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World Tourism Day highlights sector economic growth potential

Source:PIB ↗

આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે

Tourism is a vital sector for India's economic diversification, service sector growth, and rural employment. Understanding government frameworks and challenges related to tourism infrastructure is crucial for GS3 (Economy and Infrastructure).

સારાંશ

The article highlights the significance of World Tourism Day (observed on September 27), emphasizing the role of tourism as a critical driver of economic development, employment generation, and cultural exchange in India. It underscores government measures, infrastructure development initiatives, and sustainable practices designed to boost the tourism sector.

મુખ્ય મુદ્દા

  • World Tourism Day is celebrated globally on September 27 to highlight tourism's social, cultural, political, and economic value.
  • The tourism sector serves as a massive engine for employment generation, inclusive economic growth, and foreign exchange earnings in India.
  • Government initiatives like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and digital tourism platforms aim to enhance infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism, and showcase India's rich cultural heritage.
  • Focus areas include sustainable tourism, eco-tourism, digital integration, and improving regional connectivity to foster balanced regional development.

મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો

PRASHAD Scheme

A 100% centrally funded Central Sector scheme launched by the Ministry of Tourism to integrate and develop identified pilgrimage and spiritual heritage destinations with world-class infrastructure.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper III (Economy/Infrastructure) — crucial for studying government interventions, tourism potential, and spiritual heritage development.

Source
Swadesh Darshan Scheme

A Central Sector initiative by the Ministry of Tourism to develop theme-based tourist circuits across India (revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for destination-centric sustainable tourism).

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper III (Infrastructure, Inclusive Growth) — tests understanding of policies boosting regional connectivity, employment, and local tourism.

Source
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

The apex federal body in India responsible for the formulation of national policies, coordination, and promotion of tourism development across the country.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper II/III (Governance and Economic Development) — highlights institutional mechanisms driving economic growth and cultural exchange.

Source
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

The specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism globally.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper II (International Relations/Global Groupings) — relevant for global frameworks on sustainable development and international cooperation.

Source

પ્રિલિમ્સ ટ્રેપ

Both PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan are fully funded Centrally Sponsored Schemes implemented by state tourism boards.

Aspirants often confuse funding models; PRASHAD is a 100% Central Sector Scheme, whereas Swadesh Darshan 2.0 involves state-level destination execution and private sector participation.

સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો

Economy Government Policies and Interventions

What are the key objectives and funding patterns of the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes in India?

  • PRASHAD Scheme: Central Sector scheme focusing on integrated infrastructure development of pilgrimage and heritage destinations nationwide.
  • Swadesh Darshan: Revamped as SD 2.0 to develop sustainable and responsible tourist destinations following a destination-centric approach.
  • Socio-Economic Focus: Emphasizes local economic development, employment generation for youth and women, and preservation of indigenous culture.

આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન

  • Tourism infrastructure meets PM Gati Shakti.

    Both sectors rely heavily on capital expenditure for multi-modal connectivity (UDAN, Bharatmala) to unlock regional hinterlands.

  • Cultural heritage and soft power diplomacy.

    Heritage tourism acts as a soft power tool, reinforcing India's cultural diplomacy under initiatives like Incredible India and global summits.

Expect a multi-statement match on Swadesh Darshan 2.0 vs PRASHAD objectives, particularly regarding funding and central sector status.

સંલગ્ન PYQ · 2

સંલગ્ન PYQ · 2

  • 2021MainsGS3

    “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India's experience.

  • 2023MainsGS3

    What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.