In the 50 years since Independence, Tourism in India has emerged as a major socio-economic and cultural venture flourishing continuously and earning foreign exchange for the country. Tourism helps in preserving vocations, crafts, arts, heritage and monuments. Tourism also prevents migration from backward areas to the cities and plays a major role in advancement of women. International tourists in India and domestic tourism combine to help in building an environment of harmony, of amity and in promoting national integration.

India offers a variety of destinations to tourists. Snow-clad  mountains,  deep blue sea, deserts  and sand dunes, vast stretches of plains with gushing  rivers, temple  monuments, fairs and festivals, sking, river rafting, trekking, luxury hotels and heritage destinations- India has it all. India stands out as one nation with countless destinations.

In this the Golden Jubilee year of India's Independence it is but appropriate to mark this "BHARAT PARYATAN DIWAS" (INDIA TOURISM DAY) on 25th of January. This was the day in 1966 when tourism was officially recognised as a separate subject by the Government, hence the significance of 25th January as "BHARAT PARYATAN DIWAS".

The Department of Posts is happy to issue a special postage stamp to commemorate "BHARAT PARYATAN DIWAS" on 25th January 1998.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India