Types of Tourism in Rajasthan | RPSC Preparation: All subjects - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Introduction

• Rajasthan stands out as a top tourist destination in India, attracting visitors from around the globe. It offers a diverse range of attractions for tourists, both local and international.
• Religious tourism involves traveling primarily to engage with religious practices, art, culture, traditions, and architecture.
• The trend of religious tourism is on the rise in India. Research by the National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in Delhi indicates that among the 230 million tourist trips taken within India, a significant portion comprises religious pilgrimages.

Religious Tourism in Rajasthan: Vision

• Rajasthan Tourism Policy, 2020: aims to transform Rajasthan into a top-tier tourism destination for both local and global travelers by ensuring a premium visitor experience.
• Outlined in the Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020 are the government's initiatives to boost religious tourism in Rajasthan:
  • Religious tourism circuits will be identified in collaboration with the Departments of Devasthan and Minority Affairs. A comprehensive plan will be devised to enhance the infrastructure and lodging facilities at these locations.
  • Local committees will be established in coordination with relevant stakeholders to oversee the cleanliness and sanitation around religious sites in each district, aiming to develop them into exemplary pilgrimage centers.

Scope of Religious Tourism in Rajasthan

• Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, holding a prominent place on the world tourist map. It offers a wide variety of attractions for both domestic and international tourists.
• The Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) of Rajasthan Tourism include luxury trains like the Palace-on-Wheels, forts, palaces, havelis, fairs and festivals, handicrafts, heritage hotels, adventure tourism, rural and eco-tourism, religious tourism and temple architecture, as well as classical music and folk dance. These attractions draw tourists to the state and generate direct and indirect employment and revenue.
• In 2019, Rajasthan saw 538.26 lakh tourist visits (522.20 lakh domestic and 16.06 lakh foreign). According to the Economic Review of Rajasthan 2020, despite the impact of COVID-19, the state had 155.63 lakh tourist visits in 2020 (151.17 lakh domestic and 4.46 lakh foreign).
• Many tourists visit Rajasthan not only to experience its iconic heritage and magnificent architecture but also to fulfill their spiritual needs. The state is home to numerous shrines of various religions, including mosques and temples, promoting a sense of dignity and communal harmony.

Government Initiatives

• In the 2021-22 budget, the Rajasthan government has set aside Rs. 100 crores for the development of a religious tourist circuit that connects places of worship for Sikhs, Jains, Hindus, and Muslims, with the aim of fostering 'Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava' (equal respect for all religions).
• In the 2020-21 budget, the state government of Rajasthan made a decision to refurbish 11 religious sites to boost religious tourism in the state.
• Central Government Schemes:
  • Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) Scheme, Ministry of Tourism: This scheme focuses on the development of Ajmer under the PRASAD scheme.
  • Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) Scheme, Ministry of Urban Affairs: Ajmer is also being developed under the HRIDAY scheme.
  • Swadesh Darshan, Ministry of Tourism

Religious Tourist Circuits in Rajasthan

Few of the numerous sites that can be established as circuits in Rajasthan are:

• Hindu Circuit
  • Brahma Temple, Pushkar
  • Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur
  • Varaha Temple, Pushkar
  • Deo Somnath Temple, Dungarpur
• Muslim Circuit
  • Khwaja Garib Nawaz Dargah, Ajmer
  • Abdullah Pir Dargah, Banswara
  • Jama Masjid, Jaipur
  • Dargah of Adharshila, Kota
• Jain Circuit
  • Shri MahavirJi Jain Temple
  • Dilwara Temple
  • Shri Mahavirji Jain, Karauli
  • Jain Temple, Ranakpur

Way Ahead: What more can be done?

• Developing Religious Tourism Circuits through a Hub and Spoke Model
• Providing tourists with a comprehensive tourism experience
• Specialized training for marketing religious tourism destinations is crucial since many visitors are drawn to these places to explore ancient cultures, evolving practices, and engage in research.
• Establishing integrated infrastructure to boost religious tourism development
• Increased focus on reducing environmental impact and preserving ecological balance
• Enhanced monitoring and oversight of religious trusts

Agri Tourism Initiative by Rajasthan Government

• In a novel endeavor known as Agri Tourism, the Rajasthan Government is gearing up to welcome tourists onto fields, offering a comprehensive hands-on farming experience. This initiative aims to introduce agriculture tourism within the state, by establishing food parks and encouraging farmers to develop their farm fields.

About Agri Tourism

• Agri tourism merges the realms of tourism and agriculture, presenting farming activities as a tourist attraction while incorporating an operational farm with a commercial tourism aspect.
• This concept originated in Europe and North America and has since proliferated across numerous countries. In India, it was first introduced in 2005 in Malegaon village, near Baramati, Maharashtra, by the Agri Tourism Development Company (ATDC).

Agritourism Promotion in Rajasthan

Agritourism is being actively promoted in Rajasthan, particularly in the Mega Food Park at Roopnagar in Ajmer. This initiative aims to provide visitors with insights into organic farming practices, different agricultural methods, and various produce types. The government is planning to extend this effort by establishing four more facilities, all of which will operate under public-private partnerships.

• Mega Food Park at Roopnagar in Ajmer: The Mega Food Park at Roopnagar in Ajmer serves as a hub for agritourism activities. Visitors can explore organic farms, learn about diverse agriculture practices, and witness the production process of different crops. This park represents a model for blending agricultural education with tourism, offering a unique experience for visitors.
• Expansion to Orange Fields in Jhalawar & Sri Ganganagar: In addition to the Mega Food Park, the government is considering introducing similar agritourism experiences in the orange fields of Jhalawar and Sri Ganganagar. Tourists will have the opportunity to observe citrus fruit plants, taste fresh fruits, and gain insights into fruit processing techniques. This expansion aims to showcase the diversity of agricultural practices in the region and attract more visitors interested in farm-based experiences.
• Agritourism at Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM): The upcoming Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) will also feature initiatives to promote agritourism. This event will serve as a platform to highlight the significance of agriculture in Rajasthan and encourage interactions between farmers, industry professionals, and tourists. Agritourism activities at GRAM will offer a holistic view of the state's agricultural landscape.
• Diversification of Agritourism Activities: Apart from farm visits, agritourism initiatives in Rajasthan encompass a wide range of activities. These include experiences like cow milking, traditional cooking on rural mud stoves (chulhas), and learning basic rural handicrafts. By diversifying the offerings, villages can tap into the potential of rural tourism and provide visitors with immersive experiences.
• Benefits of Agritourism for Farmers: The development of agritourism not only offers a means for farmers to diversify their income sources and mitigate risks associated with traditional farming but also enhances their overall quality of life. By engaging in agritourism, farmers can showcase their agricultural practices, generate additional revenue streams, and foster a deeper connection with consumers and tourists.

Overview of Rajasthan Eco Tourism Policy 2021

In July 2021, the Rajasthan State Government introduced the Rajasthan Eco Tourism Policy 2021 with the objective of boosting economic advantages through the conservation of natural areas and the promotion of tourism in Rajasthan. Earlier in September 2020, the State Government had unveiled the comprehensive Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020, emphasizing the development of Eco-tourism in the region.

Rajasthan Eco Tourism Policy Background

• Around 9% of the state's land falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Forest Department, encompassing 3 National Parks, 3 Tiger Reserves, 27 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 2 Ramsar Sites, 14 Conservation Reserves, and various unique faunal habitats. Additionally, Rajasthan boasts a vast desert ecosystem, the ancient Aravalli hill range, diverse biodiversity, dense forests, numerous water bodies, and picturesque locations.
• The initial eco-tourism policy was introduced in 2010, highlighting the necessity of updating the policy to foster collaboration between forests and local communities responsible for managing these sites. This collaboration aims to help communities derive their livelihoods from the increased tourism activities.
• A policy framework is essential to authorize, certify, and facilitate the tourism sector's endeavors in a sustainable manner within natural environments.

Definition of Eco-Tourism

• Eco-tourism, as outlined in the Rajasthan Eco Tourism Policy 2021, refers to a sustainable form of tourism situated in natural or cultural heritage locations. It emphasizes community involvement, the safeguarding and management of natural resources, indigenous practices, environmental education, and economic benefits for both the local community and visitors. 
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) further defines ecotourism as responsible travel to natural areas that preserves the environment and enhances the well-being of local residents.

Characteristics of Eco-Tourism

The characteristics of eco-tourism, based on the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), include:

• Tourism primarily focused on appreciating and conserving nature and traditional cultures in natural settings.
• Incorporates educational and interpretive elements.
• Seeks to minimize negative impacts on the natural and sociocultural environment.
• Aims to sustain natural areas used for ecotourism by creating economic advantages for host communities, offering income opportunities for locals, and promoting awareness of natural and cultural conservation.

Salient Features

• Considerns communities as the most crucial aspect of ecotourism within the state.
• Recognizes that thoughtfully planned ecotourism initiatives hold the potential to benefit both ecological preservation and the development of local communities.
• Designates the forest department as the primary department responsible for executing the ecotourism policy.
• States that the Rajasthan Eco Tourism policy of 2021 will be active for a duration of 10 years following its notification.

Ecotourism Activities to be Permitted

• The concept of Ecotourism as outlined in the policy revolves around nature-based experiences aimed at educating individuals about the natural and cultural wonders of the state while emphasizing conservation efforts. It goes beyond mere tourist attractions in natural landscapes or outdoor activities.
• For the successful coordination of ecotourism activities, a knowledgeable guide proficient in nature and culture is essential to engage and enlighten visitors.

Permitted Activities Include:

• Trekking, nature walks, bird and wildlife observation, hiking, and flora and fauna exploration.
• Boating or river cruising for wildlife viewing and immersive wilderness experiences.
• Overnight camping under the stars at designated sites, forts, or other historical landmarks.
• Participation in Rajasthan's fairs and festivals promoting ecotourism and preserving local traditions.
• Accommodation options encompassing campsites, eco-lodges, homestays, and guesthouses set amidst natural or culturally significant areas, offering unique local experiences.
• Engagement in specific forest areas like jungle safaris via vehicles or elephant/camel rides, nature walks, overnight camping, bird watching, and studying flora and fauna.

The policy stresses that all ecotourism endeavors must align with the prevailing environmental regulations of the country to ensure sustainability.

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• The FCA 19802, the Environment Protection Act, 1986
• The Environment (Protection) rules 1986 and rules for Eco sensitive zones
• NTCA guidelines
• Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020
• Directives of Supreme Court of India and National Green Tribunal

Policy Implementation

• Rajasthan Ecotourism Policy 2021 will be enforced by Rajasthan Forest Development Corporation and overseen by the Forest Department of the Government of Rajasthan.
• Marketing: Rajasthan Ecotourism Policy 2021, for branding and promotion purposes, will be integrated into the Rajasthan Tourism Policy and will be promoted by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, Government of Rajasthan.
• The Rajasthan Ecotourism Development Society (REDS), a registered body under the Rajasthan Societies Registration Act 1963, will be restructured to serve as an advisory and oversight entity for the Rajasthan Ecotourism Policy.

District Ecotourism Committee (DLEC)

• At the district level, the DLEC will be formed with the district collector assuming the role of chairman and the deputy conservator of forests (territorial) as the member secretary.
• The committee will include representatives from various stakeholder departments like revenue, tourism, tribal development, rural development, among others.
• Experts from the tourism and hospitality sectors operating within the district can also be consulted by the DLEC to gather valuable insights.

Contribution of Tourism in Rajasthan economy

• Natural Beauty and History: Rajasthan, known for its natural beauty and rich history, has a thriving tourism industry. It contributed over 20% to India’s Foreign Tourist Arrivals in 2013-14 and attracted over 36.6 million tourists in 2015. The state is also part of India’s golden triangle tourist circuit, linking Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
• Tourist Visits: In 2019, Rajasthan saw a total of 538.26 lakh tourist visits, including 522.2 lakh domestic tourists and about 6 lakh international travelers.
• Economic Impact: Tourism contributes approximately 15% to Rajasthan’s economy. It provides various economic benefits such as foreign exchange earnings, regional and infrastructure development, and the promotion of local handicrafts. In terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), tourism accounts for 2.7% (5.2% when including indirect effects) and 1.9% of state employment (7.2% with indirect effects).
• Multiplier Effect: Tourism has a significant multiplier effect on the state’s economy, boosting employment opportunities, generating revenue, developing infrastructure, increasing investment, and supporting heritage conservation. It is estimated that each rupee spent by a tourist circulates 13 times within the economy, and every hotel room directly employs three people and indirectly supports eight more.
• Employment: Tourism is the third largest employer in Rajasthan, following agriculture and textiles. The sector is relatively gender-neutral, with women comprising 65% of the international tourism workforce. In Rajasthan, the tourism sector also provides opportunities to increase the participation rate of women in the labor force.