Pune: With the launch of ‘youth tourism clubs,’ the Department of Tourism envisions a brighter future where the youth actively participate in promoting sustainable tourism practices and preserving their heritage for generations to come. By nurturing young minds, the state aims for a strong foundation for a thriving and responsible tourism industry.
The Department of Tourism is taking a proactive step to instill a sense of responsible tourism and heritage awareness among the youth of the state. In an effort to encourage youth engagement in tourism, the department has urged schools across the state to establish ‘youth tourism clubs’ for students in grades 7 through 10, as well as junior college students.
These clubs are designed to serve as a platform for students to learn about responsible and sustainable tourism practices while acquainting themselves with the local tourist attractions. According to Supriya Karmakar, the Deputy Director of Pune Tourism Department, the initiative aims to create young ambassadors for the state’s heritage places, eventually contributing to the growth of tourism in the region.
To form a youth tourism club, schools need a minimum of one instructor and a group of 25 students from grades 7 to 10, while junior colleges can admit students from grades 11 and 12. Members of these clubs will be exposed to the rich local history and historical sites in their vicinity. Monthly club events will encompass lecture series, brief trips, seminars, and training sessions, enhancing their understanding of tourism and cultural heritage.
In a bid to support this initiative, the state government has allocated a compensation fund of Rs 10,000 for each school and Rs 25,000 for each junior college for the academic year 2023-24. This financial support will enable the clubs to organize enriching activities and foster an environment of learning and appreciation for the state’s cultural and historical treasures.
