Chalo India: In a strategic push to elevate India’s tourism sector, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced on Friday the development of a comprehensive master list of tourism destinations. The initiative, set to showcase the nation’s regional attractions and enhance infrastructure, was revealed during a World Tourism Day event, marking a significant milestone in promoting India’s cultural and natural heritage on a global platform.
The “Chalo India” Campaign and Visa Fee Exemption
As part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts, Shekhawat introduced the “Chalo India” campaign, a key initiative aimed at encouraging international tourism. In an unprecedented move, the Chalo India campaign will exempt one lakh foreign tourists from paying visa fees. “This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to promoting India’s rich cultural and natural heritage,” Shekhawat remarked. The Chalo India visa fee exemption is poised to attract international visitors and offer them a seamless experience in exploring the wonders of “Incredible India.”
Chalo India: A Unified Push for Indian Tourism
To ensure the success of the Chalo India program, the ministries of tourism and culture, civil aviation, railways, road transport and highways, and ports, shipping and waterways will collaborate with state governments and Union Territories to compile the master list. “This list will play a pivotal role in bringing the unbelievable sites of ‘Incredible India’ to a global audience,” Shekhawat said.
The tourism master list will feature both well-known and lesser-known sites, fostering new opportunities for development across the sector. “In the next three years, the all-round development of these tourist sites, which will be included in the master list as new tourist destinations, will be taken up on priority,” Shekhawat added.
The initiative will not only spotlight India’s iconic landmarks but also invite private investment and industry stakeholders to contribute to the tourism sector’s growth. The widely popular “Dekho Apna Desh” sites will also be integrated into this master list, allowing both domestic and international tourists to experience the nation’s hidden gems.
Empowering Local Communities Through “Paryatan Mitra” and “Paryatan Didi” Initiatives
Alongside the master list, the Tourism Ministry launched two initiatives—“Paryatan Mitra” and “Paryatan Didi”—designed to enhance the visitor experience across 50 key destinations. Locations such as Bodh Gaya in Bihar, Aizawl in Mizoram, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Srinagar are part of this comprehensive effort. These programs aim to connect tourists with local residents, fostering deeper engagement and cultural exchange.
“Paryatan Mitra” and “Paryatan Didi” will provide tourism-related training to local individuals who frequently interact with tourists, including drivers, hotel staff, tour guides, and vendors. The training focuses on improving hospitality, cleanliness, safety, sustainability, and knowledge of local stories. “This initiative will help empower both women and youth in these areas, enabling them to create new tourism products like heritage treks and homestay options that highlight the unique aspects of their localities,” an official from the ministry noted.
The Ministry of Tourism has already trained 3,000 individuals in six pilot destinations, successfully establishing a strong network of “Paryatan Mitra” across India. The emphasis on building positive relationships between tourists and locals is expected to significantly improve the overall tourist experience.
Recognizing Rural Tourism Villages Across India with Chalo India Campaign
This year, the ministry also acknowledged 36 exceptional tourism villages across India, spotlighting the country’s rural tourism potential. From the northern village of Aru in Jammu and Kashmir to the southern village of Kumarkon in Kerala, the east’s Andro in Manipur, and Hafeshwar in Gujarat to the west, these villages represent the diverse and rich experiences available in India’s rural landscapes.
This recognition is part of the government’s broader national strategy to develop rural tourism, creating sustainable opportunities for local communities while showcasing India’s natural and cultural splendor.
Looking Forward: The Future of Indian Tourism
With the implementation of the tourism master list, India is poised to not only preserve its heritage but also to project its incredible destinations to a global audience. Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s vision for Indian tourism places an emphasis on collaboration, sustainability, and empowerment, ensuring that the sector continues to grow and evolve.
“The upcoming master list of destinations and the associated initiatives will undoubtedly mark a turning point for tourism in India, bringing the country’s most incredible, yet often undiscovered, places to the forefront of international travel,” Shekhawat concluded.
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