Domestic Tourism Initiative Gains Momentum
The Indian Ministry of Tourism has ramped up its efforts to promote domestic tourism through the “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative, launched in January 2020. This initiative aims to showcase India’s diverse tourism destinations and products via various engaging activities, including webinars, quizzes, and social media campaigns. Recently, the Ministry introduced the “People’s Choice” poll to gather public input on preferred tourist attractions, further enhancing citizen engagement in the tourism sector.
Engaging the Public Through Polls
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the “Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice” poll, designed to involve citizens in identifying their favorite tourist spots across India. This initiative utilizes multiple platforms, including digital media, social networks, print advertisements, and SMS campaigns, to reach a broad audience. The goal is to create a more inclusive approach to tourism promotion by allowing the public to voice their preferences and experiences.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, provided details about this initiative in a written response to the Lok Sabha. The Ministry’s proactive approach aims to foster a sense of ownership among citizens regarding their country’s tourism offerings, encouraging them to explore and appreciate local attractions.
Overview of Domestic Tourist Visits
The Ministry has also compiled data on domestic tourist visits (DTV) across various states and Union Territories in India. This data highlights the number of domestic tourists visiting each region from 2020 to 2023, showcasing trends and growth in tourism. The statistics reveal significant fluctuations in tourist numbers, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery efforts.
For instance, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands saw a notable increase in domestic tourist visits from 191,207 in 2020 to 323,189 in 2023. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh experienced a surge from 70,828,590 to 254,706,328 during the same period. Such data not only illustrates the resilience of the tourism sector but also emphasizes the importance of continued investment in promoting domestic travel.
Future Prospects for Domestic Tourism
As the tourism sector continues to recover, the Ministry of Tourism remains committed to enhancing domestic travel experiences. The “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative is expected to evolve further, incorporating feedback from the public and leveraging technology to improve accessibility and engagement. The Ministry’s focus on promoting lesser-known destinations alongside popular tourist spots aims to distribute tourism benefits more evenly across the country.
With ongoing efforts to engage citizens and promote local tourism, the Ministry is optimistic about revitalizing the sector and encouraging more Indians to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of their own country. The success of these initiatives will be crucial in shaping the future of domestic tourism in India.
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