ECO-TOURISM

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In News: Eco-tourism has been identified as one of the Niche Tourism areas for development in the country, including Odisha, by the Ministry of Tourism.  

 

Details:

 Swadesh Darshan scheme

• The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched by the Union Government in 2015 for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in India.
• Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State governments, Union Territory Administrations or Central Agencies for the development of tourism infrastructure in the country.
• The Swadesh Darshan scheme is 100% centrally funded.
• The entire scheme is based on theme-based tourism. Each theme is called a "circuit" and is composed of various tourist destinations.
• Major themes have been identified for tourism under the Scheme.
  • Culture and Heritage
  • Adventure Tourism
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Wellness Tourism
  • MICE Tourism
  • Rural Tourism
  • Beach Tourism
  • Cruises – Ocean & Inland
• Objectives of the Scheme are:
  • Promote tourism to ensure the development of local economies.
  • To create jobs including self-employment for local communities.
  • To Promote the skill development of local youth in the tourism and hospitality sector.
  • To increase private sector investment in tourism and hospitality.
  • To preserve and enhance the local cultural and natural resources.

Significance of the Tourism Sector:

• Tourism is a big employment generator.
• Foreign tourists' arrival brings Foreign Currency.
• Provide livelihood to the local Populationand revenue to the Government.
• Bring Positive Impact on Education, Culture, Textiles, Development of North-East India, and Rural Development.
• Promote Sustainable Economic Growth, Social Inclusiveness, Employment, and Poverty Reduction.
• Promotes Inclusive Growth, Strengthens Rural Communities, Benefits Women, Resource Efficiency, and Environmental Protection.
• Protects Cultural Values, Diversity, and Heritage.
• Tourism plays an important role in Cultural heritage management, Funding, and
• Promote Mutual Understanding, Peace, and Security.
• Tourism Sector development often results in improvements in basic infrastructure.
• Countries with a more open and Sustainable tourism Sector tend to be more peaceful.

 

Concern:

• Low awareness about e-visa facilities among foreign tourists.
• Poor Infrastructure and Connectivity.
• Limited online marketing/branding.
• Tourist information centres are poorly managed.
• A limited number of multi-lingual trained guides.

 

Steps taken by Government to promote tourism:

• Introduction of online visa facility, extending e-visa facility for medical and business travellers, and increasing period of Stay.
• Launching of e-ticketing of Historical monuments like the Taj Mahal.
• Introduction of dedicated tourist trains across Indiaand a 24x7 tourist helpline.
• The Union Ministry of Tourism adopted a Code of Conduct for Safe tourism.
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
• The tourism ministry has encouraged and developed a Chain of Bed and Breakfast homes.
• Special Tourism Zonein Partnership with the States.
• Permitted 100% FDI.
• Swacch Bharat Abhiyanunder which the tourist destinations are kept Clean.
• Adarsh SmaarakScheme by the Archaeological Survey of India to Promote basic tourist facilities in well-known historical Sites.
• Swadesh Darshan Schemefor integrated development of theme-based tourist Circuits.
• PRASHAD Schemeto beautify and improve amenities and infrastructure at Pilgrimage Sites.
• Launched Incredible India 2.0 Campaign

Steps need to be taken:

• Conservation and development of all heritage/tourist Sites must be undertaken and Completed through funding from the government, NGOs, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.
• Developing new tourist Circuits.
• Fully utilize Swadesh Darshan and existing Schemes.
• Connect local Communities to tourism.
• Targeted Promotional Campaigns.
• Generating sufficient manpower to meet the requirements of the tourism and hospitality industry.
• Launch a 24x7 toll-free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline.
• Ensure Last mile Connectivity.
• Promote ‘Home Stays’ in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Broadcast the diversity of India through Social media.
• Promote Conservation efforts of Rural Heritage will help promote Tourism and Development in Rural India.

 

Way Forward:

• The travel and tourism sector holds strategic importance in the Indian economy. It provides several socio-economic benefits such as employment, income and foreign exchange earnings and also plays a part in the development or expansion of other industries such as agriculture, construction, handicrafts, etc. Given the potential of tourism as a vehicle for job creation, growth and development, tourism has been recognized as an engine for economic growth.
• Promote Tourism based on Inclusive Economic Growth, to generate decent Jobs for Local Communities, Conservation of Environment, Addressing Climate Change and respecting the unique Cultural identity of the People and Share the benefit of travel and tourism equitably with the local Communities.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1883754