Tourism, World Tourism Day - Current Affairs Questions and Answers

ANSWER: Act East Policy

Explanation:
The 6^th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2017 was held in Guwahati, Assam. It was inaugurated by Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal and Union Tourism minister K L Alphons.

The three day program was organized by Union Ministry of Tourism in association with all North Eastern states.

The focus areas of 6^th ITM was to spotlight on India's "Act East Policy", blossoming ties with ASEAN and larger East Asia region, home to world's rapidly growing economies and India's emerging tourism markets.

It also held panel discussions, workshops, business to business (B2B) meetings, cultural programs.

ITM: Know More

• The International Tourism Mart is an annual event organised in North Eastern States on rotation basis.
• Its objective is to highlight tourism potential of region in domestic and international markets.
• It also brings together tourism business fraternity and entrepreneurs from the eight North Eastern States.
• The earlier editions of this mart were held in Guwahati, Shillong, Tawang, Gangtok and Imphal.

ANSWER: Sustainable Tourism: A Tool For Development

Explanation:
In 2017, the celebration of this World Day focuses on how sustainable tourism can contribute to development and it is held in Doha (Qatar).

Sustainable tourism is defined as tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.

It should thus make optimal use of environmental resources, respect host communities and ensure viable, long-term economic operations so that benefits are equitably distributed among all stakeholders.

It is a positive instrument towards the eradication of poverty, the protection of the environment and the improvement of quality of life, especially in developing countries.

Well-designed and well-managed tourism can make a significant contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental -, has close linkages to other sectors and can create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities.

It is therefore essential for all actors, including companies operating in the sector, to be aware of opportunities and responsibilities alike, and to act accordingly so that their actions leave a positive mark on the society in which they operate and ensure the sustainability of the destination and their businesses.

International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

Recognizing the importance of international tourism in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in leading to a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilizations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, hereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

This year provides a unique opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and move forward to ensure the positive impact of well-managed tourism on inclusive and equitable growth, sustainable development and peace.

About World Tourism Day

• World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on 27 September. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
• The event seeks to address global challenges outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to highlight the contribution the tourism industry can make in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.
• The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, invites all interested parties to take part on 27 September each year in the special celebrations taking place in their respective country or holiday destination.
• World Tourism Day is celebrated with appropriate events on themes selected by the UNWTO General Assembly, on the recommendation of the UNWTO Executive Council.
• The UNWTO Secretary-General issues a message each year to mark the occasion and chairs the official celebrations.
• It was at its third session (Torremolinos, Spain, September 1979), that the UNWTO General Assembly decided to institute World Tourism Day, commencing in the year 1980.
• This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism: the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970.
• The timing of World Tourism Day is particularly appropriate in that it comes at the end of the high season in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of the season in the southern hemisphere.

ANSWER: 40

Explanation:
There has been an improved rank of India in the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index (TTCI) of World Economic Forum released on 5th April 2017.

India has moved 12 places up in this ranking from 52nd to 40th position.

The tourism sector in the country has been on a growth trajectory since the present government came into power in May, 2014.

India’s ranking in the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index (TTCI) of World Economic Forum moved from 65rd position to 52nd position in 2015.

Now India has moved up by another 12 positions and ranked at 40th position.

In all, in last three years India has cumulatively improved its ranking by 25 places which is a significant achievement.

India continues to attract international tourists with its vast cultural and natural resources with a ranking of 9th and 24th respectively which are the USP’s of Indian Tourism product.

In terms of price competitiveness advantage, India is ranked 10th.

India continues to enrich its cultural resources, protecting more cultural sites and intangible expressions through UNESCO World Heritage lists, and via a greater digital presence.

In terms of International openness, India is ranked 55th, up by 14 places.

This has been possible through stronger visa policies. Implementing both visas on arrival and e-visas, has enabled India to rise through the ranks.

The T&T sector benefited from improvements in the country's ground transport infrastructure, which has traditionally been a challenge (29th).

At a macro level, the primary reasons for India’s jump in the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index 2017 should be attributed to the pro-active steps taken by our Government in terms of development of tourism infrastructure.

Also critical are the easing of entry formalities for tourists by introducing the e-visa facilities in November 2014.

WEF's TTCCI: Know More

• The World Economic Forum has, for the past 11 years, engaged leaders in travel and tourism.
• It also aims to carry out an in-depth analysis of the Travel and Tourism competitiveness of 136 economies across the world i.e.The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index
• The index assesses the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector, which in turn, contributes to the development and competitiveness of a country”.
• The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index enables all stakeholders to work together to improve the industry’s competitiveness in their national economies.

ANSWER: J&K

Explanation:
A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementation of Tourism projects in Jammu and Kashmir was signed among Ministry of Tourism, M/s NPCC & NBCC and Government of Jammu and Kashmir on 6th Feb 2017.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, M/o Tourism and the signatories for the MoU included

- Shri. Suman Billa, Joint Secretary , Ministry of Tourism ;

- Shri. Shamim Ahmad Wani, Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation ;

- Shri. K K Sharma, Executive Director, M/s NPCC ; and

- Shri. Alok Rastogi, Chief General Manager (BD), M/s NBCC

The Prime Minister announced the Development Package (Reconstruction Plan) for Jammu and Kashmir on 7.11.2015.

The details of all proposals included in the Development Package for Tourism are as under:

• Log Huts,
• Heliports,
• Open air theatre,
• Walking trail,
• Landscaping,
• Solar lighting,
• Solid waste management & public amenities etc.

ANSWER: Port Blair

Explanation:
Island Tourism Festival is an annual cultural event organized for the promotion of tourism and entertainment for islanders.

The main event is being held in Port Blair. A part of festival are also organized in other places like Wimberlygunj, Wandoor, Neil, Havelock, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Hut Bay, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Campbell Bay etc.

The ten-day festival is held annually from 5th January at ITF ground Port Blair.

The highlight of the festival at ITF ground is the exhibition depicting strides made by the Island Administration in various spheres and sale of general merchandise, food stalls, and stalls of interest to tourists, Floating Restaurant etc.

The main focal point, however, is the performance of mainland artists especially reputed music bands, Bollywood singers, dancers, performers etc.

Inaugurated by Lt. Governor Jagdish Mukhi at ITF Ground on 5th Jan, the 10 day mega event will see performances by the cultural troupes from mainland India to help the Islanders renew their cultural ties with mainland.

The cultural troupes from mainland as well as the Isles will also perform in outer Islands apart from South Andaman.

An International Cultural Group from Kazakhstan will also perform in this event. The other attractions of this event will be the food courts, fun games and handicrafts etc. Water sports competitions like Nicobari Hodi race are organized.

ANSWER: 8.91 lakh

Explanation:
Demonetisation did not impact the tourist footfall adversely this year, with 8.91 lakh foreign tourists visited India in Nov 2016.

This marks the growth of 9.3 % over the same month last year.

Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) during December 2015 was 8.16 lakh, while it was 7.65 lakh in December 2014.

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism during the month of December were INR 14,474 crore as compared to INR 12,649 crore in the same month last year, recording a growth of 14.4 %.

The US accounted for highest share of tourist arrivals followed by the UK and Bangladesh in December 2016, according to an official release.

FTAs during January-December, 2016 were 78.53 lakh, recording a growth of 10.4 % as compared to 71.14 lakh during the corresponding period last year.

FEEs from tourism in January-December were Rs 1,38,845 crore, witnessing an increase of 14.7 % as compared to the INR 1,21,041 crore during the corresponding period last year.

Among the top 15 source countries in December, share of the US was highest with 15.53 %, followed by these:

15 Source countries with Highest Foreign Tourist Arrivals (Dec 2016)

ANSWER: National Tourism Advisory Council

Explanation:
The government of India has constituted a national tourism advisory council with top officials of leading ministries and key names from the private sector as members take steps to help people to make the nation an international hub.

• The Union tourism ministry on 28th Oct 2016 issued an order which said that this council, with a tenure of 3 years will act as a think tank and advise the government on numerous policy matters relating to tourism.
• Secretaries of Union Home, Finance, Foreign, Culture, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Drinking Water, Sanitation are members of this council along with chiefs such as the Railway Board and ITDC.

ANSWER: 700

Explanation:
IITIS is a platform for domestic and foreign investors to meet project owners from Indian states and private sectors.

• the summit was held on 22nd Sept 2016
• It includes State Presentations encompassing all investible Properties, Session on Why Invest in India, MSME in tourism sector, Panel discussions on core infrastructure for tourism, Session on Start-ups, digital India, Investing into Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD, MICE and Niche Tourism Products, B2B meetings and signing of MoUs.
• It has dedicated space for Seminars, Business to Business meetings and Roundtables around focus themes.
  
  Over 1800 delegates were from:
  
  
• Private sector Project Owners;
• Banks and Financial Institutions;
• Business Developers;
• Cruise Liners;
• Domestic Investors;
• Entertainment Companies; I
• Indian States with Ready Investible Projects
• Territory Administrations;
• Global Investors;
• Helicopter Services;
• Hoteliers;
• Infrastructure Developers;
• International Associations;
• Restaurateur;
• Spa and Yaga Centres;
• Tour and Travel Operators;
• Urban Developer and Venture Capitalists
• The Confederation of Indian Industry and Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd are principal partners of this summit. Four Knowledge Partners i.e. Ernst & Young, KPMG, Yes Bank and Invest India will assist States and UTs for identifying projects, Suggesting Tourism Policy updates and presenting these to the potential investors during the summit.
  
  There will be six Plenary Sessions on 22nd and 23rd September, 2016
  
  
• Plenary Session –1 - Why Invest in Incredible India
• Plenary Session –2 - Core Infrastructure for Tourism
• Plenary Session –3 - Digital India & Start UP India
• Plenary Session –4- Open House with State Tourism Ministers
• Plenary Session –5 - Open-house with CEOs
• Plenary Session– 6 -Medical Tourism

ANSWER: New Delhi

Explanation:
Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture has said that Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit 2016 is a platform for investors across the globe to explore investment opportunities available within the ambit of the Indian tourism sector as well as core infrastructure.

• India is one of the fastest growing economies and the tourism sector seeks to escalate its culture and heritage
• India’s tourism offerings will be on display during the summit
• Centre has allowed 100 percent FDI under the automatic route in tourism and hospitality as well as tourism construction projects
• Policies offer attractive investment potential in the tourism sector
• Incredible India Tourism Summit organised by Ministry of Tourism is its initiative in association with CII and TFCI
• Highlights of the summit include participation from more than 27 Indian states, around 600 investable projects from across the country and from across various sectors of tourism participation from 140 investors from 70 companies and 21 seminars across two shows along with event road shows, an updated website and B2G meetings prefixed online

ANSWER: Kerala

Explanation:
Kerala tourism has bagged six National Tourism Awards for 2014-2015 in the marketing category.

• It also received two more awards including for Responsible Tourism initiative in Wayanad.
• It received three of six awards for states in Tourism promotion and Publishing category.
• Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal fetched the award for Kerala Tourism in rural tourism project category.
• Third award for Kerala tourism came for innovative use of information technology.
• Turtle on the Beach, Kovalam was judged best 5 star hotel while Coconut Lagoon won the Best Heritage hotel award and Coconut Creek Farm and Homestay was given the award for best B&B