Context
Every year National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25, every year, to create awareness about the growth aspects of the tourism sector.
About the day
- The day is celebrated in the country to inform people of the growth prospects of the tourism sector and how it impacts India’s economic development.
- Theme: The theme of National Tourism Day 2022 is ‘Rural and Community Centric Tourism’.
What is National Tourism?
- It includes activities of domestic tourism and outbound tourism.
- Domestic tourism includes activities of the residents of the country and also the activities of the foreign tourists within India.
- Outbound tourism includes activities of residents of the country in foreign soil.
Background
- The concept of tourism sector was first introduced in India in 1948.
- A tourism committee was formed in 1948.
- The Government of India in 1958 realised the significance of tourism traffic coming towards India and a separate department of tourism was created in the country.
- Later in 1958, a separate tourism department was created under the Ministry of Tourism and Communication.
- The objective was to preserve the cultural heritage and to look after the tourist destinations to keep their beauty intact while also making them tourist-friendly.
Important facts about the ancient country
India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and offers diversity and multiculturalism.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: India is home to 40 UNESCO heritage sites.
- The last site to be added to the World Heritage Site list is Dholavira, a Harappan city that is located in the city of Gujarat.
- The country currently has 32 cultural sites, 7 natural sites, and one mixed property.
- Number of wildlife sanctuaries: The country has a total of 566 wildlife sanctuaries.
- Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the country.
- Highest rail bridge in the world: India is home to the highest rail bridge in the world.
- The 1,315 m long Chenab bridge is located in Jammu and Kashmir, and is 35 m higher than the Eiffel Tower.
- Best tourism village: Known for its famous hand-woven Ikat saris, Pochampally was selected as one of the best tourism villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in November 2021
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