The Ministry of Tourism has announced the National Best Tourism Village Competition 2024 and the National Best Rural Homestay Competition 2024 to strengthen the promotion and development of rural tourism in the country. Building on the success of the previous edition, which acknowledged 35 outstanding villages across India in Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories in 2023, these competitions aim to further elevate rural tourism to new heights.
To amplify the impact of these initiatives, the Ministry of Tourism, under the aegis of the Government of India, has introduced a comprehensive National Strategy and Roadmap for the Development of Rural Tourism in India. Simultaneously, a National Strategy for the Promotion of Rural Homestays has been launched. The implementation of these national strategies is underway in collaboration with the esteemed Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management.
A pivotal aspect of this strategy involves the initiation of the National Best Tourism Village and National Best Rural Homestays Competition. These competitions catalyze collaboration, bringing together governments, industry stakeholders, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and local communities. Through this multi-stakeholder approach, the Ministry aims to synergize efforts and strengthen rural economies.
The primary objective of these competitions is to foster healthy competitiveness among villages and rural homestays. By identifying and rewarding exceptional contributions to Rural Tourism, the Ministry seeks to incentivize communities and individuals to actively contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Beyond the immediate benefits of increased tourism in lesser-explored regions, the competitions are expected to have a ripple effect. They will encourage greater community involvement, the preservation of cultural authenticity, and the promotion of sustainable and responsible practices within the tourism sector.
To streamline the implementation of these initiatives, the Ministry of Tourism has established the Central Nodal Agency Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay (CNA RT & RH). This agency is currently conducting capacity-building sessions for states to create Master Trainers who will further propagate the competitions at the village level.
The official launch of the competitions coincided with World Tourism Day on September 27, 2023. Interested participants can submit their applications from November 15 to December 31, 2023, through the dedicated application portal at www.rural.tourism.gov.in.
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