Context

• Rural tourism in India is still in a nascent stage, emerging as a niche sector within the broader tourism industry. 
• India’s villages serve as a storehouse of the nation’s rich culture, traditions, crafts, heritage, and agricultural practices. 
• Harnessing the potential of these local elements through tourism generate not only income but also create job opportunities in rural regions. 
• It also contributes to mitigating distress migration from rural areas, addressing poverty, and promoting sustainable development. 

Strategising the Way Forward 

• The Ministry of Tourism, for promoting and developing rural tourism in India, has formulated two strategies. 
• The National Strategy and Roadmap for the Development of Rural Tourism in India and the National Strategy for the Promotion of Rural Homestays in India. 
• Both strategies are formulated with a broader vision to capitalise on the potential of Indian rural tourism. The strategies focus on the holistic approach for developing rural tourism uplifting the rural economy alongside.
• For the effective implementation of the National strategies and the providing support for promotion and development of Rural Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism has designated Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management as the Central Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay. 

Positioning Indian Rural Tourism at Global Level  

• The efficacy and triumph of the initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to foster rural tourism development are being accentuated by the international acclaim received from the UN Tourism (earlier UNWTO). 
• Pochampally village from Telangana state was recognised as the UNWTO Best Tourism Village in 2021. Pochampally is a small hamlet of weavers known for the renowned Pochampally silk adorned with the Ikat design. 
• The village demonstrates one of the finest models of community involvement in rural tourism and their development thereto. 
• In 2023, Dhordo from Gujarat state was recognised as the UNWTO Best Tourism Village. Dhordo village sets the perfect example of incorporating tourism as the key economic driver impacting trade, job creation, investment,  infrastructural development, social inclusion, etc.

Community Reinforcement  

• To enhance the capacity and ensure the enduring sustenance of rural tourism, the Government is aiming to establish Capacity Building Resource Centres at the National, State, and Cluster levels. 
• These resource centres will serve as pivotal platforms for stakeholders, facilitating  knowledge exchange and fostering interaction among practitioners, educational institutions, government agencies, and volunteers. 
• The centres will also support local community-based tourism, build stakeholder capacities, and emphasize collaboration for the resilience of communities and rural tourism providers in the face of challenges.  

Conclusion

• In fostering rural development, rural tourism plays a pivotal role in providing a range of benefits and avenues for development. 
• Initiatives like competitions, international recognition, and strategic programs taken for the development of Indian rural tourism, unlock economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and empower local communities. 
• These comprehensive approaches not only showcase the untapped potential of rural India but also position it as a vibrant hub for responsible tourism, fostering resilience, and enhancing the overall well-being of rural communities.