On World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism introduced the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi initiatives. These programs aim to improve tourist experiences by training local communities, especially women and youth, to serve as ambassadors of their regions. The initiative focuses on hospitality, storytelling, and sustainability.
Key Objectives of Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting tourism as a tool for social inclusion and economic growth. It focuses on training individuals in tourism-related skills like heritage walks, food tours, homestays, and sustainable practices. The program emphasizes cleanliness and ensuring a positive experience for visitors.
Locations Chosen for the Program
The initiative was first launched in six key tourist destinations across India:
- Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
- Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
- Bodh Gaya, Bihar
- Aizawl, Mizoram
- Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Role of Local Communities
The program encourages the participation of locals, including cab drivers, tour guides, hotel staff, and street vendors, to become “Paryatan Mitras.” Through training, they will learn how to share their knowledge of local heritage and culture with tourists. This initiative helps locals take pride in their communities and improve the overall tourist experience.
Focus Areas of Training
Participants receive training in:
- Tourism Skills: Heritage walks, food and craft tours, homestays, and nature experiences.
- Hospitality: Following the “Atithi Devo Bhava” principle to provide a welcoming environment for tourists.
- Digital Literacy: To promote local tourism products on global platforms.
National Impact
The “Paryatan Mitra” and “Paryatan Didi” programs are expected to create new employment opportunities and empower communities by promoting responsible tourism. By improving hospitality and sustainability, India aims to increase its global tourism appeal.
Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi Summary:
- The Ministry of Tourism launched the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi initiatives on World Tourism Day.
- The program focuses on empowering local communities to enhance the tourist experience.
- Training covers hospitality, storytelling, and digital skills.
- The initiative was piloted in six tourist destinations.
- The program aims to create jobs, especially for women and youth.
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
These are tourism initiatives aimed at improving the tourist experience by training locals to act as ambassadors and storytellers.
Local communities, especially women and youth, gain employment and skill development opportunities.
The training covers hospitality, tourism-specific skills like heritage walks, and digital literacy.
It aims to improve the overall tourist experience, making India a more attractive destination globally.
The program was piloted in six locations, including Orchha, Jodhpur, and Bodh Gaya.