The Government is strategically positioning Lakshadweep as a beacon of responsible and inclusive development, aiming to strike a balance between economic progress and environmental conservation. Union Minister for Culture, Tourism, and DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy, highlighted the statement during a session in the Rajya Sabha.
“The overall strategy for the development of Lakshadweep Islands is based on achieving sustainable growth, preserving the unique cultural and environmental characteristics, and enhancing the quality of life for the islanders. It aspires to position Lakshadweep as a model for responsible and inclusive development, balancing economic progress with environmental conservation,” said Reddy.
The strategy includes leveraging the island’s natural beauty to promote tourism, creating a robust and resilient economy, and fostering a sense of pride and well-being among the local communities.
Reddy mentioned that holistic development, through strategic planning and community engagement, envisions a future where Lakshadweep Islands thrive in harmony with nature and sustainable economic practices. The projects for development of Lakshadweep Islands are structured taking into consideration requirements under various Applicable Laws including environment, forest and CRZ clearances, and more.
2022 brought a resurgence in foreign tourist footfall, with FTVs surging to 1.75 lakh, showcasing growth of 695.45 per cent. However, the numbers still were below the pre pandemic levels. Going forward, Goa Tourism plans to intensify its promotion efforts in international markets by participating in prominent travel marts and exhibitions and organising international roadshows to attract more foreign tourists to the state.
Moreover, Reddy discussed the Ministry of Tourism‘s initiatives, including the revamp of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0), which targets the development of sustainable tourism destinations. Lakshadweep, among 57 other destinations, is earmarked for development under SD 2.0.Aligned with the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, the ‘Travel for LiFE‘ initiative aims to promote mindful tourism consumption. Regional workshops, in collaboration with entities like the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), have been organised to further this cause, the minister mentioned. A workshop for the Southern region, including Lakshadweep, was held in Hyderabad in February 2023.
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In the last 12 days following the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya has welcomed over 2.4 million visitors, announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Initially, the consecration day alone drew an estimated 500,000 visitors, marking a significant boost to spiritual tourism.
“Our pilgrimage sites, our temples, the places of our faith, are not just places to visit; they are the infinite landmarks of our civilization for thousands of years. These are witness to Bharat’s resilience in facing every crisis. We have seen civilizations that were once very prosperous, now reduced to ruins,” he added.
“When pilgrims and devotees come, even the poorest of the poor earn. Everyone’s income increases whether they are rickshaw pullers, taxi drivers, hoteliers, or street vendors. That is why we have given a lot of emphasis on tourism in this year’s Budget,” said Modi.
“Central government is about to initiate new schemes for the development of places of historical relevance”, he informed.
Also noting the growing enthusiasm for tourism and pilgrimages in the country, the Prime Minister informed about the record influx of devotees in Varanasi after the completion of the Kashi Corridor. “In the past year, 8.50 crore people have visited Kashi, more than 5 crore visited Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, and more than 19 lakh devotees visited Kedardham”, he informed, reiterating that a similar sight will unfold here after the completion of Maa Kamkhya Divya Lok Pariyojana.
Following this, a similar rush after the completion of the Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok is expected in Assam, he said.
Besides branding and marketing on a global scale, a framework for rating the iconic tourist centres based on the quality of facilities will be established. The Finance Minister also highlighted how local entrepreneurship can get a boost with the possible surge in spiritual tourism. She also acknowledged that the plans to expand the existing airports and develop new ones will continue expeditiously.
In a significant move to enhance the visitor experience at pilgrimage sites, the Prime Minister recently marked a milestone by laying the foundation stone for various projects, among them the Maa Kamakhya Divya Pariyojana (Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor). This initiative, sanctioned under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme.With this, Assam will become the gateway to tourism in the North East with an increase in the footfall of devotees for Maa Kamakhya’s darshan, the Prime Minister said as he lauded the efforts of the state government.
Explaining the vision and scope of the project, Modi outlined how its completion would not only enhance accessibility and convenience for devotees but also stimulate an increase in visitor numbers. Speaking at the ceremony inaugurating connectivity and infrastructure projects worth INR 11,000 crores in Guwahati, Assam, he underscored how these developments would bolster the state’s connectivity with the North Eastern states and neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, while also generating employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
Pointing out the record number of tourist footfall in the North East in the last 10 years, the Prime Minister said that even though the beauty of the region existed before this, the number of tourists remained extremely low, mentioning poor air, rail and road connectivity in the region.
this year, the government has also increased the region’s development expenditure by 4 times this year. Drawing comparisons to before and after 2014, the Prime Minister stated that the length of railway tracks laid was increased by more than 1900 kilometers, the Railway budget was boosted by almost 400 percent and 6,000 kilometers of new national highways were constructed in the last 10 years compared to 10,000 kilometers till 2014. Referring to the projects inaugurated in Guwahati, the Prime Minister said that it will strengthen connectivity to Itanagar.
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Goa is embarking on a significant shift towards regenerative tourism, aiming to redefine its tourism sector with a focus on environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Rohan A. Khaunte, the state’s Tourism & IT Minister, unveiled this transformative model on the sixty-second anniversary of the Liberation of Goa, aligning the initiative with the values of the Manila Declaration of World Tourism of 1980 and the recent Goa roadmap for tourism culled out from a G20 ministers’ meeting.
Khaunte stressed the urgency for change in response to environmental challenges and societal imbalances, advocating for sustainable practices in travel and tourism. He highlighted the regenerative model’s four pillars: spirituality, indigeneity, civilisational and cultural nationalism, and conscious tourism. The overarching goal is to revitalise landscapes, revive cultural heritage, and empower local economies through community-centric, eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable infrastructure.
“In the face of environmental agility and societal imbalance, the call for change equals louder than ever. It’s a clarion call that beacons us to reevaluate our efforts to travel and tourism,” stated Khaunte, emphasising the need for a paradigm shift towards sustainability.
As a part of this model, the Ekadasha Teertha Campaign will be rolled out in the 11 places of worship in Goa. Ekadasha Teertha will include the spiritual sites to be decided by the Department of Tourism. The Minister said that the campaign will be put to fruition in consultation with the local communities and involving particularly women and youth, in exploring, understanding, and projecting the rich culture, cuisine, and lifestyles of Goa.
Additionally, he spoke about the benefits of introduction of the new tourism policy in 2020 which reflected a commitment to cultural immersion with the special emphasis on homestays, run by local families within communities, largely by women. Moreover, the new Homestay policy takes a dedicated stance on promoting women’s empowerment by actively endorsing their participation in managing these alternate accommodations. Offering incentives such as grants totaling up to INR 2 lakh rupees and considerations for utilities has played a crucial role in bolstering these initiatives as per Goa Tourism Minister.When questioned about how the government plans to guide travellers interested in embracing regenerative practices, the minister highlighted that the vision commences with the latter, signifying the initiation of a profound idea.
“The Ekadasha Teertha serves as the pivotal point to craft a fresh narrative. For instance, the domestic tourists opting for a 4-night stay in Goa, will be inclined to delve into the rich tapestry of its temples. International tourists, on the other hand, seek wellness, and this regenerative tourist circuit is designed to cater precisely to that need. Our aspiration today is for tourists to immerse themselves in all that Goa has to offer, encompassing sun, sand, sea, software, spirituality, and beyond,” Khaunte told ETTravelWorld, adding that the initial count of 11 temples is merely a starting point; additional sites will soon be earmarked.
As the attention shifts to the West Coast archipelago in India with an evident uptick in Google search traffic, EMT pausing Maldives bookings and ixigo experiencing a 2900% spike in Lakshadweep travel searches, the crucial question arises: should we look at Lakshadweep as an alternative to Maldives? Sustainability experts say No.
Goa, already a trailblazer, has been inadvertently practicing regenerative tourism, added Khaunte. “When we talk about Goa, we talk about ease of doing business, recently rolled out homestay policy, caravan policy, shack policy, Yuva Tourism clubs and so much more– we have already started contributing in our own way to the environment, society, and economics,” the Minister stated.
Amidst the allure of Goa as a popular tourist destination, the Minister further acknowledged the critical juncture where conventional practices threaten the very beauty that attracts millions. “It’s time for a change. It’s time for a shift,” he declared. “The regenerative tourism model underscores a commitment not only to enjoy Goa’s splendour but also to leave a positive and lasting impact on its landscapes, communities, and cultures.”
Initiatives to protect pristine beaches, rejuvenate coastal ecosystems, engage local communities, and promote festivals are already underway, he informed, adding that sustainable agricultural practices, the revitalization of ancient art forms, and support for local artisans are a few other steps under progress.
Speaking during the presentation on regenerative model vision that will run for 36 months, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS Director, Tourism & Managing Director, GTDC said the key is to develop mutual respect and appreciation between the visitors and the hosts. “We are in advanced talks with entrepreneurs and innovators in the tourism sector to help local women and youth get first-hand experience on becoming commercial partners in the Ekadasha Teertha endeavour,” he informed.
He added that Goa has set its sights on innovative solutions post-COVID, especially after analysing the unique challenges, including competition from countries like Thailand and Indonesia, modern cities like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, and large Indian states. He also said that Goa is transitioning from a sea-shore centric tourism model to a more inclusive, people-centric approach.
Concluding on a positive note, Khaunte invited the travellers to be part of the journey, urging them to explore Goa responsibly and leave footprints of positive impact. “Let us embark on this collective effort to ensure that these destinations remain a haven for generations to come. Let’s put back more than we can take out,” he reiterated.
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Fifteen destinations in the northeast have been selected for development under the central government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, aiming to boost tourism in the region rich in cultural and natural heritage, according to officials. These include one from Manipur and two each from the seven other states in the northeast.
The move aims to not only boost tourism in the eight states but also help in further development in the region.
Northeastern states, some of which share borders with other countries, are known for their pristine beauty, blessed with majestic hills, scenic waterfalls and adventurous treks, and many of these sites have not been explored by tourists in general.
Tourism Ministry officials shared details on SD 2.0 scheme and updates on the PRASHAD scheme during the 11th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) being held in Shillong from November 21-23.
The festival celebrating art, culture and music was held from November 17-19 in Ribhoi district against the backdrop of the ornamental trees of the cherry blossom. It saw the participation of some international and local musicians, and has emerged as a major calendar event and a tourism attraction in Meghalaya.
The ministry on its opening day had announced that it has sanctioned INR 29.32 crore for development of four key iconic religious tourism sites in Meghalaya under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme — Nartiang Shakti Peeth, Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church, Aitnar Pool and Charantala Kali Temple. Nartiang Shakti Peeth is a centuries-old Durga temple in West Jaintia Hills and believed to be a Shakti Peeth; while Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church is located in Sohra in East Khasi Hills; Aitnar Pool hosts a popular festival in West Jaintia Hills; and Charantala Kali Temple is in West Garo Hillsi district dedicated to Goddess Kali, according to officials.
Union Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik after inaugurating the mega conclave here has said that the Centre is working to bring more development in the northeast region while also emphasising on sustainability.
Besides the PRASHAD scheme, the government is taking steps to enhance value of tourism destinations in the region through its SD 2.0 scheme, officials said.
Meghalaya has been allotted two schemes – Sohra and Shillong – under SD 2.0 where investment of up to Rs 50 crore will be made. The ministry has also sanctioned eight projects worth Rs 256.45 crore for the integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations in the northeast states under the PRASHAD Scheme, they said.
Fifteen destinations in the northeast have been selected for development under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme by the ministry in consultation with state governments and Union territories, a senior official said.
Nacho and Mechuka have been selected from Arunachal Pradesh; Shillong and Sohra from Meghalaya, Aizawl and Champhai from Mizoram; Jorhat and Kokrajhar from Assam; Moirang (Bishnupur) in Manipur; Niuland and Chumukedima in Nagaland; Gangtok and Gyalshing in Sikkim; and Agartala and Unakoti in Tripura.
A number of planned “tourism experiences” have received an “in-principle approval” under SD 2.0 scheme, according to officials.
Officials said that the project includes Police Bazaar-Wards Lake Cultural Zone in Shillong; Meghalayan-age cave experience in Sohra; MG Road experience in Gangtok in Sikkim; Mechuka Cultural Haat in Arunachal Pradesh; and rock-cut heritage experience is in Unakoti in Tripura.
The Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme with an objective to create jobs, including self-employment for local communities, and preserve and enhance the local cultural and natural resources, the government has said earlier.
Under the scheme, the ministry provides financial assistance to state governments or Union Territory administrations or central agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country.
The 11th edition of the ITM was launched on November 21 in the presence of Union Minister Naik, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, and Union Tourism Secretary V Vidyavathi.
“The kind of economic growth we are seeing in the northeast is unprecedented. In the last many years, the kind of support that has come from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India and the different ministries has been unprecedented,” Sangma had said in his address at the event.
He said that there is a strong and special focus to ensure that the northeastern states keeps up with the rest of the country in terms of economic development.
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India, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical landmarks, has tremendous potential to thrive in the tourism sector. However, to fully harness this potential, it is crucial to invest in education and skills development within the tourism industry. With the ever-growing demand for skilled professionals, it has become evident that a well-trained workforce is essential to meet the evolving needs of tourists.
The contribution of India’s travel and tourism sector to the Indian economy in 2022 was INR 15.7 trillion. According to figures issued by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), it would be worth INR 18 trillion by the end of this year.
Education plays a vital role in shaping individuals and their professional capabilities. In the context of the tourism industry, a strong educational foundation ensures that professionals have the required knowledge about the sector’s nuances and best practices. From holding managerial positions in hotels and resorts to guiding tourists during sightseeing, competent individuals are necessary to ensure exceptional experiences for visitors.
India’s tangible heritage isn’t just a static display of the past, it’s a dynamic force driving the future of tourism. The country’s emphasis on preserving its tangible heritage goes hand in hand with responsible tourism. By promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations, we can ensure more equitable tourism growth, alleviating pressure on more popular sites and distributing economic benefits more widely.
The tourism sector in India is diverse, encompassing areas such as aviation, hospitality, travel management, event planning, and tour guiding. Each of these domains requires specific skill sets and competencies. Through specialized education and training programs, aspiring professionals can acquire these skills and stay updated with the latest industry trends. A well-developed education system not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a sense of professionalism, work ethics, and customer-centricity. These qualities are crucial for success in the tourism industry, where interacting with diverse groups of people from different cultures and backgrounds is a daily occurrence. By investing in education and skills development, India can seek to create a pool of competent professionals who possess the necessary interpersonal skills to excel in the tourism sector.
As tourists seek more authentic and immersive experiences, there is a growing demand for local tour guides, artisans, and artists who can showcase India’s rich cultural heritage. By investing in education and skills development, India can promote local talent and entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and promoting economic growth.
Moreover, investing in education and skills development can also help overcome the challenges faced by the tourism industry. Poor infrastructure, lack of proper planning, and inadequate customer service are some common issues that hamper the sector’s growth. By providing comprehensive training to professionals involved in tourism, these challenges can be effectively addressed. Skilled individuals can contribute to developing better infrastructure, ensuring efficient service delivery, and enhancing the overall experience for tourists.
In FY 2022-23, IRCTC recorded impressive revenue figures in both business and tourism segments. And now, IRCTC is planning to foray into new ticketing segments and payment opportunities while maintaining its leadership in mass rail tourism. Seema Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director (Additional Charge), IRCTC, shares details on new initiatives that are being undertaken to accelerate the growth in both travel and hospitality sectors.
In recent years, the government’s efforts to promote tourism through schemes like “Incredible India” and “Swadesh Darshan” have highlighted the importance of investing in the sector. However, to fully utilise the potential of tourism, concerted efforts must be made to improve education and skills development. By establishing specialised educational institutes, implementing industry-relevant curricula, and promoting skill-based training programs, India can create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals.
Hunar Se Rozgar Programme, a special initiative, was launched in 2010 for the development of employable skills among youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds between the ages of 18 and 25 (the upper age limit was raised to 28 in November, 2010), with the primary goal of reducing the skill gap affecting the hospitality and tourism sectors and ensuring the spread of economic benefits from tourism to the poor. The Ministry of Tourism completely funds the 6- to 8-week courses offered via the scheme.
The Ministry of Tourism created the Swadesh Darshan initiative to build theme-based tourist circuits to appeal to both mass and specialist tourism. Since its inception in January 2015, 27 projects totalling INR 2261.50 crore have been sanctioned for 21 states and union territories under this plan, which seeks to construct world-class infrastructure to promote the country’s cultural and heritage value and increase tourist attraction.
The Ministry has announced the National Mission for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) initiative for the development and beautification of pilgrimage sites in order to exploit the growing number of domestic visitors drawn by spiritual/religious feelings. The initiative aims to improve tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage sites in order to provide better amenities and enhance pilgrims’/tourists’ experiences.
To round up, investing in education and skills development in tourism in India is the need of the hour. It not only enhances the capabilities of professionals but also fuels economic growth and addresses the challenges faced by the industry. By recognizing the importance of education and training, India can thrive as a tourist destination and offer exceptional experiences to visitors. It is high time that the country harnesses its potential and makes the necessary investments to secure a prosperous future for the tourism industry.
The author is Founder & CEO, Signum Hotels & Resorts
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETTravelWorld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETTravelWorld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.
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