September 27) in 1970, which coincided with the decision to celebrate World Tourism Day.
In 1997, a host nation was chosen, and business representatives were urged to attend.
It was agreed upon at a conference in Istanbul, Turkey.
At each yearly conference, a theme was chosen.
The goal was to raise awareness and enhance tourism on a global scale.

Objective

Today, its purpose is to shed attention on the importance of tourism and how it generates life-changing possibilities for those who benefit from it.
An entire industry is engaged, developing social ideals, cultural habits, political ethics, and economic progress all at the same time.

To mark World Tourism Day, the country intends to announce a detailed National Tourism Policy by the end of December.
Image by 💙♡🌼♡💙 Julita 💙♡🌼♡💙 from Pixabay
The government is seeking feedback from global travel operators with the goal of focusing on future-ready tourism.
The government intends to promote health and spiritual tourism, with a specific emphasis on infrastructure, under the planned National Tourism Policy.
New places are given extra attention under this policy.
The tourism ministry has approved a budget of Rs 7000 crores for the development of tourism infrastructure across the nation.
Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, 76 projects in 30 states and union territories have been sanctioned for the construction of tourism infrastructure across diverse themes.
Air connections will also be improved as the government plans to increase the number of airports from 140 to 220 by 2025.

The PRASHAD Scheme, which has sanctioned 39 projects in 24 states, aims to improve tourism amenities surrounding spiritual destinations.
The development of infrastructure at these tourist, pilgrimage, and heritage destinations/cities focuses on:
- Cleanliness, security, universal accessibility, service delivery, skill development, and local community livelihood.

The tourism ministry also recently introduced the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, with the goal of developing sustainable and responsible destinations through a tourist-centric strategy.
In addition, the government has proposed a Rs 4.5 lakh crore programme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
The government will launch the Ram temple circuit, the Buddhist circuit, the Himalayan circuit, and the BR Ambedkar tourist circuit to encourage domestic and international tourism.
Special trains would transport tourists to notable temples, historical sites, and religious sites.

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