National Tourism Day 2022: History, Theme, and Significance

The National Tourism Day is celebrated on 25th January every year, to raise awareness and educate people about the historical, cultural, natural, and geographical diversity of India.

“If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India!” ~ Romaine Rolland.

For Centuries, our country has attracted travelers from different parts of the world – some came as visitors, some came for trading and some became rulers.

In the post-independent era, India emerged as one of the most traveled destinations in the world, and the government established January 25 to be the National Tourism Day, to raise awareness about the importance of tourism and its effects on the economy.

The main aim of celebrating National Tourism Day is to educate the countrymen about the geographical and cultural diversity that prevails in India, and also to cultivate awareness among the global community on the importance of tourism and its social, political, as well as financial worth.

Due to the pandemic, the tourism sector has been facing a tremendous blow for the last couple of years – but the Ministry of Tourism in India is working relentlessly to boost the tourism sector, which has a significant role in the country’s economy.

History of celebrating National Tourism Day:

Although there’s no historical proof of when this day was marked to be celebrated, but in 1948, a Tourist Traffic Committee was formed to promote tourism, and the first regional offices of the same were established in Delhi and Mumbai.

Three years later, in 1951, more offices were added in Kolkata and Chennai. A department specifically pertaining to tourism was established in 1958 under the Ministry of Tourism and Communication that was headed by the Deputy General in the rank of Joint Secretary.

Theme and Significance:

The tourism sector has great potential, and it has a prominent role in India’s GDP. This year’s theme for National Tourism Day is – “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”.

There are several states in India that are totally dependent on the revenue generated from the tourism sectors, which include Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, as well as the North Eastern States of the country.

Some of these places are known for their rich culture, exotic nature, UNESCO Heritage Sites, and unique festivals. People from all across the world travel to India to soak in the authentic vibes that the country beholds.

As Erin Reese once said, “There are three trips you take to India: the one you think you’re going to have – that you plan for; the one you actually have; and the one you live through once you go back home.”

We are hoping that as the world recovers from the woes of COVID-19 and the vaccination drives are effectively carried out, the tourism sector will bloom once again, and people will get to explore the beauty of India, forever.