Aspects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) developments in the growth of Tourism in India

Abstract

Tourism being a smokeless industry is now a multi-billion, multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional activity in the world.  Twenty first century tourism has reached up to space when a Russian rocket carried the space vehicle of Dennis Tito, an American businessman and the world’s first space tourist, to the space station.  Time is not too far to carry tourists to moon and other planets in specially launched vehicles. Tourism is being considered as an agent of social change bridging gaps among nations, regions and people and helping them to open up.  It is a promoter of development-material and spiritual both at macro and micro level.  The General Assembly of the United Nations, in designating the year 1967 as ‘International Tourism Year’ recognized the importance of international travel as a means of fostering understanding among people, and giving them a knowledge of the rich heritage of the past civilizations, a better appreciation of the values of different cultures, thus contributing to the strengthening of world peace.  It adopted the theme “Tourism-Passport to peace”.    Our veteran national leader and the first Prime Minister of India,  Jawaharlal Nehru had said” welcome a tourist and send back a friend” which indicates the need for extending friendly hospitality to the in bound tourists.

Keywords: Tourism-Passport to peace, social mobility, Percapita Income