Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a pilot scheme to upskill 10,000 tourist guides across 20 iconic sites. The program will deliver a standardised, high-quality 12-week training course in a hybrid format, in collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Management.
The initiative is expected to equip guides with world-class knowledge, communication skills, and customer service expertise, ensuring a superior experience for visitors while simultaneously creating well-paying, sustainable jobs.
The pilot scheme aligns with the government’s broader efforts to professionalise the tourism workforce and improve service standards across India’s vast tourism ecosystem. By combining skill development with technological tools and global best practices, the program aims to raise the overall quality of India’s tourism offerings and strengthen its competitiveness in the international market.
[url=]The Finance Minister also highlighted the immense potential of the tourism sector in driving employment, foreign exchange earnings[/url], and the expansion of local economies during her Budget presentation.
She noted that tourism, with its extensive linkages across transport, hospitality, handicrafts, and cultural industries, can be a key driver of inclusive growth, generating opportunities for millions of citizens, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.
“The tourism sector has the potential to play a large role in employment generation, forex earnings, and expanding the local economy,” FM Sitharaman said, underscoring the strategic importance of promoting India as a global travel destination.
By leveraging the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual landmarks, the government aims to enhance both domestic and international tourist inflows.
Analysts note that tourism’s multiplier effect can significantly benefit local economies. Beyond direct employment, the sector stimulates ancillary industries, including transport, handicrafts, food and beverage, and accommodation services, generating income and business opportunities across regions.
With strategic investments in skill development, infrastructure, and destination promotion, India is poised to leverage its tourism potential as a catalyst for economic growth, employment generation, and foreign exchange earnings, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development across the country. |
