Indian Touristry : then and now

Abstract

The growth of tourism has its own history. Macro Polo in 13th century; the “grand tour” of the British aristocracy to Europe in 18^th Century; David Livingstone journey through Africa in 19^th century are the examples of early tourism. During the medieval age tourism lost its importance because people were completely towards spirituality. People moving from Italy towards China on Silk route which is 12000 miles long did not forget to visit the Great Wall of China and the palaces there. Then the 18^th century was called as the Era of Grand tour.

A committee was set up by the Government under the Chairmanship of Sir John Sargent, the then Educational Adviser to the Government of India to promote tourism in India in 1945. In 1997, the New Tourism Policy recognised the roles of Central and State governments, public sector undertakings and the private sector in the development of tourism. Several initiatives were taken by the government of India in developing the industry.