National Tourism Day is celebrated across the country on January 25

National Tourism Day is celebrated across the country on January 25 every year to appreciate India’s beauty and spread awareness about the importance of tourism and its impact on the country’s economy. This year’s theme for National Tourism Day is ‘Rural and Community Centric Tourism’.

The central government is organizing the main event in Telangana’s Pochampally village, a weavers’ hamlet on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Known for its famous hand-woven Ikat sarees, Pochampally was selected as one of the best tourism villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2021.

Travel and Tourism in India was the largest service industry and was worth $234 bn in 2018. According to The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) the tourism industry in India generated $194 bn or 6.8% of India’s GDP in 2019. The tourism sector in India is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 6.9% to $460 bn by 2028 which is 9.9% of GDP.

Nature at its best: wild animals, stunning views, and the feeling of being up close with the 🐅! The more you explore India, the more there is to explore. Our country is so culturally rich and diverse that you can never have enough of it. Happy #NationalTourismDay! pic.twitter.com/y76XPEMznX

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 25, 2023

From Mountains to the Seas, Historical Forts to Wildlife Sanctuaries, India has unmatched tourism offerings.

On the occasion of National Tourism Day, I urge everyone to choose domestic tourism & explore the diverse & unique destinations of our country.#DekhoApnaDesh pic.twitter.com/hWlWjZjIbt

— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) January 25, 2023

India is home to 40 UNESCO heritage sites. The last site to be added to the World Heritage Site list is Dholavira, a Harappan city that is located in the city of Gujarat. India currently has 32 cultural sites, 7 natural sites, and one mixed property.

The world’s highest rail bridge is in India with the 1,315 m long Chenab Bridge and is located in Jammu and Kashmir, and is 35 m higher than the Eiffel Tower. India’s North Sentinel Island is one of the most untouched places in the world. The island is home to the Sentinelese people, who have isolated themselves from the world.

India has a total of 566 wildlife sanctuaries. Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the country. Mawlynnong located in the state of Meghalaya is ranked as the cleanest village in Asia.

National Tourism Day’s seminars, cultural events and other programmes are organised by the Centre where several states organise events to promote tourism in their region.