Modi is going to start a tourist push | In Srinagar
All Indian high commissioners and embassies overseas will concurrently begin the Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign.
After officially opening a number of tourism-related projects on Thursday during his visit to Srinagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate a campaign to get overseas Indians involved in promoting travel to the nation.
All Indian high commissioners and embassies overseas will concurrently begin the Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign.
The Prime Minister’s invitation that members of the Indian diaspora persuade at least five of their non-Indian acquaintances to visit India is the basis for the commencement of this campaign.
The campaign, according to Tourism Ministry officials who spoke with The Indian Express, is a formalization of the Prime Minister’s repeated requests for NRIs and overseas Indians to encourage their friends and acquaintances to travel to India and help establish India as a top travel destination.
The Tourism Ministry will develop a platform where NRIs can register and provide their contact information and details about the people they are nominating. The Tourism Ministry will then approach the nominees directly with relevant publicity material.
Modi will also unveil several tourism-related initiatives at the Bakshi Stadium event, totaling over Rs 1,400 crore, as part of the Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive schemes. Among these initiatives is the project for the integrated development of the Hazratbal Shrine in the city. Along with announcing the tourism sites chosen under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) program, he will also launch the Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice tourism Destination Poll.
Under the CBDD program, which was introduced during the Union Budget 2023–2024, the PM will announce 42 tourism locations. The forty-two locations have been categorized into four groups: sixteen are historical and culture destinations; eleven are spiritual destinations; ten are eco-tourism and Amrit Dharohar destinations; and five are lively villages.
Promoting Tourism
As part of the tourism campaign, PM Modi will launch nationwide projects aimed at enhancing the tourism sector. These projects, worth over Rs 1,400 crore, fall under the “Swadesh Darshan” and “PRASHAD” schemes. They include the integrated development of the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, as well as tourism facilities in various circuits across the country. The goal is to provide world-class infrastructure and amenities at prominent pilgrimage and tourism sites.
Engaging the Indian Diaspora
One of the highlights of the campaign is the “Chalo India Global Diaspora” initiative, which seeks to inspire the Indian diaspora to become ambassadors for Indian tourism. PM Modi has called upon the overseas Indian community, which comprises over three crore individuals, to encourage at least five non-Indian friends to visit India. By leveraging the influence of the diaspora, this campaign aims to position India as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map.
Holistic Agriculture Development Programme
To boost the agri-economy in the region, PM Modi will launch the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). This program will cover horticulture, agriculture, and livestock husbandry, providing skill development training to approximately 2.5 lakh farmers. Additionally, the program will establish 2,000 farmers’ service centers and develop robust value chains to benefit the farming community.
Transforming Tourism Infrastructure
The tourism projects being launched by PM Modi align with his vision of transforming the overall tourist experience in India. These initiatives include the development of tourism facilities in the Northeast Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, and Rural and Tirthankar Circuit. They also encompass projects in states like Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on building world-class infrastructure and amenities to enhance the attractions of these destinations.
Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll
As part of the campaign, PM Modi will launch the “Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll.” This initiative aims to gauge the preferences of tourists and showcase the most popular tourist destinations in India. The poll will provide valuable insights into the preferences of visitors and help prioritize the development of infrastructure and services in line with their expectations.
Strengthening Cultural Connections
The tourism campaign also seeks to strengthen cultural connections between India and the diaspora. Through the “Chalo India Global Diaspora” initiative, the Indian diaspora will be encouraged to promote Indian tourism in their respective countries. By acting as cultural ambassadors, they can showcase the rich heritage, diverse traditions, and warm hospitality that India has to offer, thus attracting more tourists and fostering greater engagement.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s launch of the tourism campaign in Srinagar marks a significant step towards promoting tourism in India and engaging the Indian diaspora. By investing in infrastructure, developing tourist sites, and leveraging the influence of the diaspora, the campaign aims to position India as a top global destination. As the tourism sector continues to grow, these initiatives will not only contribute to economic development but also foster cultural understanding and strengthen connections between India and the world.
