12. Tourism

• (A) Hemant Kumar went to Mexico to learn about the architectural skills of the Mayan culture. — Cultural tourism / International tourism
• (B) Portuguese tourists had come to Goa to participate in the Goa Carnival. — Cultural tourism / International tourism
• (C) To seek treatment in a naturopathy centre, John and Amar went to Kerala. — Health tourism / Medical tourism
• (D) Pundalikrao accomplished the Char Dham Yatra with his family. — Religious tourism
• (E) Rameshwari from Pune went to enjoy Hurda (Roasted Grain) party and learn about modern and traditional methods of agriculture. — Agro-tourism
• (F) Sayyed family went to Ajmer Durgah. — Religious tourism

Religious tourism involves travelling to places of religious significance, such as temples, mosques, churches, or pilgrimage centres (e.g., Char Dham Yatra, visiting Ajmer Durgah) with the primary objective of fulfilling faith-based duties or achieving spiritual peace. Cultural tourism involves travelling to experience and learn about the history, architecture, arts, festivals, and lifestyle of a specific region or community (e.g., visiting the Mayan ruins in Mexico or attending the Goa Carnival).

The main objectives of tourism include getting joy and entertainment, experiencing mental peace, trading, participating in festivals or family functions, witnessing natural beauty and historical sites, seeking specialized medical or health treatments (health tourism), and learning about different cultures and lifestyles.

Tourism can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. When not managed well, tourism leads to pollution, littering, noise, and degradation of natural habitats due to overcrowding. However, through ecotourism, environmental conservation is promoted. Funds generated from tourism are invested by the government to protect sanctuaries and national parks. Eco-friendly practices in resorts and transport ensure that the natural environment is maintained and resources like electricity and water are used judiciously.

Tourism acts as a catalyst for economic growth. It leads to the rapid development of basic infrastructure like roads, railways, and water supply. It creates immense employment opportunities for local residents in sectors like hotels, restaurants, transport systems, retail shops, and as tourist guides. Additionally, it gives a boost to local handicrafts and specialized local cuisines.

Problems: Common problems at tourist places include littering, noise pollution, overcrowding, damage to historical monuments (vandalism), and harm to local wildlife.
Measures: To mitigate these, strict fines should be imposed for littering and vandalizing. The concept of ecotourism should be actively promoted to educate tourists. Adequate waste disposal facilities must be installed, and tourists should be encouraged to use local guides to ensure they follow the rules and respect the local environment.

When tourists visit a place, they require various services such as accommodation, food, transport, and guidance. Local people fulfill these needs by opening hotels, restaurants, and retail shops selling local handicrafts or souvenirs. They also find work as drivers, tourist guides, and hospitality staff. Because the entire service sector in that region expands to cater to the tourists, it directly generates widespread employment for the local population.

The concept of "Atithi Devo Bhava" implies that a guest should be treated with the utmost respect, care, and hospitality, akin to God. In the context of tourism, this attitude is highly relevant. When domestic and foreign tourists are welcomed warmly and treated safely and fairly, they carry back positive memories of the country's culture. This excellent hospitality encourages repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth recommendations, which ultimately boosts the tourism industry, increases foreign exchange, and elevates the nation's global image.

Places with hot springs in Maharashtra (as per the map) include Vajreshwari, Unhavare, and Unapdev. These are located primarily along the coastal and fault-line regions because of underlying geothermal activity where groundwater comes into contact with the heat from the earth's interior and surfaces through natural fissures.

A strong correlation is found in major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), and Kolhapur. These cities have a dense network of national highways, railways, and air transport centres. Due to this highly developed transportation infrastructure, tourists can easily and comfortably reach these destinations, leading to a massive development of tourism and related amenities in these specific regions.