To promote healthy tourism, new govt initiative will connect tourists to trained locals to improve their travel experience in India

In a major move to enhance the tourism experience across India, the Ministry of Tourism has launched an ambitious initiative titled 'Paryatan Mitra' and 'Paryatan Didi' on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The initiative is designed to foster responsible tourism and create local ambassadors who will serve as guides and hosts, enriching the travel experience for visitors while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The program, which was launched as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision of using tourism for social inclusion, employment generation, and economic progress, is aimed at empowering locals in some of India’s most visited destinations. The Ministry of Tourism is seeking to build a network of tourism ambassadors, rooted within local communities, to act as proud custodians of their regions.

Initially piloted in six diverse tourist hotspots — Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) — the program has already begun training locals in these areas. By August 15, over 3,000 individuals had undergone training, becoming official Paryatan Mitras, dedicated to offering tourists a more informed, friendly, and memorable experience.

Enhancing hospitality and local storytelling

The key objective of this initiative is to make tourism a vehicle for local pride and storytelling. By offering specialised training to those who frequently interact with tourists — such as cab drivers, hotel staff, restaurant workers, tour guides, street vendors, and even police personnel — the Ministry hopes to elevate the tourist experience to new heights. The training program emphasises the importance of cleanliness, safety, sustainability, and top-quality hospitality, all aligned with India’s age-old philosophy of 'Athithi Devo Bhava', meaning “The guest is equivalent to God.”

This initiative goes beyond mere hospitality training. Each participant is also educated about their destination's hidden gems, historical significance, and cultural heritage, turning every local into a knowledgeable storyteller. This not only improves the quality of the tourist experience but also helps locals take pride in their heritage and contribute meaningfully to the country’s tourism ecosystem.

Empowering women and youth

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs is their focus on empowering women and young people. By training them to offer new tourism experiences such as heritage walks, food tours, craft experiences, and nature treks, the initiative opens up exciting employment opportunities. Many of these individuals are also trained to become homestay operators, tour guides, and food and culture experience providers, allowing them to monetize their skills and knowledge in tourism-driven local economies.

In a nod to modern technology, the initiative also incorporates digital literacy training, equipping locals with the tools to make their tourism offerings more discoverable to both national and international visitors. By leveraging digital platforms, trained individuals can now market their homestays, tours, and cultural experiences online, allowing for a broader reach and better economic opportunities.

At its core, this program reflects the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to creating a collaborative tourism experience that benefits both visitors and locals. The initiative is not just about training individuals to work in tourism but is also about fostering a sense of community and ownership over the tourism experience, which in turn helps preserve cultural and natural heritage. As more individuals join the program, tourism in India could see a shift toward more sustainable practices, with local communities playing a crucial role in shaping how tourists experience their destinations.

By connecting visitors to trained locals with a passion for their culture and environment, the Ministry of Tourism is taking a major step toward creating memorable, responsible, and sustainable tourism across the country.

(With inputs from ANI)