Connecting Back To The Roots

Incredible experience of cultural tourism in India

It is evident that cultural tourism is the way ahead, to move, to have sustainable stability in the tourism sector.

Highlights

1. Indian tourism Industry to hit $1 trillion by 2047.
2. Cultural & Spiritual Tourism, a major boost to India’s tourism industry.
3. India focusing on building infrastructure at an unprecedented pace (100 km in just 100 hours  by NHAI on Ghaziabad – Aligarh route expressway is a new global record)
4. The G20 presidency helped as an exceptional opportunity to showcase & promote local art, craft & culture.
5. The ministry of tourism is taking concerted efforts to promote inbound tourism, as a key driver of economic growth and employment generation. The Govt. has also taken steps to boost Spiritual Tourism in UP, WB & Uttarakhand
6. India recorded 1.52 million FTAs in 2021, 6.19 million FTAs in 2022 and 9.25 million FTAs in 2023 which is 64% increase from 2022
7. Finance ministry allocated INR 24 billion for tourism infrastructure for 2023-24 budget including 2.4 billion for promotion & branding.
8. India has 42 World Heritage sites of which 34 are cultural
9. India is emphasizing on environmentally conscious energy sources.

Cultural Tourism

India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only." Mark Twain

Cultural Tourism gives importance to the geographical areas of a country and it’s richness and diversity, it reflect the art, architecture, religion and elements of that country, showcasing the tradition, festivals, rituals they follow and how it influences the lives of the people living there.

The G20 presidency gave India a marvellous opportunity to showcase it’s art & craft, culture & cuisine.

During G20 summit in Bali Indonesia, PM Narendra Modi gifted a Patan Patola Dupatta (Scarf) to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni setting a precedent of using indigenous items as personalised gifts for world leaders which highlights India’s rich artwork. Local culture & cuisine being India’s strength, got immense exposure during the summit. 

Cultural tourism is a major tourist attraction for tourist visiting India. India was always a mysterious land for the outsiders, with natural wealth, mesmerizing landscapes and co-existence of people with multiple cultures, faith and beliefs. It’s numerous Heritage sites and cultural legacy makes it a must visit destination for foreign tourist. The United States was the top source country for Inbound Tourist accounting to 23% of arrivals followed by Bangladesh, UK, Australia and Canada in December 2023.

What is being done to promote Cultural Tourism?

Many initiatives have been taken by the Govt to sustain and promote cultural heritage.

• Supporting local artisans and craftsmanship by addressing their concerns
• Creating an eGovt online platform to help artisans sell their wares, eliminating the mediators
• Recognition of individuals, community who have made a noticeable contribution in growth of art & culture with national award
• Cultural heritage preservation
• Educating & Creating awareness

The Benefits

• Cultural Tourism has multi-benefits, it not only promote but also safeguard & preserve cultural heritage, thus helping the community as well generate awareness.
• For a community it helps as a source of employment improving their quality of life, and it also leads to infrastructure development.
• For a tourist it would be an enriching experience allowing them to learn different art, culture, tradition, cuisine, in all it would be an awesome experience thereby supporting the community as well contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.
• Cultural Tourism can boost India’s economic development by attracting more visitors interested in Art, History & Ethnic Heritage generating revenue, job creation and sustainable development.

The Indian Cultural Heritage Legacy

• Tourist travel India to experience the rich cultural legacy, which India is well known for since the era of Maharaja’s who have left an impact on Indian, art, culture, cuisine.
• India has been regarded as rich in ancient history, art & culture
• India is home to world historic monuments, like Ajanta & Ellora caves, Golden temple, Meenakshi temple, Hampi, Gateway of India, Hawa Mahal and Red Fort are few…
• Fairs & Festivals like Desert Festival, Elephant Festival, Snake Boat Race, Kumbh Mela, The Pushkar Fair and Mahabalipuram to name a few which has attracted not only domestic travellers but have enticing influence on International tourist too.

What are Govt. initiatives to boost Cultural Tourism?

One of the most notable initiatives is the PRASHAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive) with a focus of identifying and establishing pilgrimage sites around India to boost Religious Tourist Experience. Govt has made visible efforts to connect once inaccessible terrain to the masses.

Buddhist Tourism Circuit : A spiritual journey for tourists following Buddha's footsteps, a visit to important sites from his life and teachings includes sites in Nepal and India, Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar.

Dekho Apna Desh initiative to create awareness about our rich heritage and culture to boost domestic tourism

Launched Incredible India Tourist facilitator certification programme a digital learning platform to create a pool of well trained professionals

Liberalization of Evisa.

A cut in tax rate GST for hotel rooms.

Under Udan in collaboration with aviation ministry got 53 tourism routes operational for better connectivity.

HRIDAY scheme to protect & promote national rich cultural heritage.

Govt embarking on this journey of restoring lost glory of these forgotten cultural heritages, people are getting connected to their roots again. Along with overhaul, cultural and heritage development, the government is successful in reviving our traditions, heritage, and culture and also the creation of infrastructural landmarks and marvels simultaneously. With these efforts Govt has been able to put India on the global cultural pedestal.

Regarding the impact of Indian Cultural Heritage I would like to conclude with this quote

“India conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border.” Hu Shih, former Ambassador of China to USA

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