Kids Portal For Parents India Kids Network
National Tourism Day: It is observed on 25 January to highlight the importance of tourism for the economy of the country. Let us read more about National Tourism Day, its importance, and the objective behind the celebration.
National Tourism Day: Date
- 2025: 25 January, 2025 [Saturday]
- 2026: 25 January, 2026 [Sunday]
- 2027: 25 January, 2027 [Monday]
On this day, a national-level program will be held at Telangana’s Pochampally. It is a village situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad and is known for its famous hand-woven Ikat saris. National Tourism Day is celebrated on 25 January to spread awareness about the importance of tourism and its impact on the economy.
India is a diverse nation and it offers several forms of tourism including cultural, nature, heritage, educational, sports, rural, eco-tourism, etc. This diversity of India makes it a prime attraction for tourists.
Tourism in India has the potential to promote faster, more sustainable, and more inclusive growth. It could be used as a powerful antidote to tackle poverty. – Chiranjeevi
The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for the formulation of national policies and programs and for the coordination of activities of various Central Government Agencies, State Governments / UTs, and the Private Sector for the development and promotion of tourism in the country. This Ministry is headed by the Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge).
National Tourism Day: Theme
- 2024: Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories
- 2023: Tourism and Green Investments
- 2022: Rural and Community-Centric Tourism
What is Tourism? Key Facts
The concept of tourism refers to the broad framework that identifies tourism’s essential characteristics and distinguishes tourism from similar, often related but different phenomena The two terms ‘travel’ and ‘tourism’ can be used in isolation or together to describe three concepts:
- The movement of the people
- A sector of the economy or an industry
- A broad system of interacting relationships of people, their needs to travel outside their communities, and services that attempt to respond to these needs by supplying products.
National Tourism Day was established to promote the tourism industry and recognize its contribution to the growth and sustainability of tourist destinations and local communities.
National Tourism Day: Visa policy of India
Everyone who holds a valid passport can apply for a travel visa at their local Indian embassy or consulate, before their visit. Travelers can also apply directly by mail or in person, or through their local travel services company. Recently, India has implemented an online method for citizens of 40 countries to apply for an e-Tourist Visa.
E-Tourist Visa will allow tourists and business visitors to obtain a “visa on arrival” at sixteen designated international airports, by acquiring an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before arrival, without having to visit an Indian consulate or visa center.
Why is National Tourism Day celebrated?
World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September and in India, National Tourism Day is celebrated on 25 January. This celebration is all about cultivating and creating awareness among society globally on the significance of tourism, and its social, political, financial, and also cultural worth and value.
Five Key Initiatives Driving India’s Tourism Growth:
In recent years, the Indian government has rolled out several initiatives that have transformed India into a more accessible and appealing destination for travelers. Let’s take a look at five standout programs that have contributed to India’s growing tourism sector:
1. Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme focuses on developing thematic tourism circuits that allow travelers to explore India’s diverse offerings, from heritage to spirituality, eco-tourism to adventure. This initiative has led to the creation of world-class facilities at some of the country’s most visited locations, providing a seamless travel experience.
2. Dekho Apna Desh Campaign
The Dekho Apna Desh campaign was launched to encourage Indian citizens to explore their own backyard. The pandemic-driven surge in domestic tourism has shown how significant this campaign has been. By tapping into lesser-known destinations, the campaign promotes local tourism, benefiting small businesses and offbeat locales.
3. Incredible India 2.0
The revamped Incredible India campaign focuses on highlighting niche tourism segments such as wellness tourism, medical tourism, and adventure travel. By presenting new, unique experiences, the initiative aims to attract travelers from around the world who seek authentic, transformative journeys.
4. PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive)
The PRASAD scheme aims to improve infrastructure at key pilgrimage sites, making spiritual tourism more accessible. It also promotes heritage conservation and eco-friendly development in and around sacred places, offering pilgrims a more comfortable and enriching experience.
5. UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik)
The UDAN scheme has revolutionized air travel in India. By improving connectivity to remote regions, it allows travelers to easily reach untapped destinations. Whether it’s a remote hill station or a coastal town, UDAN has made travel affordable and accessible for all.
With a vast array of landscapes, cultures, and experiences, India is poised to become a leading player in the global tourism sector. National Tourism Day encourages all of us – whether as locals or tourists – to rediscover the wonders of this incredible land. India’s tourism industry is undergoing a renaissance, and with continued support and the development of initiatives that nurture the sector, the country is on its way to becoming one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.
