On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism launched a national responsible tourism initiative titled Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi. This initiative aims to enhance the experience of tourists visiting various destinations by introducing them to local ambassadors and storytellers who are well-versed with their region’s culture, history, and attractions.
Objectives of the Initiative
The primary goals of this initiative are:
- To improve the overall experience for tourists by connecting them with ‘tourist-friendly’ people.
- To create a network of ambassadors and storytellers who can represent their destination with pride.
Focus on Training Women and Youth
The Ministry of Tourism places a special emphasis on:
- Training women and youth in the creation of innovative tourism products.
- Developing new experiences such as heritage walks, food tours, craft tours, nature treks, and homestay experiences.
- Utilizing the unique potential of each destination to build tailor-made tourism offerings.
Tourism and Digital Literacy Training
Along with tourism-specific training, participants will receive additional training in:
- Digital literacy and the use of digital tools.
- Ensuring that the tourism experiences they develop are discoverable and visible to tourists, both locally and globally.
Pilot Program and Success
Since the launch of the pilot program on August 15th:
- 3,000 individuals have been trained across six pilot destinations.
- The focus of the training was on creating a positive and enriching experience for tourists, thus embodying the spirit of a Paryatan Mitra.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the primary aim of the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi initiative?
a) To promote international tourism
b) To improve tourist experiences by connecting them with local ambassadors and storytellers
c) To increase the number of tourism products sold online
d) To train only women in rural areas
Answer: b) To improve tourist experiences by connecting them with local ambassadors and storytellers
2. Which group is being specially targeted for training under the initiative?
a) Senior citizens
b) Men in urban areas
c) Women and youth
d) Only professional tour guides
Answer: c) Women and youth
3. What kinds of new tourism products are being developed under this initiative?
a) Amusement parks and water parks
b) Heritage walks, food tours, craft tours, nature treks, and homestay experiences
c) Cruise tours and luxury train rides
d) Hotel chains and resorts
Answer: b) Heritage walks, food tours, craft tours, nature treks, and homestay experiences
4. What additional training are participants receiving apart from tourism-specific skills?
a) Language learning
b) Digital literacy and the use of digital tools
c) Physical fitness
d) Public speaking
Answer: b) Digital literacy and the use of digital tools
5. How many people were trained during the pilot phase of the program?
a) 1,000
b) 3,000
c) 5,000
d) 10,000
Answer: b) 3,000