Tourism and Recreation

An important feature of Indian tourism industry is its contribution to national integration and preservation of natural as well as cultural environments and enrichment of the social and cultural lives of people. Over 382 million domestic tourists visiting different parts of the country every year return with a better understanding of the people living in different regions of the country. They have a better appreciation of the cultural diversity of India. It also encourages preservation of monuments and heritage properties and helps the survival of art forms, crafts and culture.

A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both.

At its best tourism can provide an outstanding opportunity to increase the understanding of natural and cultural heritage, as envisaged by the World Cultural Heritage Convention while providing long term financial support to site management, local communities and tourism providers.