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In India and many other places, people often connect tourism and hospitality skills with getting a job in the industry. Sure, that's important, but it shouldn't be the only reason for learning these skills. The good news is that things are changing for the better.

Ministry of Tourism has developed the Travel for LiFE program under Mission LiFE to bring large-scale behavioural change amongst tourists and tourism businesses. Mission LiFE is a global mass movement led by India urging individuals and communities to act for the protection of the environment against the effects of climate change.

The "Dekho Apna Desh" campaign was launched before COVID and ensuing restrictions set in. Meaning "See Your Own Country" in English, the campaign intended to foster a spirit of travel and adventure by showcasing India's diverse and culturally rich destinations. The underlying intent was twofold. With a culture of travel in place, the expenditures, however small per trip, could get into circulation, contributing to the economy, particularly offsetting the recessionary tendencies. Two, a well-travelled citizen, exposed to diversity and different world views, is often well-meaning and would contribute to creating an enlightened society. Thus, on the one hand, the government and its agencies encouraged tourism and travel. At the same time on the other, a commensurate infrastructure is created to facilitate such travel. Together, they ensure more people travelling.

However, the more people travel, the more pressure it places on the local resources. Thus, it is only apt to ensure that this increasing number of travellers behave responsibly. For people to behave in a desired manner as per the sensibilities of a place, they must be educated. That brings us to tourism and hospitality education and training for mindful consumption by billions of citizens- beyond the education and training for mere employment in the sector.

From a traveller's point of view, it's essential to be responsible when visiting new places. This means not causing harm to the destinations you visit, being mindful of the challenges faced by the local community, and leaving the place as beautiful or even better for future visitors. Travellers also need to make the most of their travel opportunities. Travelling involves investing resources like time, money, and effort, and it's often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To truly enjoy and appreciate their travel experiences, people should be well-prepared, educated, and trained to consume tourism responsibly. Think of it like learning music. Not everyone who learns music aims to become a professional musician or a music teacher. They do it because they love music and want to enjoy it more fully. The more they learn about music, the more they can appreciate and savour different types of music. They might also invest in musical instruments and technology to enhance their enjoyment, stimulating demand for related goods and services in the music industry.

Similarly, being educated and prepared for travel enhances the overall travel experience and benefits not only the travellers themselves but also the destinations they visit and the tourism industry as a whole.

Like sports, music, or any other performing art, travel and tourism carry a profound purpose. It extends far beyond mere leisure, striving to enrich individuals in multiple dimensions—physically, mentally, and spiritually. At a basic level, travel fosters physical well-being, enhancing endurance and vitality and, thus, overall wellness. Mentally, travel is a crucible for agility. It demands adaptability in navigating novel environments, negotiating diverse cultures, and problem-solving in unforeseen circumstances. We have talked about neuroplasticity in a previous article. This mental exercise sharpens cognitive faculties, fostering astuteness and resourcefulness. Yet, the most profound aspect of travel lies in its potential for spiritual elevation. It offers moments of introspection and connection, whether amidst the serenity of nature, on a pilgrimage to sacred sites, or while delving into the annals of history. These experiences elevate the spirit, nurturing personal growth and a more profound sense of purpose.

Travel's significance transcends talent, as it's not confined to serving others or being a specialist. It's a universal avenue for self-improvement. Further, the rise of technology has ushered in a new era in travel. It's shifting the locus of control from industry experts to consumers. Travelers are increasingly becoming the architects of their own adventures, empowered by easy access to information, online bookings, and personalized itineraries. This transformation has reduced dependence on in-person assistance, with travellers designing and managing their journeys autonomously.

In simple terms, think about it this way: not many folks need to learn how to help others travel, but a lot of us could benefit from learning about tourism and hospitality. Why? Well, it's because we want to turn our trips into something more than just a vacation. We want our travels to be transformative, to change us in some way.

Right now, the "Travel for LiFE" program is all about responsible tourism, which is great because it encourages us to travel in a way that's good for the planet and the places we visit. But it could do even more. It could also teach us how to be better travellers, how to manage our trips, and maybe even try out new experiences responsibly.? So, we don't all need to become travel experts. A little education in tourism and hospitality can help us make our journeys more meaningful and responsible. That would be Travel for LiFE.