(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Rural Tourism: India an Incredible Tourism Destination

[JUNE-2022]

India showcases rich heritage and natural abundance of many incredible places that are worthy enough to represent the nation globally. The sector has been instrumental in providing mass employment opportunities and substantially increasing income levels of both the formal and informal sectors of the economy. Professional training should be imparted to the eligible people with the aim of making them duly qualified and competent with the requisite professional skills so that they can take up jobs as heritage tour guides in the tourism industry. A certified guide license will further increase the credibility of a tourist guide in the eyes of the tourists, enhance the overall experience of tourists who visit the country, and generate employment opportunities in the tourism industry.

Model policies and best practices for rural tourism
Digital technologies and platforms for rural tourism
Developing clusters for rural tourism
Marketing support for rural tourism
Capacity building of stakeholders
Governance and institutional framework The Ministry has now revamped the Swadesh Darshan scheme with a destination and tourist-centric approach to develop responsible and sustainable destinations.
The government needs to focus on handholding with states based on a few significant parameters in rural India for tourism development:
Air/Rail/Road Connectivity-For last-mile connectivity.

Infrastructure development-modern buses and stations at reliable frequency, taxi/ shared mobility - App-based integration of guides, parking/charging/refueling, sign Boards and Information Kiosks.
Identifying and linking heritage spots in the given destinations.
Facilities like signage in English and other foreign languages
Tax issues-One India, one tax system for tourist vehicles, protects the tourists from facing multiple taxations.
Promotion of homestays and high ended branded hotel rooms in resorts to fulfill the interest of staycations and workcations.
Connectivity to promote local tourism products, arts, and crafts to a national and global audience.
Focus on digital media (social media platforms, social messaging) for promotional activities.