Tourism in Developing Economies

Tourism plays a vital role in the economic growth of developing nations. It is recognized as:

• • The second-largest industry in the world

• • The single largest employer globally

Benefits of Tourism

• • Economic Growth: Contributes to GDP and generates employment

• • Regional Development: Helps in removing regional imbalances

• • Tax Revenues: Provides financial benefits to the government

• • Cultural Promotion: Encourages human understanding and cultural resurgence

• • Sustainability: Ensures minimal use of natural resources while optimizing manpower and expertise

• • Trade Support: Sustains traditional trades like handicrafts

Historical Significance of Tourism in India

India’s Attraction for Travelers

India, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has always been a magnet for travelers:

• • Ancient Travelers: Many traveled for knowledge and spiritual enlightenment

• • Merchants & Scholars: Visitors included traders, scholars, and pilgrims

• • Challenges in Travel: Risky and physically demanding due to lack of infrastructure

Ancient Travel Regulations

• • The Chinese pilgrim Fahien (401-410 A.D.) traveled without a passport.

• • Kautilya’s Arthashastra required travelers to possess a “Mudra” (passport), and non-compliance led to fines (12 panas).

• • Security Measures:
    
    • • Travelers hired Sarthavaha (leaders) for safe journeys during reign of Chandragupta-II.
    • • Guides helped tourists avoid threats like bandits.

• • Accommodation:
    
    • • Sarais & Dharmshalas (Roadside Inn) provided lodging and travel information.

Religious Pilgrimage & Travel

• • Hindu religious texts emphasized pilgrimage to attain salvation (Mukti)

• • Four sacred sites (Char Dham Yatra):
    
    • • Jagannath Puri (Govardhan Math) (Odisha)
    • • Rameshwaram (the great Setu Band) (Tamil Nadu)
    • • Dwarka (Sharda Math) (Gujarat)
    • • Badrinath (Joshi Math) (Uttarakhand)

• • Pilgrimage fostered:
    
    • • Exchange of ideas
    • • Trade development
    • • Exposure to new customs, food, and dress styles

India’s Connection with Global Trade & Travel

Foreign Influence on Indian Tourism

• • Trade & Prosperity: India’s wealth attracted foreign travelers

• • Historical Accounts:
    
    • • Mark Twain described India as “a fabulous world of splendor and rags“
    • • Ibn Batutah (1333-1347 A.D.) documented Indian culture and economy.

• • Ancient Trade Routes:
    
    • • Aryans (1500 B.C.)
    • • Alexander the Great (326 B.C.)
    • • Mongols, Arabs, Portuguese (Vasco de Gama), and other Europeans

• • British Influence:
    
    • • Dak Travel: Planquins controlled by postal services
    • • Dak Bungalows: Roadside accommodations for travelers

Modernization of Tourism

• • 19th Century: Travel became accessible to the working class with paid holidays.

• • Post-WWII Era: Global tourism flourished as international barriers decreased.

• • India’s Organized Tourism Development:
    
    • • 1945: First tourism promotion committee under Sir John Sargent
    • • 1949: Creation of Tourist Traffic Branch
    • • 1958: Establishment of Department of Tourism
    • • 1966: Formation of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC)
    • • 1967: Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation introduced

Government Initiatives for Tourism Development

Tourism in Indian Constitution

• • Union List (Key areas related to tourism):
    
    • • Immigration & Pilgrimages abroad
    • • Port quarantine & air travel regulation
    • • Historical monuments & foreign exchange policies

• • State List:
    
    • • Local pilgrimages
    • • Museums & historical monuments of state importance
    • • Protection of wildlife

• • Concurrent List:
    
    • • Archeological sites & remains (not of national importance)

Tourism Infrastructure Development

• • Five-Year Plan Allocations for Tourism
    
    • • First Plan (1951-56): ₹3.36 crore
    • • Second Plan (1956-61): ₹8.00 crore
    • • Tenth Plan (2002-07): ₹1170.39 crore
    • • Twelfth Plan (2012-17): ₹9000 crore

• • State Initiatives (Himachal Pradesh)
    
    • • Development started in Second Five-Year Plan
    • • Tourism budget allocation increased steadily

Himachal Pradesh: A Tourism Hub

Natural Attractions

• • “Snow-peaked, pine-scented, flower-sprangled” landscapes

• • Popular tourist destinations:
    
    • • Shimla
    • • Dharamshala
    • • Kullu-Manali
    • • Dalhousie

Historical & Religious Significance

• • British colonial influence shaped tourism:
    
    • • 1822: First house built in Shimla by Major Kennedy
    • • 1838: First Gymkhana and sports event
    • • 1947-1953: Shimla served as Punjab’s capital

• • Religious Tourism:
    
    • • Ancient Hindu texts glorify the Himalayas
    • • Rishis’ ashrams served as learning centers
    • • Pilgrimages continue to attract thousands

Conclusion

Tourism is a critical sector for India’s economy, providing employment, promoting culture, and enhancing international relations. With continued investment and strategic planning, India’s tourism industry has the potential to flourish further and contribute significantly to national development.