By Our Staff Reporter
New Delhi, 31 Aug: Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has received Silver Award in the category of providing employment and skills to local communities at an event held in New Delhi today. Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj participated in the ICRT India and Subcontinent Awards 2024 as the Chief Guest. In this year’s edition of the ICRT India and Subcontinent Awards 2024, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDC) was awarded the Silver Award in the category of providing employment and skills to local communities. This award was received by Poonam Chand, Additional Director, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board from Satpal Maharaj, Tourism Minister, Government of Uttarakhand.
Addressing The ICRT India and the Subcontinent Awards 2024, Maharaj shared that a comprehensive training programme of UTDC has now reached the most remote areas of the pilgrimage route, so that the tourist guides in Uttarakhand can provide the best service to tourists in every corner. This specially designed initiative serves the purpose of enabling the people of the state to efficiently showcase the rich heritage, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty of the state to visitors from across the globe.
Maharaj added that apart from training heritage and nature guides in popular tourist destinations like Rishikesh, Nainital and Mussoorie, lesser-known destinations like Gangolihat, Dharchula and Nanakmatta have also been covered. The programme has achieved remarkable success in various districts, with a total of 4,050 candidates effectively trained already under this initiative. This includes 1000 heritage tour guides, 500 skilled taxi drivers, 2000 hardworking guest house caretakers, and 550 knowledgeable nature guides.
Maharaj further added that the Board’s unwavering commitment to train guides in remote areas, under the leadership of our officers, reflects their determination to promote tourism in Uttarakhand in a sustainable and inclusive manner. This visionary approach not only enriches the tourism landscape but also provides invaluable employment and economic upliftment opportunities to local communities. The State Tourism Minister said that the initiative of UTDC is symbolic of a multi-pronged approach to sustainable tourism development. This programme not only enriches the local workforce by focusing on skill enhancement and employment generation but also enhances the tourism experience of visitors.
Maharaj added that by promoting women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated fields such as taxi driving, gender equality and empowerment is ensured, leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Maharaj explained that in addition, by training 2000 guest house caretakers and hospitality staff, the programme not only improves the quality of accommodation and services for tourists but also creates employment opportunities in the local hospitality sector. By providing skills in customer service, housekeeping and food preparation, the program strengthens the tourism infrastructure and creates a welcoming environment for visitors. Additionally, by providing training for roles such as street food joints and assistant chefs, the programme supports local entrepreneurship and economic development, generating positive socio-economic impact in communities.
The programme was attended by Director General, Ministry of Tourism of Union Government Mugdha Sinha, Founding Director, ICRT, Mugdha Sinha and Dr Harold Goodwin, along with officials from tourism departments of other states and distinguished guests.
