Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi

Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Msc

Context:

• On World Tourism Day 2024, the Ministry of Tourism extended the Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi initiative to 50 tourist destinations across India.
• The pilot phase has garnered positive responses and more than 3,500 people have been trained under the initiative.
• The trained individuals now serve as Paryatan Mitras (tourism friends) or Paryatan Didis (tourism sisters), who act as approachable and knowledgeable points of contact for tourists.

About the Initiative:

• The Ministry of Tourism launched the Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi initiative to promote responsible tourism across India.
• The initiative aims to enhance the overall experience of tourists by involving local communities as ambassadors and storytellers for their respective tourist destinations.
• Through this program, the Ministry seeks to foster tourist-friendly environments and improve hospitality standards at various tourist destinations.

Pilot Phase:

• The pilot phase of the initiative was launched on August 15, 2024, and was implemented across 6 tourist destinations:
  • Orchha (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Bodh Gaya (Bihar)
  • Aizawl (Mizoram)
  • Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
  • Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

Core objectives:

• Engaging local stakeholders such as cab drivers, auto drivers, hotel staff, railway station personnel, police, street vendors, etc., to improve their interactions with tourists.
• Promoting ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’: Emphasizing the importance of treating tourists with respect, care, and hospitality as an integral part of India’s cultural ethos.
• Educating locals about cleanliness, sustainability, safety, and the importance of high standards of hospitality.
• Ensuring that tourists receive the best possible experience, which can lead to positive word-of-mouth and more visits to these destinations.