Rural Tourism - The backbone of nation

Rural tourism in India has the potential to grow on a national and international level all together. The rural tourism connects the tourists with the roots of the nation’s culture, religion and heritage. The roots are the major areas of attraction as tourist are keen to learn and experience

all these and what is a better way to experience these factors than visiting the rural destinations. This idea is viewed as an alternative to the main revenue stream and because of its exclusivity, it offers a niche market. The idea is recent both in terms of nostalgia and customer trips to the rural areas. A wealth of varied practices combined with scientific crop approaches pave the way for a mechanized and healthy future. The plate is full of such items as dairy, bird watching, vineyards, grass and local crafts, to make customers feel quickly caught in the background by rural people. The new whiff of the moist earth, the fresh air wafting throughout the hair and the breezes in a beautiful setting make one fall in love with nature and pull urban visitors from their daily packed life. The consumers will be happy to pay the user for booking cart trips, studying pottery or performances that are presented as activities

An example that can help promote rural tourism as well as have active tourist’s participation making the backbone stronger. Rural people and tourism stakeholders can organize, promote and manage the village fairs which are organized on different occasions and festivals, in a decent and economical manner. It would help attract tourists as they could get an opportunity to witness a rural festival. Also, the village will get recognition with the help of proper promotion of the event. The fair can have stalls of residents of the village itself, where they can earn as well as showcase their own skills, products, services and culture. The fair can be organized with the help of proper guidance, the youngsters of the village can be appointed as the volunteers for organizing and managing the fair, providing them work opportunities and can also earn through this.

The fair can also have stage performances that showcase the talent, skills and culture as well. The food stalls will have the authentic food of the rural destination and specialty will also be highlighted. With proper amount of management, marketing and promotion of such rural fairs will definitely bring some light to rural destinations attracting domestic as well as international tourists and also providing livelihood opportunity to the residents of village. Cattle fairs like Sonpur mela, which have served livestock owners formerly, draw visitors from other parts of India as well as from abroad. Therefore, the Changing patterns open multiple pathways to discovery in this rural tourism segment. The example can be highlighted better with awareness. The purpose of such event is to bring in scope of rural tourism into the small villages. Although the major concern should be that the culture, religion and heritage should be enhanced and preserved in an appropriate manner as these factors are the backbone of rural tourism of our nation. The authenticity of these factors should be maintained.

The authenticity can be maintained by introducing commercialization. By commercialization of the products the residents would be selling their products and this will bring commerce and authenticity. This will provide another platform to enhance the culture and also bring in income, making the backbone of nation stronger.  Also, such initiatives will bring in appreciation and recognition of small-scale products and services. Brining in new ideas like organizing theme-based tourism events with the help of village authorities will surely boost the tourism.

There are also some hindrances that have to be looked after for running a smooth rural tourism and its projects. The rural areas have a different mindset than the urban areas, and organizing such large-scale projects need to look after the hindrances.

Organizing educational camps and workshops for the residents of the village will be a big factor for the success of the rural tourism project. They would be taught about the complete management and organization of the project, so that they are aware of all aspects. This will help them to be independent enough, so that they will not face any fraud.  All together this will bring in more and more possibilities for improving and attracting tourists, which will help in rural tourism in all aspects. All these characteristics of rural tourism will be looked after and enhanced in this process. The added income from rural tourism can contribute to the revival of lost folk art and handicrafts. Rural tourism will flourish as the interaction with local people, introducing home stays, development of infrastructure, the experience of authentic food and culture all will add up to make the rural tourism more appealing.

Even though, the tourism department of Uttar Pradesh is designing a Post-COVID tourism rural growth strategy in Varanasi. International tourists who come to Varanasi after a pandemic will take a guided tour of some district settlements. You would be able to reach certain rural destinations on the Ganga banks by ferry. They would be offered the chance (Source: Hindustantimes.com).

Rural tourism is the backbone of nation without a doubt, as our nation has interesting and wide range of cultures, religions and heritage. There is a need to work in accordance with the positive and attractive ideas for rural tourism to work and bring in the required results. Rural tourism is a direct marketing practice that provides local people with incremental opportunities to reduce the risks of rural operations by diversifying their economic landscape through competition.

-Dakshita Dahiya,
BTTM 3rd yr student
Amity University, Haryana