Tourism Organization 

Origin of Tourism in India

Organization and Evolution of Tourism in India

Thomas Cook, often referred to as the Father of Modern Tourism, organized the first rail round trip in England in July 1841. This pivotal event laid the groundwork for modern tourism globally. In India, the foundation of the tourism industry began taking shape during the 19th century, with significant progress marked by the establishment of the Sir John Sargent Committee in 1945, which aimed to develop and promote tourism. Later, in 1966, the Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) was formed, which played a critical role in expanding and professionalizing the tourism sector in the country.

Significance of Tourism in India

Tourism in India serves as a major economic driver and a source of employment creation. With its diverse geography, cultural richness, and historical heritage, India offers numerous attractions, ranging from eco-tourism and heritage tourism to adventure and medical tourism. The tourism sector acts as a catalyst for economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP and job creation.

Development of Tourism in Post-Independence India

Early Initiatives (1945-1960s):

• The development of Indian tourism began in 1945 when the Sir John Sargent Committee was formed under the government to promote tourism systematically.

• With India's independence in 1947, tourism planning became a part of national development strategies.

Systematic Planning and Policies (1960s-1980s):

• Tourism was integrated into the Second and Third Five-Year Plans, emphasizing infrastructure development.

• The Sixth Five-Year Plan recognized tourism as a tool for economic growth and social integration.

• In 1982, the government released its First Tourism Policy, focusing on sustainable tourism development. The policy revolved around six main pillars:

  • Swagat (Welcome)

  • Suchana (Information)

  • Suvidha (Facilitation)

  • Suraksha (Safety)

  • Sahyog (Cooperation)

  • Samrachana (Infrastructure Development).

• Tourism was added to the Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution, allowing both central and state governments to legislate on the subject.

National Action Plans and Sector Growth (1980s-2000):

• The National Committee on Tourism (1986) formulated a long-term tourism development strategy.

• The Tourism Development Finance Corporation (1987) provided financial assistance to the sector.

• The National Action Plan for Tourism (1992) highlighted private sector participation and community-based tourism.

Modern Policies and Global Positioning (2000 Onwards):

• The National Tourism Policy (2002) introduced innovative marketing, capacity-building programs, and development of niche tourism segments like Ayurveda, adventure tourism, and wellness tourism.

• Campaigns like Incredible India and Atithi Devo Bhava promoted India globally as a prime tourist destination.

Recent Developments and Challenges

Contributions to the Economy:
Tourism has emerged as a key contributor to India’s GDP and employment. Before the pandemic, the sector contributed 7% of GDP, amounting to $212 billion in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in revenue and jobs. Post-pandemic recovery has shown promise, with tourism projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.8% in the next decade, creating millions of new jobs.

COVID-19 Impact:

• The pandemic severely impacted aviation, hospitality, and related services.

• Millions of jobs were lost across formal and informal sectors.

• Revenue losses were estimated at over ₹23,000 crores during the lockdown period.

Post-COVID Recovery:

• As travel restrictions eased, initiatives like all-inclusive travel packages and revamped marketing strategies helped revive tourism.

• International tourist arrivals are expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Future Directions for Indian Tourism

To sustain and enhance growth, policymakers must focus on:

• Developing infrastructure for niche tourism types such as eco-tourism, culinary tourism, and sustainable tourism.

• Promoting public-private partnerships to enhance service quality.

• Implementing innovative digital marketing strategies to reach global audiences.

By leveraging its unique strengths and addressing emerging challenges, India can position tourism as a key pillar of its economic and cultural growth. With the theme of "Rethinking Tourism" in global discussions, India's tourism sector holds immense potential for inclusive and sustainable development.

भारत में पर्यटन की उत्पत्ति

Tourism in India has a deep-rooted history influenced by its cultural diversity, spirituality, and historical significance. It has evolved over centuries from religious pilgrimages to modern leisure and adventure tourism.
भारत में पर्यटन की जड़ें इसकी सांस्कृतिक विविधता, आध्यात्मिकता और ऐतिहासिक महत्व में गहराई तक जुड़ी हुई हैं। यह सदियों से धार्मिक तीर्थ यात्रा से आधुनिक अवकाश और रोमांचकारी पर्यटन तक विकसित हुआ है।

1. Ancient Period (Before 6th Century CE)

प्राचीन काल (6वीं शताब्दी ईस्वी पूर्व)

A. Pilgrimage Tourism / तीर्थ पर्यटन

• India has been a center for spiritual tourism since ancient times.
  भारत प्राचीन काल से ही आध्यात्मिक पर्यटन का केंद्र रहा है।

• Pilgrims traveled to visit sacred places associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
  तीर्थयात्री हिंदू, बौद्ध और जैन धर्म से जुड़े पवित्र स्थलों की यात्रा करते थे।

• Examples / उदाहरण:

  • Hinduism / हिंदू धर्म: वाराणसी, हरिद्वार, रामेश्वरम।

  • Buddhism / बौद्ध धर्म: बोधगया, सारनाथ।

  • Jainism / जैन धर्म: पालीताना, श्रवणबेलगोला।

B. Education Tourism / शिक्षा पर्यटन

• Centers like Takshashila and Nalanda attracted students worldwide.
  तक्षशिला और नालंदा जैसे केंद्रों ने दुनियाभर के छात्रों को आकर्षित किया।

• Scholars like Faxian and Xuanzang visited to study Indian culture and Buddhism.
  फाह्यान और ह्वेनसांग जैसे विद्वान भारतीय संस्कृति और बौद्ध धर्म का अध्ययन करने आए।

C. Trade Tourism / व्यापार पर्यटन

• India was a hub for international trade, attracting merchants from Rome, Greece, and China.
  भारत अंतरराष्ट्रीय व्यापार का केंद्र था, जिसने रोम, ग्रीस और चीन के व्यापारियों को आकर्षित किया।

• Ports like Lothal were important trade centers.
  लोथल जैसे बंदरगाह प्रमुख व्यापारिक केंद्र थे।

2. Medieval Period (6th to 18th Century CE)

मध्यकालीन काल (6वीं से 18वीं शताब्दी)

A. Pilgrimage and Religious Tourism / तीर्थ और धार्मिक पर्यटन

• Pilgrimage tourism expanded with Islamic and Hindu sites.
  इस्लामी और हिंदू स्थलों के साथ तीर्थ पर्यटन का विस्तार हुआ।

• Examples / उदाहरण:

  • Ajmer Sharif / अजमेर शरीफ।

  • Somnath Temple / सोमनाथ मंदिर।

B. Architectural Tourism / स्थापत्य पर्यटन

• Dynasties like the Mughals and Cholas built iconic structures.
  मुगलों और चोल राजवंशों ने प्रसिद्ध इमारतें बनवाईं।

• Examples / उदाहरण:

  • Taj Mahal / ताज महल।

  • Brihadeeswarar Temple / बृहदेश्वर मंदिर।

C. Travelers' Accounts / यात्रियों का वर्णन

• Travelers like Ibn Battuta and Al-Biruni documented India’s culture.
  इब्न बतूता और अल-बेरुनी जैसे यात्रियों ने भारत की संस्कृति का वर्णन किया।

3. Colonial Period (18th to 20th Century CE)

औपनिवेशिक काल (18वीं से 20वीं शताब्दी)

A. Infrastructure Development / बुनियादी ढांचा विकास

• Railways, roads, and hill stations like Shimla were developed by the British.
  ब्रिटिशों ने रेलवे, सड़कें और शिमला जैसे हिल स्टेशन विकसित किए।

B. Tourism for Recreation / अवकाश पर्यटन

• Hill stations became popular among British officials for leisure.
  हिल स्टेशन ब्रिटिश अधिकारियों के बीच अवकाश के लिए लोकप्रिय हुए।

C. Historical Research / ऐतिहासिक अनुसंधान

• Sites like Mohenjo-Daro were excavated, increasing historical interest.
  मोहनजोदड़ो जैसे स्थलों की खुदाई ने ऐतिहासिक रुचि को बढ़ाया।

4. Post-Independence Period (1947 Onwards)

स्वतंत्रता के बाद का काल (1947 से आगे)

A. Tourism Policies / पर्यटन नीतियां

• 1958: Ministry of Tourism was established.
  1958 में पर्यटन मंत्रालय की स्थापना हुई।

• Five-Year Plans emphasized tourism infrastructure.
  पंचवर्षीय योजनाओं में पर्यटन बुनियादी ढांचे पर जोर दिया गया।

B. Campaigns and Initiatives / अभियान और पहल

• Incredible India Campaign: Promoted India globally.
  "अतुल्य भारत" अभियान ने भारत को वैश्विक स्तर पर प्रचारित किया।

• Dekho Apna Desh: Focused on domestic tourism.
  "देखो अपना देश" घरेलू पर्यटन पर केंद्रित रहा।

C. Diversification of Tourism / पर्यटन का विविधीकरण

1. Cultural Tourism / सांस्कृतिक पर्यटन: Focus on heritage sites.
   सांस्कृतिक स्थलों पर ध्यान केंद्रित।

2. Adventure Tourism / साहसिक पर्यटन: Activities in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
   लद्दाख और हिमाचल प्रदेश में गतिविधियां।

Organization of Tourism 

Organization of Tourism

Tourism organizations are established to promote, regulate, and develop tourism activities. They play a significant role in shaping tourism policies, creating awareness, and ensuring sustainable growth in the sector. These organizations exist at various levels, including international, national, regional, and local levels.

Types of Tourism Organizations

1. International Tourism Organizations:
   These organizations set global standards, foster international cooperation, and promote tourism across countries. Examples include:
   
   

   • United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):

     • Specialized agency of the UN.

     • Promotes responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.

     • Publishes reports like the Global Tourism Barometer.

   • International Air Transport Association (IATA):

     • Represents airlines globally.

     • Sets standards for aviation safety and ticketing.

   • World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC):

     • Represents the private sector of global tourism.

     • Focuses on economic and employment contributions of travel and tourism.

2. National Tourism Organizations (NTOs):
   These organizations are responsible for promoting tourism within a specific country.
   
   

   • Ministry of Tourism, Government of India:

     • Formulates tourism policies and plans.

     • Promotes "Incredible India" and "Dekho Apna Desh" campaigns.

   • Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC):

     • Develops and manages tourism infrastructure.

     • Operates hotels, transport services, and duty-free shops.

   • Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI):

     • Provides financial assistance for tourism-related projects.

3. State Tourism Organizations:
   Each state in India has its tourism department to promote local attractions.
   
   

   • Example: Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) focuses on desert tourism and heritage hotels.

   • Kerala Tourism: Famous for promoting backwaters and Ayurvedic tourism.

4. Regional and Local Tourism Organizations:
   These organizations focus on smaller geographical areas and often work with local communities. Examples include:
   
   

   • Local tourism development boards.

   • City-based organizations like the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC).

5. Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
   
   

   • Private players like MakeMyTrip, Cox & Kings, and Thomas Cook.

   • NGOs promoting sustainable tourism practices (e.g., Responsible Tourism Society of India).

6. Hospitality and Transport Organizations:
   These organizations provide essential services to tourists, including:
   
   

   • Hotel associations like Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI).

   • Transport organizations like Indian Railways and private airlines.

Functions of Tourism Organizations

1. Policy Making:
   
   

   • Develop strategies to promote tourism.

   • Ensure sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

2. Marketing and Promotion:
   
   

   • Advertise destinations through campaigns and digital platforms.

   • Participate in international tourism fairs and expos.

3. Infrastructure Development:
   
   

   • Build roads, airports, and tourist facilities.

   • Improve connectivity to remote tourist destinations.

4. Training and Capacity Building:
   
   

   • Offer training programs for hospitality staff.

   • Conduct workshops for guides, travel agents, and other stakeholders.

5. Research and Development:
   
   

   • Study tourism trends and consumer behavior.

   • Publish annual reports and statistics.

6. Regulation and Standardization:
   
   

   • Set quality standards for tourism services.

   • Ensure compliance with laws related to environmental protection and cultural preservation.

Tourism Organizations in India: A Historical Perspective

1. Sir John Sargent Committee (1945):

   • The first systematic approach to tourism in India.

2. Establishment of ITDC (1966):

   • Pioneered tourism infrastructure development.

3. National Tourism Policy (1982):

   • Emphasized sustainability and heritage conservation.

4. Incredible India Campaign (2002):

   • A global initiative to position India as a premier tourist destination.

Role of Tourism Organizations in India

1. Economic Growth:

   • Tourism organizations contribute to GDP and employment generation.

2. Cultural Promotion:
   Showcase India's rich heritage through fairs, festivals, and events.

3. International Cooperation:

   • Collaborate with global organizations like UNWTO.

4. Crisis Management:

   • Develop strategies for disaster recovery (e.g., post-COVID-19 initiatives).

Challenges Faced by Tourism Organizations

1. Lack of coordination between central and state agencies.

2. Insufficient infrastructure in remote areas.

3. Managing the environmental impact of mass tourism.

4. Ensuring safety and security for tourists.

Future of Tourism Organizations

To ensure sustained growth, tourism organizations must focus on:

• Promoting sustainable tourism practices.

• Adopting digital marketing strategies.

• Strengthening public-private partnerships.

• Expanding into niche areas like wellness tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism.