The words tourist and tourism were first used in 1772 and 1811 respectively. However, if we turn the pages of history(even the religious scriptures), we see that the people were travelling to different places(domestically or internationally) since ages. Tourism is one of the popular activity all over the world including. It also plays a vital role in contributing to the GDP and generating employment.

According to a recent report of the World Travel and Tourism Council(WTTC), before the pandemic, Travel & Tourism accounted for 1 in 4 jobs created across the world, 10.6% of all jobs(334 million), and contributes 10.4% of global GDP(US$9.2 trillion). India’s Travel & Tourism GDP contribution grew by 4.9%, which was the third-highest after China and the Philippines. Additionally, the report also highlights that between 2014-2019, India witnessed the strongest growth in the number of jobs created(6.36 million), followed by China(5.47 million) and the Philippines(2.53 million). Total contribution by the travel and tourism sector to India’s GDP was estimated to increase to Rs. 32.05 lakh crore (US$ 492.21 billion) in 2028. Total earnings from the sector in India is targeted to reach US$ 50 billion by 2022.

If you want to read the actual report - Click here

India offers a diverse portfolio of niche tourism products. It has been recognized as a destination for spiritual tourism for domestic and international tourists. In his Independence speech, PM Mr Narendra Modi urged people to visit 15 domestic tourist destinations in India by 2022 to promote tourism. The Government has also announced developing 17 iconic tourist sites in India into world-class destinations as per Union Budget 2019-20.

Unfortunately, the covid-19 pandemic has changed the scenario entirely not just in India but worldwide. The nationwide lockdown and crashing economies have taken their toll in every corner we can imagine of. However, the pandemic gives a rigorous blow to the tourism industry, among all others. Many big Industries(including Tourism) have forced to trim down the employment. Many have shut down, which forced them to flok back to their base.

There is an old saying that “bad things do not only bring negativity with it.” Yes! this pandemic has disrupted the economic structure but at the same time, it allowed us to introspect on what we have been overlooking till now. India is a huge tourism market, has a tremendous amount of potentials. Thus, PM Modi recently introduced initiatives like Atmiya Nirbhar Bharat and Vocal for local to push local industries to make Indian homegrown product as a brand to the world platform.

But the question arises how? can it be implemented? Well, you must have heard of the products like Darjeeling tea, Amul, Indian Basmati rice, Haldiram Bira etc. These products are the brands that represent India in the International platforms. Likewise, there are many other products we need to recognise as well. By buying from local shops, we can promote(encourage) them.

Here are some ideas we can implement to strengthen the initiatives Vocal for Local in the tourism industry:

Explore Your Locality

Before visiting a place travellers read and search(at least once) on the internet about the place and special features of that place. Those things are written by a blogger or author who has visited the place. However, there are still an ample amount of chances, yet to be discovered. Being a native you can jot down places apart from the most visited places within the locality and see if there are any possibilities to adhere to any outdoor activities. Offer these newly found places or activities to your guests.

Talking about the visitor, ask your host about new places especially the bloggers and authors who can elaborate on those places in their writings. By this, you can encourage the host to discover more and more places of beauty.

Himalayan destination

Become a coordinator

Go with the guests and describe to them about the place, the folklores(if any) relating to that place, tell them about the coexisting creatures, about the tree and plantations growing, about the cultures and traditions. You can hire the local villages or natives(if you aren’t available). By this, you can generate employment. Even if you are a driver and is hired for the sightseeing, don’t just sit in your vehicle, go with the visitors and describe to them about the place or any particular monuments(about the local story and beliefs).

The visitor can encourage the host to engages the villages or any unemployed neighbour to coordinate in such activities. By this, you are directly contributing to society.

Become a Host

Highlight the culture and traditions

Culture is the soul of a society, we should lose it in anyways. Not just only during the festivals, but as an especial feature involve the guests in all happy moments. Arrange local(traditional) dancer, folk singers, musicians for entertainments. Provide the guests local foods and traditional drinks. Introduce them(the guests) to locally made products and handmade products, by doing this you are giving them the exposure to exist.

The visitor can ask the host for the above-said things by doing this you are actually encouraging them and perhaps allowing them to survive a dying culture. Moreover, you are generating the economic circulation directly.

Outdoor Experience

Embrace the Brand of Bharat

India is a huge market that has a behemoth potential. As it has diverse option to choose from. Thus the Prime Minister urged the country to visit more domestic places to promote the domestic tourism industries. Being a traveller, don’t just strict in any certain direction. India is so big that it might take a lifetime to explore entirely.

Share your experiences

We at trvlhimlayas trying to pave the way for this very concept from our existence. We can build a platform where they promote their services without any fee.

Words are powerful. Only when they fly from one mind to another and ye another, can they reach millions and make a difference. Share your experience with your known circle, on your social media platforms or to anyone who happens to be/know an avid traveller or a local business. Be a helping hand.

Let’s join hands we are always there for you Become a host

Work Jointly

The government and the people of India have to work together. In October 2020, the Ministry of Tourism developed an initiative called SAATHI (System for Assessment, Awareness & Training for Hospitality Industry) by partnering with the Quality Council of India (QCI). The initiative will effectively implement guidelines/SOPs issued concerning COVID-19 for safe operations of tourism industries. Being the consumer, we can implement the above side ideas to help the tourism industries. And not just tourism, but we can choose to help local businesses in daily life too. Looking for homegrown brands, local vendors and organic farms over big supermarkets. In the web era, online shopping is the need of the hour and recommended too, try to shop online from the Indian websites. There are several NGOs and NPOs simultaneously working on producing masks, gloves, and hand sanitisers. Support such local bodies by purchasing necessities from them. Promote local brands on social media as much as you can. If you happen to use or are a fan of one or multiple such brands, give them a shoutout.

The Indian tourism sector has to walk more to see the growth and to find a prominent place on the world map. Yes, this can not be done overnight, the government and people have to work together. We should look at it(Pandemic) as an opportunity and given a clarion call to the nation to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) and Vocal for Local Initiatives. Yes, this pandemic has definitely slowed down the pace but it is not permanent.