Travel & Tourism: UPSC Key Notes, 25 Short Answers & MCQs

Travel and Tourism is a dynamic industry that facilitates the movement of people for leisure, business, or specialized purposes. It is one of the world's largest economic sectors, driving job creation, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. Beyond mere sightseeing, it acts as a catalyst for understanding global diversity and heritage.

For India, this sector is a powerhouse of soft power and economic resilience. With a rich tapestry of history, geography, and culture, India attracts millions of visitors annually. The focus is now shifting towards sustainable practices, digital integration, and niche sectors like wellness and adventure to ensure the industry's long-term growth and ecological balance.

How is the topic "Travel & Tourism" Useful for UPSC & other exams

This topic is integral to GS Paper I (Geography and Culture) and GS Paper III (Economy). It covers critical government schemes like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. For Prelims, knowledge of international indices (WEF), organizations (UNWTO), and visa policies is essential. It also provides rich fodder for essays on development and employment.

Quick Revision Notes - Travel & Tourism

Keyword Definitions (UPSC / SSC / RRB / SEBI / IBPS / NDA Exams)

• UNWTO (UN Tourism): The United Nations World Tourism Organization is the leading international agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. It is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.
• Sustainable Tourism: Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts. It addresses the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities, minimizing negative footprints.
• Ecotourism: Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. It typically involves interpretation and education and is managed to be ecologically sustainable.
• MICE: An acronym standing for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions. It represents a lucrative niche of business tourism where large groups are brought together for specific professional purposes.
• Medical Tourism: The practice of traveling across international borders to obtain health care. India is a major hub due to its high-quality medical services available at a fraction of the cost compared to developed nations.
• Swadesh Darshan 2.0: A revamped central sector scheme that shifts focus from tourist circuits to destination-centric development. It aims to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in India with a tourist-centric approach.
• PRASHAD Scheme: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive. This scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India to enrich the religious tourism experience.
• Wellness Tourism: Travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one's personal well-being. In India, this is closely linked with Yoga, Ayurveda, and other traditional systems of medicine.
• Dark Tourism: Tourism involving travel to places historically associated with death and tragedy. Examples include battlefields, concentration camps (like Auschwitz), or sites of natural disasters.
• Staycation: A period in which an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities within driving distance of their home, rather than traveling to a distant location.
• Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI): An index released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) that measures the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the travel and tourism sector.

Message to Aspirants

Geography and economy converge in the sector of Tourism. As you prepare, try to map the schemes to the locations and understand the 'why' behind the 'where'. A holistic understanding of this sector will not only help you in exams but also broaden your worldview. Keep exploring!

Multiple Choice Questions - Travel & Tourism

1. Which international organization releases the "Travel & Tourism Development Index" (TTDI)?

a) World Bank
b) United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
c) World Economic Forum (WEF)
d) IMF

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Answer: c) World Economic Forum (WEF)
The WEF releases this biennial index. It evolved from the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index to focus more on sustainability and resilience in the sector.

2. The "Swadesh Darshan 2.0" scheme primarily focuses on which model of development?

a) Circuit-based development
b) Destination-centric development
c) International marketing only
d) Building hotels abroad

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Answer: b) Destination-centric development
Unlike version 1.0 which focused on thematic circuits, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 aims to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a holistic approach.

3. Where is the headquarters of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) located?

a) Geneva, Switzerland
b) Paris, France
c) Madrid, Spain
d) New York, USA

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Answer: c) Madrid, Spain
Madrid hosts the UNWTO, which is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.

4. The "Blue Flag" certification is awarded to beaches and marinas based on standards related to:

a) High tide levels
b) Environment, safety, and accessibility
c) Number of hotels nearby
d) Availability of alcohol

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Answer: b) Environment, safety, and accessibility
It is an eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches that meet stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.

5. Which day is celebrated as "World Tourism Day" annually?

a) 25th January
b) 27th September
c) 5th June
d) 21st June

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Answer: b) 27th September
Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27 to foster awareness of tourism's social, cultural, political, and economic value.

6. The "Dekho Apna Desh" initiative was launched by the Ministry of Tourism to encourage:

a) Foreigners to invest in India
b) Domestic tourism
c) Export of handicrafts
d) Study tours for scientists

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Answer: b) Domestic tourism
The initiative encourages citizens to travel widely within the country to explore India's diverse culture and heritage, thereby boosting the domestic economy.

7. "Niche Tourism" refers to:

a) Mass tourism to popular beaches
b) Specialized tourism tailored to specific interests
c) Travel without a visa
d) Virtual tourism only

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Answer: b) Specialized tourism tailored to specific interests
Examples include Golf Tourism, Polo Tourism, Medical Tourism, and Wellness Tourism, which cater to specific market segments rather than the general public.

8. Which of the following sites is NOT a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India?

a) Taj Mahal
b) Khajuraho Group of Monuments
c) Mysore Palace
d) Hampi

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Answer: c) Mysore Palace
While Mysore Palace is a major tourist attraction and heritage structure, it is not currently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

9. The "e-Visa" facility in India is generally valid for which categories of travel?

a) Tourism, Business, Conference, Medical
b) Permanent Residency and Employment
c) Diplomatic missions only
d) Military exercises

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Answer: a) Tourism, Business, Conference, Medical
The e-Visa facility covers e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Conference, e-Medical, and e-Medical Attendant categories to simplify entry for foreigners.

10. "Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchan" is a project that invites private sector companies to become:

a) Heritage Owners
b) Monument Mitras
c) Cultural Ambassadors
d) Tourism Police

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Answer: b) Monument Mitras
Companies (Monument Mitras) are invited to adopt heritage sites and provide basic amenities like drinking water, cleanliness, and illumination under CSR.

11. What is the main objective of the "PRASHAD" scheme?

a) Promotion of Adventure Sports
b) Infrastructure development at Pilgrimage sites
c) Rural road connectivity
d) High-speed rail for tourists

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Answer: b) Infrastructure development at Pilgrimage sites
PRASHAD aims at the integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations to provide a complete religious tourism experience.

12. Assertion (A): Tourism has a high multiplier effect on employment generation.
Reason (R): It is a labor-intensive sector that supports various ancillary industries like transport, handicraft, and food services.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true but R is false
d) A is false but R is true

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Answer: a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Tourism requires personal service at every stage (R), creating jobs for guides, drivers, artisans, and hotel staff, which amplifies employment across the economy (A).

13. Assertion (A): Ecotourism is promoted as a tool for conservation.
Reason (R): It generates economic incentives for local communities to protect their natural habitat rather than exploit it.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true but R is false
d) A is false but R is true

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Answer: a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
When locals earn income from tourists coming to see nature (R), the forest/wildlife becomes a valuable asset to preserve, directly aiding conservation (A).

14. Match the Tourism Scheme with its Focus Area:

List I (Scheme)	List II (Focus)
A. PRASHAD	(i) Domestic Travel Promotion
B. Swadesh Darshan	(ii) Spiritual/Pilgrimage Sites
C. Dekho Apna Desh	(iii) Integrated Theme Circuits
D. Utsav Portal	(iv) Showcase of Festivals
Options: a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv b) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv c) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii d) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i

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Answer: a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv
PRASHAD focuses on pilgrimages. Swadesh Darshan develops thematic circuits/destinations. Dekho Apna Desh encourages domestic travel. Utsav Portal lists festivals.

15. Match the Niche Tourism Type with its Key Activity:

List I (Type)	List II (Activity)
A. Wellness Tourism	(i) Conferences & Events
B. MICE	(ii) Yoga & Ayurveda
C. Adventure Tourism	(iii) Visiting Tragedy Sites
D. Dark Tourism	(iv) Trekking & Rafting
Options: a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv b) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii c) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii d) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i

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Answer: b) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
Wellness is for healing (Yoga). MICE is for business meetings. Adventure involves physical risk (Trekking). Dark tourism explores tragic history.

Final Message for Aspirants

Travel and Tourism is not just about memorizing destinations; it is about understanding the ecosystem that supports them. From government policies to global indices, every detail matters. Stay curious, review the definitions regularly, and visualize the concepts to retain them better.

Top 10 Guessed Short Questions & Answers (Mains/Interview) - Travel & Tourism

1. What is the significance of "Sustainable Tourism"?

It aims to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local culture while maximizing economic benefits for local communities, ensuring the destination remains viable for future generations.

2. How does the "PRASHAD" scheme differ from "Swadesh Darshan"?

PRASHAD is specifically focused on the development of infrastructure at pilgrimage and spiritual sites, whereas Swadesh Darshan focuses on developing integrated theme-based tourist circuits and destinations across the country.

3. Explain the term "Medical Value Travel" (MVT).

MVT, or Medical Tourism, involves people traveling to India to access high-quality healthcare at affordable costs. It is a key export service sector for India, leveraging skilled doctors and advanced hospitals.

4. What are the key pillars of the "Swadesh Darshan 2.0" scheme?

It focuses on "Vocal for Local," promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, developing destination-centric infrastructure, and improving the overall tourist experience through digital integration and skill development.

5. Why is the MICE sector important for the economy?

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourists typically spend more than leisure tourists. They help reduce seasonality in tourism and drive demand for high-end infrastructure like convention centers and luxury hotels.

6. What is the "Incredible India" campaign?

It is the flagship international marketing campaign by the Government of India to promote tourism. It showcases India's rich heritage, culture, yoga, and wildlife to attract foreign travelers.

7. Discuss the potential of "Adventure Tourism" in India.

With the Himalayas in the north and vast coastlines in the south, India has immense potential for trekking, rafting, and water sports. It attracts a younger demographic and promotes development in remote areas.

8. What is "Heritage Tourism"?

It involves traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past. India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites are central to this sector.

9. How does "Digitalization" impact the tourism sector?

Digital tools like e-Visas, online booking platforms (OTAs), virtual reality tours, and social media marketing have simplified travel planning, increased reach, and enhanced the overall user experience.

10. What is "Geotourism"?

Geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

Upgrade Your Knowledge in Travel & Tourism 

Remote gray huts nestled near the snow-capped peaks of Mount Everest, capturing Himalayan serenity

Do you wish to enrich your life with some new adventures, joys, and experiences? Then you must step into the world of travel and tourism. It is not just a journey from one place to another but also an opportunity to know new cultures, languages, food, and natural beauty. When you travel, you not only see places but also discover yourself. In this article, you will get detailed information about the major tourist destinations of India and the world, travel plans, their benefits, risks, and related training and sources. 

Benefits of Travel & Tourism

Benefit	Description
Cultural Exchange	Encourages learning about different lifestyles, traditions, and heritage, helping to foster global understanding and tolerance.
Economic Growth	Supports local businesses, generates employment, and contributes significantly to the national GDP through hospitality and services.
Personal Development	Enhances communication skills, builds confidence, and encourages adaptability by exposing travelers to new environments and people.
Environmental Awareness	Promotes appreciation for nature and responsible tourism practices, encouraging conservation of wildlife and natural resources.
Mental Well-being	Provides a refreshing break from routine life, reducing stress and improving overall mood through new experiences and relaxation.

What are the benefits of tourism?

Travel and tourism are not just entertainment, but they also help in the mental, social, and educational development of a person.

• Through tourism, you get to know new cultures, traditions, and lifestyles, which broadens your thinking.

• It reduces your mental stress and gives you relief from everyday life.

• Traveling increases confidence, improves decision-making ability, and makes you more self-reliant.

• Traveling with family or friends strengthens relationships and gives the best moments of life.

• Tourism increases the livelihood of local people and strengthens the regional economy.

What are the types of tourism in India?

India is a country full of diversity where every type of tourism exists—natural, historical, religious, adventure, and cultural.

• In religious tourism, places like Kashi, Tirupati, Vaishno Devi, and Haridwar are prominent, which provide spiritual experiences.

• For natural tourism, places like Kerala's backwaters, the Himachal mountains, the Meghalaya caves, and Sundarban are ideal.

• In historical tourism, you can see the Taj Mahal of Agra, the forts of Delhi, and the forts and palaces of Rajasthan.

• For adventure tourism, experiences like rafting, trekking, mountaineering, and skydiving excite the mind.

• Cultural tourism introduces you to the dance, music, craftsmanship, costumes, and cuisine of different states.

An inspiring collage representing the excitement and planning involved in travel and tourism

What are the major tourist destinations in the world?

If you want to experience the world, then the list of world tourist destinations is quite exciting and inspiring.

• Paris, France, attracts tourists from all over the world for its Eiffel Tower, fashion, art, and culture.

• Rome and Venice in Italy are very famous for their history, architecture, and romantic experiences.

• Japan offers a unique experience due to its technology, culture, cherry blossoms, and traditional temples.

• America, from New York to the Grand Canyon, is a symbol of diversity and grandeur.

• Australia is renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife, and the Great Barrier Reef.

How to Plan a Successful Trip?

Proper planning is very important to make the trip pleasant and memorable.

• First of all, choose the destination according to your budget, time, and interests, and get complete information about it.

• Confirm travel-related bookings like hotels, flights, trains, etc. in advance so that there is no problem.

• Collect information about the weather, local customs, and necessary documents before the trip.

• Carry light luggage, essential medicines, and essential items like a mobile charger, a map, and ID during the trip.

• Respect the local language, food, and culture at the destination and increase communication with the local people.

Here Table

Types of Tourism & Examples

Type of Tourism	Top Examples
Cultural Tourism	• Taj Mahal, Agra, India • Louvre Museum, Paris, France • Petra, Ma'an, Jordan • Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru • Kyoto Temples, Kyoto, Japan
Adventure Tourism	• Mount Everest Base Camp, Lukla, Nepal • Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA • Queenstown Bungy, Queenstown, New Zealand • Chadar Trek, Leh, India • Victoria Falls Rafting, Livingstone, Zambia
Eco Tourism	• Amazon Rainforest, Manaus, Brazil • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady, India • Costa Rican Rainforests, San José, Costa Rica • Borneo Rainforest, Sabah, Malaysia • Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Spiritual Tourism	• Varanasi Ghats, Varanasi, India • Meiji Shrine, Tokyo, Japan • Lumbini, Rupandehi, Nepal • Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain • Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
Medical Tourism	• Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, India • Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand • Anadolu Medical Center, Istanbul, Turkey • Fortis Healthcare, New Delhi, India • Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain

What are the environmental responsibilities in tourism?

While traveling, it is also important to fulfill our responsibility towards the environment and society.

• Reduce the use of plastic and throw garbage in the dustbin only so that the place remains clean.

• Do not disturb wildlife, and respect their natural habitat, as it is important for biodiversity.

• Buy local products so that people there get employment and support their economy.

• Save water and electricity in the hotel, as limited and judicious use of resources is necessary.

• Maintain peace and decorum at cultural sites so that their sanctity and beauty remain intact.

What are the tourism-related opportunities and careers?

If you want to make travel and tourism not just an experience but a career, then there are immense possibilities in it.

• Working as a travel agency and tour operator gives you the opportunity to earn income along with traveling.

• A tourist guide, who gives information about historical and cultural places to travelers, is an interesting career option.

• There are many employment options in hotel management and the restaurant and travel hospitality sector.

• Through blogging, YouTubing, and vlogging, you can share your travel experiences and earn money.

• There are also possibilities of posts like Tourism Officer and Promotion Expert in government tourism departments.

A breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon's iconic rock formations showcases Earth's geological history.

Conclusion

Travel and tourism is not only a means of enjoyment, but it is also an opportunity to understand life deeply. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the spirituality of India or see the grandeur of the world's historical sites, every journey teaches you something new. It gives you a new outlook and makes life more exciting. For thoughtful readers like you, comprehending, organizing, and traveling are worthy undertakings in such a scenario.

Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites

Category	Resources
Online Courses	• Introduction to Travel and Tourism – Coursera • Sustainable Tourism – edX • Travel Marketing & Management – FutureLearn • Hospitality & Tourism Management – Alison • International Travel Management – Udemy
Reference Books	• "The Geography of Travel and Tourism" – Brian Boniface • "Tourism Management" – David Weaver • "Cultural Tourism: The Partnership Between Tourism and Cultural Heritage" – Bob McKercher • "Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel" – Lonely Planet • "The Business of Tourism" – J. Christopher Holloway
Websites	• lonelyplanet.com • tourism-review.com • traveldailynews.com • worldtravelguide.net • wttc.org