Aru, Tar among winners of India’s best tourism villages competition

New Delhi, Sep 27: On World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism announced the winners of the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 and among the winners were Aru village in Jammu and Kashmir, recognised for its excellence in adventure tourism, and Tar village in Ladakh, celebrated for its contributions to responsible tourism.

In total, 36 villages from across India were recognised for their outstanding efforts in preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism.

The Best Tourism Villages Competition, launched in 2023, aims to spotlight villages that excel in preserving and promoting their natural and cultural assets while fostering community-based tourism.

The initiative is part of the government’s mission to highlight the ‘Soul of India’, emphasising the unique charm and authenticity of rural tourism.

The competition saw significant growth in its second year.

In 2024, 991 villages from 30 states and union territories submitted entries, compared to 795 applications in the inaugural edition.

Villages were judged across eight categories, including adventure tourism, responsible tourism, and cultural tourism, among others.

Models of Sustainable Tourism

Aru village in J&K earned its recognition in the adventure tourism category for its natural beauty and thrilling outdoor activities, making it one of the favourites for adventure seekers.

The village offers breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for trekking, camping, and exploring its pristine environment.

Meanwhile, Tar village in Ladakh was honoured in the responsible tourism category.

Tar has become a model for sustainable tourism by adopting eco-friendly practices and engaging the local community in tourism initiatives.

The village’s focus on preserving its delicate environment and Ladakhi culture while promoting tourism has set a new standard for responsible travel.

Rural Tourism Boost

The success of the best tourism villages competition reflects India’s growing commitment to promoting far-off and rural tourism as a vital part of its tourism industry.

By recognising villages like Aru and Tar, the government hopes to inspire more rural communities to embrace tourism as a way to preserve their cultural heritage, protect natural resources, and generate income through sustainable practices.

As India continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, the focus on rural and sustainable tourism is expected to play a crucial role in achieving long-term growth and positioning the country as a top global travel destination.

Tourism as Economic Engine

At a separate event in New Delhi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasised the transformative power of tourism in India’s future during his speech at the World Tourism Day celebrations held at Vigyan Bhawan.

“India is now a favourite global tourism destination,” Dhankhar said, highlighting the country’s rich spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage. “From the land of spirituality, sublimity, and 5000 years of civilisational ethos, tourists can experience all seasons, all year round.”

The Vice President spoke about the crucial role tourism plays in driving economic growth and fostering global peace.

“Tourism contributes massively to peace. The entire world is yearning for peace, and any conflict anywhere disrupts economies and supply chains,” he said.

Dhankhar also stressed that tourism would play a pivotal role in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, noting that the sector has the potential to fuel economic growth, cultural exchange, and greater international connectivity.