TravTalk India Online Magazine
Meenakshi Sharma, Director General – Tourism, Government of India, says that in the last three years, Paryatan Parv has made a mark for itself in promoting domestic tourism. At this year’s edition, Ministry of Tourism also launched its audio guide facility, Audio Odigos, presently available at 12 sites.
Nisha Verma
Paryatan Parv, the nationwide event, was celebrated with much fervour in every part of the country, claims Meenakshi Sharma.
She adds, “With an event like this, for once, tourism became the focus of all destinations, including those that may not necessarily be tourist sites, and that’s the major contribution of such an initiative. Last year, almost 3500 events were celebrated across India, which means that now various states and districts think about tourism as a lucrative sector. I believe that Paryatan Parv is a major contributor to the Prime Minister’s call for Dekho Apna Desh (see your own country).”
More and more Indians are travelling to different countries, and we want to encourage them to travel within India
Sharma has been part of all previous editions of Paryatan Parv and looking at the festival for the last three years, has realised some interesting facts. “The kind of participation and the master craftsmen who want to come here and display their creations is a big contribution. It’s not just about selling products, but also about sharing information. All state governments want to put their best foot forward. This way, Ministry of Tourism (MOT) can bring the arts and crafts of destinations, besides the destination itself, to Indians,” she says.
A simulation of Mahatma Gandhi was presented by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the event, and was appreciated by many. “The idea of walking with the Mahatma gave everyone goosebumps and made them feel part of history,” Sharma adds.
MOT has also created facilities for tourists under various budgets. In the PRASAD scheme, which is targeted at domestic tourism, 60 per cent of visitors are pilgrims and hence, facilities ranging from three to five-star hotels as well as Bed & Breakfast options at various destinations have been invested in. “This makes sure that everybody is taken care of. More and more Indians are travelling to different countries, and we want to encourage them to travel within India as well,” Sharma says.
On the occasion of Paryatan Parv, MOT also inaugurated the audio guide facility – Audio Odigos – for 12 sites of India, which includes ‘Iconic Sites’ as well. History in different mediums and two languages will be available to listeners, in the form of synopsis, detailed history, and podcasts, through these audio guides.
The App was unveiled on the second day of the Parv, and the MoU for the same was exchanged with Resbird Technologies last year as part of the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme. “This is a very good example of the PPP model, wherein the government works hand-in-hand with the private sector to enhance products for both international and domestic tourists. Currently, this App offers information in only two languages, but later, more languages will be added to it,” Sharma concludes.
