On World Tourism Day, PM Narendra Modi urges the young to discover the diversity of vibrant India

Tweeted PM Modi, "On #WorldTourismDay, I invite people from all over the world to come & discover the beauty of #IncredibleIndia & hospitality of our people."

"I specially urge my young friends to travel across India & see first hand the diversity of our vibrant nation. #WorldTourismDay, " tweeted Modi.

According to a United Nations release, tourism over the past six decades has become one of the fastest growing and most important economic sectors in the world, benefiting destinations and communities worldwide. International tourist arrivals worldwide have grown from 25 million in 1950 to nearly 1.2 billion in 2015. Similarly, international tourism revenues earned by destinations around the world have grown from 2 billion US dollars in 1950 to 1260 trillion in 2015. The sector represents an estimated 10% of the world’s GDP and 1 in 10 jobs globally.

It is estimated that tourism will continue to grow at an average of 3.3% annually until 2030, the release said.

Recognizing the importance of international tourism in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in leading to a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilizations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, hereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

Other Union ministers and state chief ministers too took to the social media to convey their messages for World Tourism Day.

Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) tweeted, "Let us celebrate India, the incredible land. Let us experience India at its heart."

Tweeted Shivraj Singh Chouhan, "Greetings on #WorldTourismDay. #MadhyaPradesh is blessed with natural and man-made splendours. I invite all to visit our beautiful state."

"Discover the beautiful landscapes, cultures & people of Namma Karnataka, this #WorldTourismDay . Celebrating One State, Many Worlds!" said Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah

Vasundhara Raje, Rajasthan Chief Minister tweeted, "Explore a paradise, where colours are heard and every archway tells a story. This #WorldTourismDay come,explore #Rajasthan #JaaneKyaDikhJaye."

"On #WorldTourismDay, let us pledge to realise the potential of Assam through tourism & usher in an era of sustainable development." said Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "On #WorldTourismDay I welcome you all. Come to Bengal. Experience the sweetest part of India and take memories back home."

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted, "On #WorldTourismDay, inviting all to visit #Odisha, the land of myriad wonders & reaffirming commitment to make our state global destination."

Also from Odisha, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik tweeted, "Today is #WorldTourismDay ,my SandArt with message "Sustainable tourism a tool for Development " at Bhubaneswar airport in Odisha."

Image: Sudarsan Pattnaik/Twitter