Citing the country’s history and culture, Nandini Rao shows how the tourism sector has evolved as a key driver of growth around the world and is becoming one in India as well, contributing to global GDP and employment. This year with its G20 Presidency and recognising the tremendous potential of the tourism sector, India facilitated four G20 Tourism Working Group Meetings.
In a world marked by increasing globalisation, the tourism industry plays a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding. India, with its rich culture, traditions and landscapes, stands as a beacon for inclusive tourism.
The allure of India is impossible to resist. From the bustling markets of Delhi, where a symphony of colours and scents bewitch the senses, to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, where time seems to slow down amidst the tree-lined waterways … each region unfurls a distinctive facet of one of the most ancient civilisations of the world.
The tourism sector is a key driver of growth around the world and is becoming one in India as well, contributing to global GDP and employment. This year with its G20 Presidency and recognising the tremendous potential of the tourism sector, India facilitated four G20 Tourism Working Group Meetings.
In these deliberations, the focus was coordination and sharing of best practices, making policies to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism growth. Key strategic initiatives were identified in sync with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and included skilling, green tourism, digitalisation, etc.
History, culture and more
India’s resplendent festivals, such as Diwali with its luminous display of lights and Holi’s riotous explosion of colours, to name a few, offer a gateway to the very heart of Indian culture, extending a warm invitation for visitors to partake in these joyous celebrations.
India’s rich history, woven over millennia, is unmissable and imprinted on its cities and monuments. The Taj Mahal, a majestic ode to love, stands as an epitome of architectural grandeur. Ancient temples, with their intricate carvings and sacred aura, and the formidable forts of Rajasthan, silent sentinels of bygone empires, bear solemn testimony to the legacy of dynasties that have left an indelible mark on the subcontinent.
To wander through these hallowed halls and storied streets is to step back in time, immersing oneself in the narratives of eras long past.
The vibrant people
Yet, India’s enchantment transcends the tangible, venturing into the realm of intangible cultural riches. The nation is an intricate mosaic of languages, religions, and traditions, where diversity is not merely acknowledged, but joyously celebrated.
Engaging with locals in their day-to-day lives offers a profound insight into the intricate social fabric that weaves this nation together, revealing the threads of unity that bind amidst the glorious diversity.
Inclusive tourism in India embraces the natural wonders that grace its expansive terrain. From the Himalayas, their snowy peaks piercing the heavens, to the sun-drenched shores of Goa, where waves caress the golden sands, the ecological diversity is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries serve as sanctuaries for a mesmerising array of biodiversity that calls India home, proudly showcasing magnificent creatures such as the regal Bengal tiger and the gentle Indian elephant.
Furthermore, the legendary hospitality of the Indian people is a hallmark of the nation’s character. The genuine warmth and boundless generosity with which guests are welcomed leave an ineffaceable imprint, often forming cherished memories that endure long after the journey concludes.
The culinary landscape is equally diverse, with regional delicacies that tantalise the taste buds, offering a sensory journey through the distinct culinary heritage of each area.
Promoting inclusivity
Today, tourism has emerged as a potent instrument for promoting cross-cultural understanding, weaving connections among people of different backgrounds.
India’s multifaceted culture, history and natural beauty, stands as a resounding testament to the transformative potential of tourism in bridging divides and nurturing a spirit of inclusivity.
As travellers embark on their odysseys through the enchanting land, they not only bear witness to the breath-taking beauty of India’s physical landscapes, but also partake in the richness of its cultural heritage.
In turn, they emerge as ambassadors of shared experiences, carrying with them a piece of India’s vibrant soul, contributing to world inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding.
As the sun rises over the misty hills of Himachal Pradesh, casting a golden glow on ancient temples and emerald valleys, travellers find themselves immersed in a world that seems suspended in time.
The air is imbued with a sense of spirituality, and the resonance of temple bells mingles with the scent of incense. Here, amidst the serenity of nature and the echoes of devotion, one can glimpse the profound spiritual heritage that permeates every corner of India.
Diversity galore
Journeying southward, the architectural marvels of South India beckon with their intricate carvings and intricate stone temples. The rhythmic chants of priests and the heady aroma of jasmine blossoms create an atmosphere that transports visitors to an era where devotion and artistry was the mainstay of life.
These temples, seeped in history and steeped in devotion, offer a glimpse into the spiritual diversity that has defined this region for centuries.
In the heart of Rajasthan, where golden sands stretch to meet an endless horizon, the echoes of history reverberate within the walls of regal forts and palaces. The opulence and grandeur of these architectural masterpieces bear witness to the valour and indomitable spirit of the Rajput warriors.
As the wind whispers tales of bygone eras, travellers can almost feel the pulse of a time when kingdoms rose and fell, leaving behind a legacy of fortitude and grandeur.
In India’s bustling metropolises, a different kind of narrative unfolds. Amid the cacophony of honking horns and the vibrant street life, modernity converges with tradition in a dynamic dance.
Skyscrapers rise beside ancient markets and gleaming malls coexist with age-old bazaars. The juxtaposition of old and new paints a vivid picture of a nation hurtling forward while remaining firmly rooted in its heritage.
The call of the wild echoes through India’s protected areas and wildlife reserves. Here, in the heart of nature’s sanctuary, the primal rhythms of life continue unabated.
From the elusive snow leopards of Ladakh to the graceful dance of peacocks in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh, the biodiversity of India is a testament to its commitment to preserving the natural world.
Leading the way
With its growing economic stature, India is being considered one of the fastest-emerging tourism destinations in the world. The country’s rich heritage including cultural and natural heritage and geographical diversity has only added to its allure.
During a recently-concluded summit on tourism that was held in Goa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated the importance of the tourism sector in India’s growth story. He said it is very important for economic progress, employment generation and for social inclusion.
India, with its myriad dimensions of culture, history, and natural beauty, stands as an invitation to all who seek to embark on a transformative journey. It is a land where the ancient and the contemporary coexist in harmonious resonance, where traditions are revered, and where the human spirit flourishes.
Through the lens of inclusive tourism, travellers not only explore the depths of this enchanting land, but also carry with them a piece of its soul, becoming ambassadors of unity and understanding in a world that craves connection and empathy.