Speaking at the three-day National Conference of State Tourism Ministers at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism said that with the pandemic behind us, the tourism industry is all set for a revival.
As a travel destination, India offers a diversity of products and experiences. The rich heritage of India, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, is an all-embracing confluence of festivals, religions, traditions, and customs. He added that for any global tourist, India is not just a place to see and visit, but a destination to experience and be transformed for life. If India needs to achieve its immediate goals of a 5 trillion economy and its long-term goals of a developed nation, then tourism has a very important role to play.
Reddy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised on two aspects, first is whole of government approach, where we breakdown silos and work together across Government Ministries. Second is we have to work as team India, where the Union Government and the State Government work together hand-in-hand for the benefit of the citizens. “I sincerely feel that, with all the government representatives, this is the perfect platform to put forth all perspectives and put in place a vision for the sector”, he added. The Minister further added that the support of local people and communities must be enlisted so that benefits of tourism percolate down to the grassroots. Whole of government approach and Jan bhagidari can revolutionise Tourism sector in the country, added G Kishan Reddy
Reddy appealed that just like NSS, NCC we need to work on making Yuva Tourism clubs at all levels. States need to work on a war footing for establishing these tourism clubs which will familiarize the youth with the concept of ‘Dekho Apna Desh’. Reddy also emphasised that to achieve true potential of tourism, the most fundamental requirement is to ensure coordination at every level. We need a proactive approach, from every stakeholder, be it centre, states or the industry.
Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Tourism & Ports, Shipping and Waterways spoke of the successful implementation of the PRASHAD and SWADESH DARSHAN schemes of Ministry OF Tourism while also highlighting other major initiatives and efforts of the government to promote tourism. PRASHAD scheme, was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15 for integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations aims to provide last mile connectivity. The Minister also said, “The Ministry of Tourism has prepared a draft National Tourism Policy to promote India as a tourist destination in all spheres where it enjoys a comparative advantage”
Addressing the gathering, Sambit Patra, Chairman, India Tourism Development Corporation, said, “I firmly believe that as far as tourism is concerned it’s more about targeting the mental space. The first mantra is to appeal to the mental space with the right advertisement about our Incredible India. Pointing out the vast and diverse culture of the nation, he mentioned that in India ‘Kankar Kankar mein hai Shankar’ and we need to strive to highlight it for the prospective tourists.” He also added, “Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, India is striving to make new advances in the tourism sector with the Ramayan circuit, Buddisht Circuit, Himalaya Circuit, etc under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme”
During the session, Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism said, “The tourism sector was badly hit in the last two years because of COVID19. For the first time after a gap of two years, we have gathered physically here to discuss the revival of tourism sector; and, this in itself is a symbol of change in the tourism sector.” Arvind Singh also said that the G-20 presidency offers a unique opportunity for India to boost is tourism sector and the revival of tourism sector will generate employment opportunities in India.
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