Every year National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25, every year, to create awareness about the growth aspects of the tourism sector.
Context
Every year National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25, every year, to create awareness about the growth aspects of the tourism sector.
About the day
- The day is celebrated in the country to inform people of the growth prospects of the tourism sector and how it impacts India’s economic development.
- Theme: The theme of National Tourism Day 2022 is ‘Rural and Community Centric Tourism’.
What is National Tourism?
- It includes activities of domestic tourism and outbound tourism.
- Domestic tourism includes activities of the residents of the country and also the activities of the foreign tourists within India.
- Outbound tourism includes activities of residents of the country in foreign soil.
Background
- The concept of tourism sector was first introduced in India in 1948.
- A tourism committee was formed in 1948.
- The Government of India in 1958 realised the significance of tourism traffic coming towards India and a separate department of tourism was created in the country.
- Later in 1958, a separate tourism department was created under the Ministry of Tourism and Communication.
- The objective was to preserve the cultural heritage and to look after the tourist destinations to keep their beauty intact while also making them tourist-friendly.
Important facts about the ancient country
India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and offers diversity and multiculturalism.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: India is home to 40 UNESCO heritage sites.
- The last site to be added to the World Heritage Site list is Dholavira, a Harappan city that is located in the city of Gujarat.
- The country currently has 32 cultural sites, 7 natural sites, and one mixed property.
- Number of wildlife sanctuaries: The country has a total of 566 wildlife sanctuaries.
- Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the country.
- Highest rail bridge in the world: India is home to the highest rail bridge in the world.
- The 1,315 m long Chenab bridge is located in Jammu and Kashmir, and is 35 m higher than the Eiffel Tower.
- Best tourism village: Known for its famous hand-woven Ikat saris, Pochampally was selected as one of the best tourism villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in November 2021
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