SWADESH DARSHAN | IAS GYAN

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The Union Ministry of Tourism has identified several cities in 15 States to promote destination tourism under the ‘Swadesh Darshan 2’ programme (beginning from January 2023).
- This is part of India’s new domestic tourism policy.
- The main objective is to move away from theme-based tourist circuits and focuses on revving up destination tourism.

Details

Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are included in the list of 15 states.
- 2 destinations from each State have been identified to promote them as tourist spots.
- The destinations had been finalized after consultations with the State Tourism Departments.

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.
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 Population and 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

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 India and 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 Zone in Partnership with the States.
Permitted 100% FDI.
Swacch Bharat Abhiyan under which the tourist destinations are kept Clean.
Adarsh Smaarak Scheme by the Archaeological Survey of India to Promote basic tourist facilities in well-known historical Sites.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme for integrated development of theme-based tourist Circuits.
PRASHAD Scheme to 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.