Rural tourism emphasizes on actively participating in a rural lifestyle. As they say, India believes in a culture of ‘atithi devo bhaba’ – treating guests as God, many villages and the villagres in India are hospitable and eager to welcome visitors and can facilitate rural tourism.
The growth in Indian rural tourism market in recent years shows that many Indian villages have now found a place on the tourist map. It is because there is also a large segment of the urban population is interested in visiting the rural areas and understanding the lifestyle. And the best part is that for this they don’t have to concern for sacrificing their civic comforts, as in some places, luxury accommodation facilities are available too !
Here in India we get a varied option to sense the pulse of the nation. Whether it is Gujurat’s Kutch, with attractions like famous salt desert of Rann, mud huts with attached western bathrooms or tents at Hodka’s village resort, the Shaam-e-Sarhad (Sunset at the Border) ; Punjab’s stylish boutique cottages to relax and enjoy the serenity in the lap of nature ; The Spiti Valley’s (Himachal Pradesh) Buddhist monasteries, yak safaris, treks to villages or Sundarban’s (West Bengal) thrilling jungle life at Tora Eco Resort and thus the list goes on.
Rural tourism can open doors for the villagers with a much needed additional source of income and at the same time visitors are able to interact with them and gain a rare insight into their way of life. It provides an alternative source of income in the non-agricultural sector for rural dwellers.The added income from rural tourism can contribute to the revival of lost folk art and handicrafts.
Rural tourism does exist in developed nations even, in the form of providing accommodation in a scenic location, ideal for rest and relaxation. There are many scenic towns that have become quaint spots for the vacationers.
In an endeavor to bring all organisations and individuals engaged in the rural tourism space under one umbrella, the Association for Rural Tourism in India (ARTI) has been unveiled in mid-November during the International Conference on Rural Tourism Development held at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi. Founding Member and Director General (Tourism), Government of India, Satyajeet Rajan launched the association in the midst of stalwarts and pioneers of rural tourism world over present there. On the occasion, Steve Borgia, Founding member and CMD, INDeco Hotels said that ARTI will bring together all hoteliers, NGOs and individuals working in the space of rural tourism. Now it is very vital that we influence our governments at both the centre and the states along with NGOs to use rural tourism as a tool to mend the ailing backbone of our villages,” he said.
