Paryatan Parv adds a Midas Touch to the already booming Tourism Industry of India, showcasing a potpourri of events and activities held across the country to highlight its rich cultural heritage
Recently, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India, in collaboration with other Central Ministries, State Governments and Stakeholders, organised the second edition of Paryatan Parv, a nationwide celebration of Tourism, from 16-27 September, 2018. The gala event, amidst much fanfare, stole the limelight for being the best event ever to be organised. The event was undoubtedly organised and conducted quite efficiently, showcasing India’s rich tourism prospects.
Paryatan Parv had three main components this year, namely – Dekho Apna Desh, Tourism for All and Tourism & Governance. The main focus of the event was sensitising domestic tourists, especially the youth, and promoting many unexplored as well as a variety of other destinations. Rashmi Verma, Secretary, MoT, directed the states to focus on prime tourist destinations and promote such locations through Paryatan Parv. Verma also added that the Tourism Sector contributes in a big way to the country’s economy with generation of employment to youth, women and also for rural livelihood. Acknowledging that tourism leads to overall development, the programmes were designed to have a festive look to encourage maximum possible participation of the people.
Paryatan Parv was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, at Rajpath Lawns, New Delhi, on September 16, 2018, in the presence of the Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism, KJ Alphons. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary highlighted the importance of Paryatan Parv, which has helped in an 18% growth of Domestic Tourist Visits in 2017, and acts as a strong motivator for the Tourism Sector. The main objective of Paryatan Parv was to draw focus on the benefits of tourism, showcasing the cultural diversity of the country and reinforcing the principle of “Tourism for All.” The three components of Paryatan Parv, were: ‘Dekho Apna Desh’: To encourage Indians to visit their own country. There were several activities that took place across the country, including Photography Contests covering tourism attractions and experiences, promotion on Social Media, Tourism-related Quiz, Essay, Debate and Painting Competitions for Students. General public engagement for the event was promoted through the MyGov platform.
Tourism for All: Tourism events at dedicated sites across all States in the country were organised, which included Cultural Programmes of Dance, Music, Theatre, Storytelling, Awareness & Sensitisation Programmes for Stakeholders around the Sites, Tourism Exhibitions, Showcasing Culture, Cuisine and Handicrafts/Handlooms, Guided Heritage Walks, and much more. Tourism & Governance: Interactive Sessions and Workshops with Stakeholders on varied themes was organised across the country.
The highlights of the event on Rajpath Lawns, New Delhi, included:
18 Theme Pavilions of States
Food Court with 54 Food Stalls
Kitchen Studio by IHM
Crafts Bazaar with 76 Handicraft and Handloom Stalls
Cultural Performances by States/UTs and North Zone Cultural Centre
Yoga Demo, Training and Therapy by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of Ayush
Exhibition on the theme “Saaf Niyat, Sahi Vikas” by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Interactive Activities to keep visitors engaged were held across 32 States/UTs, including over 3150 activities and events during the 12-day event
Some of the other engaging activities included Workshops & Seminars, Cleanliness Drives, Tourism & Handicraft Exhibitions, Food Festivals, Yoga Demos, Tourism Runs & Rallies, Adventure Activities, Tree Plantation Drives, Illumination of Monuments & Railway Stations, Focus on Role of Youth in Tourism, Vocational & Skill Training Programmes, Excursion Tours for Students, Nukkad-Natak on Tourism & Cleanliness Themes, Promotion of Environment Friendly Measures, and much more. In addition, the mega event saw active participation by Cultural Associations and Organisations, Travel & Hospitality Industry, Institutes of Hotel Management, Indian Institutes
