India Launches ‘Paryatan Mitra’ and ‘Paryatan Didi’ to Boost Tourism on World Tourism Day
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism in India introduced a nationwide responsible tourism initiative called ‘Paryatan Mitra’ and ‘Paryatan Didi’. This initiative aims to enhance the tourist experience across India’s most visited destinations.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, this initiative is rooted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging tourism for social inclusion, employment generation, and economic progress. The program seeks to create tourism ambassadors from within local communities.
The initiative was piloted in six major tourist destinations: Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). It aims to make tourism a vehicle for local pride and storytelling by training individuals who interact with tourists, such as cab drivers, hotel staff, tour guides, and street vendors, on the importance of hospitality, cleanliness, and sustainability.
The Ministry of Tourism aims to enhance the overall tourist experience by connecting visitors with ‘tourist-friendly’ locals who serve as proud Ambassadors and Storytellers of their destinations. To achieve this, individuals who frequently engage with tourists, such as cab drivers, railway and airport staff, hotel and restaurant workers, homestay owners, tour guides, police personnel, and street vendors, are receiving specialised training. This training emphasises the importance of tourism, cleanliness, safety, sustainability, and delivering high-quality hospitality in line with the ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ philosophy.
Additionally, these participants are educated on the unique stories and hidden gems of their destinations, transforming each local into a storyteller who contributes to a positive tourist experience. Special attention is given to training women and young people, empowering them to create new tourism offerings like heritage walks, food tours, craft experiences, nature treks, and homestays based on the local area’s potential.
This initiative also helps locals gain employment as homestay operators, food and culture experience providers, and tour guides. Beyond tourism training, participants are also trained in digital literacy and tools to make their tourism products more discoverable to both national and international audiences.
Since the program’s pilot launch on August 15, approximately 3,000 individuals across six destinations have been trained, becoming Paryatan Mitras focused on creating a memorable and positive tourist experience.
Doubts Revealed
Paryatan Mitra -: ‘Paryatan Mitra’ means ‘Tourism Friend’ in Hindi. It is a program where local people are trained to help tourists and make their experience better.
Paryatan Didi -: ‘Paryatan Didi’ means ‘Tourism Sister’ in Hindi. This program focuses on training women to assist tourists and improve their visit.
World Tourism Day -: World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27th every year. It is a day to promote and raise awareness about the importance of tourism.
Ministry of Tourism -: The Ministry of Tourism is a part of the Indian government. It works to promote tourism in India and make it a better experience for visitors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the current Prime Minister of India. He leads the country and comes up with ideas to improve different sectors, including tourism.
Tourism ambassadors -: Tourism ambassadors are people who represent their local area to tourists. They help visitors by providing information and ensuring they have a good experience.
Hospitality -: Hospitality means being friendly and welcoming to guests. In tourism, it involves making sure visitors feel comfortable and happy.
Sustainability -: Sustainability means using resources in a way that does not harm the environment. In tourism, it involves practices that protect nature and local culture.
Empowering women and youth -: Empowering women and youth means giving them the skills and opportunities to succeed. In this program, it means training them to work in tourism and help tourists.
