The Department of Tourism has initiated efforts for formation of Yuva Tourism Clubs in schools in the district to nurture and develop young ambassadors of Indian tourism.
In a letter to the School Education Department, followed by a meeting with senior officials, District Tourism Officer N. Aravindkumar has requested for the list of schools where the clubs will be formed and the particulars of the Yuva Coordinators for each institution.
The department will engage the school students in tourism-promotion activities through the coordinators, Mr. Aravindkumar said.
Last year, schools affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education formed the clubs, as advised by the Union Ministry of Tourism. Having formed 30,000 Yuva Tourism Clubs across the country, the Union Tourism Ministry has taken further steps to increase the number of such clubs in schools and colleges to 50,000.
Students will be encouraged and guided through the coordinators to appreciate the rich cultural heritage through exploration of lesser-known places, and to develop an interest and passion for tourism, Mr. Aravindkumar said.
The clubs will enable learners to appreciate the importance of travel and tourism, and sensitise learners to various elements of travel.
The Union Tourism Ministry had, in 2022, initiated establishing ‘Yuva Tourism Clubs’ as a part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (celebration of 75 glorious years of progressive India and its rich history).
The Ministry has provided a handbook to the schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education that reiterates the purposes, operational strategies along with specific guidelines and suggestions for conduct of various activities.
The premise of the Ministry is that participation in Tourism Clubs will pave way for developing soft skills like teamwork, management, leadership besides encouraging adoption of responsible tourism practices and concern for sustainable tourism.
