Brain Booster for UPSC & State PCS Examination (Topic: Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0)

Vision:

  • To develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country.

Mission

  • To create a robust framework for integrated development of tourism destinations in partnership with the States/ UTs and local governments for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in the country.

Objectives

The strategic objectives of the Scheme are:

  • To enhance the contribution of tourism to the local economies.
  • To create jobs including self-employment for local communities.
  • To enhance the skills of local youth in tourism and hospitality.
  • To increase private sector investment in Vision tourism and hospitality.
  • To preserve and enhance the local cultural and natural resources.

Tourism-An engine of economic growth

  • Travel and tourism sector holds strategic importance in the Indian economy.
  • Provides socio-economic benefits
  • Employment,
  • Income
  • Foreign exchange earnings
  • development or expansion of other industries such as
  • Agriculture,
  • Construction,
  • Handicrafts

Key Principles

To achieve the vision of sustainable and responsible tourism following principles have been identified:

  • Develop benchmarks and standards for major tourism themes.
  • Sustainable and responsible tourism.
  • Destination and tourist-centric approach.
  • Integrated development of tourism destination.
  • Focus on Domestic Tourism.
  • Policy and Institutional Reforms.
  • Operation and maintenance on sustainable basis.
  • Synergy with other central and state schemes.

Major Themes

  • Culture and Heritage
  • Adventure Tourism
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Wellness Tourism
  • MICE Tourism
  • Rural Tourism
  • Beach Tourism
  • Cruises – Ocean & Inland

Policy initiatives for the promotion and development of the tourism sector

  • Setting up of Destination Management Organization
  • National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI)
  • System for Assessment, Awareness and Training for Hospitality Industry (SAATHI)
  • Revamping of Star classification and certification schemes for sustainable tourism, ecotourism, adventure tourism etc.
  • Minimum standards for Homestay / B&B
  • Incredible India Website and Mobile Application
  • Tourism statistics
  • Strategies for development of MICE, Medical and Wellness, Ecotourism, adventure tourism and other niche areas.