Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi, a national responsible tourism initiative by the Ministry for Tourism and Culture aims to enrich the travel experience for tourists by fostering a network of tourist-friendly individuals who serve as destination ambassadors and storytellers.
The initiative was initially piloted across six key tourist destinations in India: Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
Under this program, the Ministry of Tourism provides specialized training and awareness to individuals who regularly engage with tourists. Aligned with the ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guest is God), the training focuses on promoting cleanliness, safety, sustainability, and high standards of hospitality. Participants include cab drivers, auto drivers, railway and airport staff, bus station personnel, hotel and restaurant workers, homestay owners, tour guides, police officers, street vendors, shopkeepers, students, and others.
Since its launch on August 15, 2024, over 3,500 individuals have already been trained under this initiative. Recognizing its success, the Ministry of Tourism expanded Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi to 50 major tourist destinations across the country on World Tourism Day 2024.
This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening India’s tourism industry by ensuring that every interaction a visitor has is welcoming, informative, and memorable.