Highlights of the Ministry of Tourism in 2020

"Dekho Apna Desh" Initiative, Database & Hospitality Sector

Whether offers for locals or for travelers from all over the world: Ministry of Tourism has taken numerous measures to support tourism in this special time. The focus was, of course, on the online offers, which nevertheless placed the beauties and special features of the country in the foreground.

“Bharat Parv”: Ministry of Tourism organized the “Bharat Parv” at the Gyan Path and Red Fort Ground, Delhi from 26th to 31st January 2020, as a part of the Republic Day Celebrations. The theme of the Bharat Parv was ‘150 Years of Mahatma’ and ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’.

Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Programme: Ministry of Tourism has launched the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Programme, a Pan-India online learning program accessible from different digital devices. The programme aims at enhancing the overall experience of tourists by creating a pool of local, trained professionals. It will help in creating employment opportunities at the local level even in remote areas with tourism potential. As on December 21st 2020, 6402 persons have registered under the IITFC Programme.

Conference on Destination Management and Community Participation :Ministry of Tourism organized a Conference on Destination Management and Community Participation on 13th–14th February, 2020 at Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.

Incredible India Website:The Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (IC) launched the Incredible India Website in Chinese, Arabic and Spanish languages to attract tourists from these regions.

“Dekho Apna Desh”: The Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative in January 2020 with the objective of creating awareness among the citizens about the rich heritage and culture of the country and encourage citizens to travel within the country. This initiative is in line with the 15th August 2019 address of the Prime Minister asking every citizen to visit at least 15 destinations by the year 2022.

‘Stranded in India’ portal: The Ministry of Tourism set up a portal ‘Stranded in India’ with a view to facilitate and extend support to foreign tourists who were stranded in the country on account of cancellation of flights/lockdown.

Ministry of Tourism has initiated photography/videography of important tourism and cultural sites using Drone cameras during the lockdown to get the best footage, and at a time when the pollution level is at its lowest.

‘International Day of Yoga’ (IDY): Ministry of Tourism carried out several activities on the central theme “Yoga @ home & Yoga with family” to mark the ‘International Day of Yoga’ (IDY). A number of activities were also carried out by the Domestic and Overseas Indiatourism Offices to mark the celebration of IDY 2020.

NIDHI: Ministry of Tourism has created the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI) to get a clear picture of the geographical spread of the Hospitality Sector, its size, structure and existing capacity. As on date, 34399 accommodation units have been registered on the portal since the time it got functional. The platform has a simple registration process for hospitality units in various categories viz., Hotels, Resorts, Guest houses, Bed and Breakfast/ Homestays, Farm stays, Lodges/Tourist homes, Houseboats, Heritage Homes, Timeshare units, Apartment hotels, Tented accommodation, Standalone F& B units etc.

SAATHI: In order to ensure adherence with the COVID-19 safety and hygiene protocol, MoT has undertaken an initiative called SAATHI (System for Assessment, Awareness & Training for Hospitality Industry) in association with the Quality Council of India (QCI) for effective implementation of Guidelines/ SOPs issued with reference to COVID-19 and beyond for safe operations of Hotels, Restaurants, B&Bs and other units.

Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (IC) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel held a virtual meeting with 34 State Tourism Ministers/Officials in New Delhi on 15th& 16th October 2020.

“Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath, Gujarat”project:  Union Minister of State (IC) for Tourism Sh. Prahlad Singh Patel virtually joined Chief Minister of Gujarat Sh. Vijaybhai Rupani on the inauguration of project “Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath, Gujarat” on 16th July 2020.  The project “Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath, Gujarat” sanctioned under the PRASHAD scheme in March 2017 has been successfully completed with the cost of Rs. 45.36 crore.

“Tourist Facilitation Centre”:  Union Minister of State (IC) for Tourism & Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated the “Tourist Facilitation Centre” facility constructed under the project “Development of Guruvayur, Kerala” under PRASHAD Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism through Virtual Platform on 4th November 2020.

https://www.incredibleindia.org/