The Ministry of Tourism launched a National responsible tourism initiative by the name of Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi. It targets the local service providers such as cab drivers, auto drivers, staff at railway stations, airports, bus stations, hotel staff, restaurant workers, homestay owners, tour guides, police personnel, street vendors, shop keepers, students, etc. which includes women and marginalised communities. The objective is to provide training and awareness on the importance of tourism, general cleanliness, safety, sustainability and also on the importance of providing tourists with the highest standards of hospitality and care.

The initiative was piloted in 6 tourist destinations across India namely – Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan) and Shri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). The program was rolled out on August 15^th, 2024 and since then, more than 4,000 people have been trained. State wise break- up of the data is Annexed.

Ministry of Defence has informed that the Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan initiative, launched to promote tourism to historically significant battlefields, is accessed by citizens through its dedicated website. As of date, the website has recorded 46,124 hits and over 349 tourists have been facilitated under the programme.

Ministry of Defence is actively promoting it in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and registered Tour Operators to enhance public awareness and participation.

In terms of security arrangements, Ministry of Defence has informed that the local Military Formations have been adequately sensitised and are fully capable of managing all related security aspects to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the initiative.

This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

 

ANNEXURE

State wise Paryatan Mitra / Paryatan Didi training conducted by India Tourism offices and Tourism Stakeholder: -

 

 

(Release ID: 2159100)