Today we all are suddenly discussing the above Sentence everywhere, whether it is a Television Channel or in any social media or a Webinar. It seems that suddenly, we have become conscious about our origin and started discovering all our traditions, our customs, rituals, way of entertainment and off-course our very traditional foods and food habits. Today we are discussing our traditional foods in a way as if it is something new and invented in 2019 by the so-called "World Changemaker- COVID-19".
We started feeling great and proud of all the typical Indian practices which otherwise was treated as something which is not worth sharing. If you are really feeling that, yes, we do have an extremely rich, powerful, Unique, diversity in terms of food, raw ingredients, customs, beliefs, rituals, traditions, festivals, and the list is endless.
Let us discuss a kind of journey that is as rich, unique, and interesting as our history. Yes, I am talking about a form of tourism "RURAL TOURISM"
This is a form of tourism that gives you an option not to feel guilty of missing your traditional heritage but be a part of that culture and indulge yourself by participating in rural lifestyle, organic and fresh vegetable consumption, art, culture, heritage at different rural destinations of India. This form of tourism creates a bonding and a level of interaction that enriches our experience and helps the local community benefit both economically and socially. Rural Tourism is completely based on personal experience and conducted in a natural environment without tampering with the sentiments of the rural dwellers or host population. It adds value to the visitors since their expenditure may generate additional incomes for the Host populations. India has got roughly around 165 rural tourism projects and some of the famous ones are Lachen -Sikkim, Shyam Gaon- Jorhat Assam, Pipli -Odisha, Puttur- AP, to name a few.
A Masters in Travel and Tourism Management course allows knowing more about the hidden gems of Heritage and Culture of India and how these products could be developed into an entrepreneurial venture. The course equips you with the skills essential to work in these types of Tourism Projects and learn to manage them. Participate in excursions to gain practical knowledge and complete your projects to gather more experience. The lecturers use a variety of learning methods starting from discussions to presentations as well as a continuous evaluation without putting pressure of End Term Examination.
As Quoted by? - Mehmet Murat ildan,
"What use cities have for us? Their greatest use is to make us to realize the beauties of the rural life!"
Wishing you all the very best and Happy to guide you. Feel free to connect at spal@jpr.amity.edu.
By:
Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeeb Pal
Professor & Director - Amity School of Hospitality
PhD, MTM, BA, DHM, MIH (UK)
Vice-Chairperson of “Indian Society for Training & Development- NHQ-19”.
Member of GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council), USA.
Member of Institute of Hospitality, UK.
Vice President of Society of Hospitality Educators. (SHE).