In line with the fact that India’s G20 presidency coincides with Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav – Amrit Kaal celebrations, India’s Ministry of Tourism is attempting to develop tourism in India in mission mode under the visionary leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Elaborating on this, Shri Arvind Singh, secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said that India plans to develop 50 new tourist destinations across the country and envisages opening 59 new air routes to boost tourism in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the G20 Tourism Expo organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India and the Ministry of Tourism of the FICCI and Rajasthan Government, Shri Arvind Singh said, “During India’s G20 presidency, India’s tourism sector is showcasing one of the The recovery was strongest in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, India registered 6.19 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2022, a 305% increase from 1.52 million in 2021. To further boost tourism, we plan to promote Green tourism and open up 50 new tourist destinations and promote them in overseas markets.”
The Ministry of Tourism has organized the G20-Tourism Working Group meeting and is exploring promotion of green tourism, digitalization, skills development, promotion of MSME and destination management. In addition, the government also pays attention to the steady development of the overall infrastructure.
“We are developing tourism infrastructure with a 360-degree view, focusing on enhancing rail, road and air connectivity. We have recommended 59 new routes to the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the Udaan program, which has been very successful, out of the 51 tourist routes Already operational,” Shri Singh said while highlighting the initiatives being taken to deepen tourism in the country.
Rajasthan Government Tourism Minister Shri Vishwendra Singh informed today that the state government plans to revive 23 old airstrips scattered across Rajasthan, which will boost tourism in the state.
In his inaugural address at the G20 Travel Fair, Shri Vishwendra Singh said, “Under our new rural tourism policy, we will redevelop 23 airports with the support of the private sector. This will provide a huge boost to tourism in Rajasthan.” dynamism, especially in rural areas, and create a lot of jobs.”
“Rajasthan has also developed a groundbreaking rural tourism policy that many states should emulate. The policy is expected to boost wildlife tourism, cultural and religious tourism across the state,” said Shri Vishwendra Singh.
Citing initiatives taken by the Rajasthan government, Smt. Gayatri Rathore, Chief Secretary for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Government of Rajasthan, said: “Rajasthan is home to around 75% of India’s heritage hotels, many of which have been refurbished and restored through public-private partnerships and are now being used for royal weddings and Filming. Our ministry has recently developed a rural tourism program to boost tourism and create jobs in rural Rajasthan.”
Shri Dipak Deva, Chairman of FICCI Tourism and Culture Committee, welcomed delegates and dignitaries saying, “The recovery of global tourism is a phenomenon and India is leading the way. We hope to maintain the momentum of the 11 million FTA target. India’s efforts add strength”
Dr. Jyotsna Suri, former Chairman of FICCI and CMD, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said in his speech, “India’s G20 presidency is a unique opportunity not only to host conferences but also an excellent platform to showcase India’s diverse cultures, cuisine, Heritage and its treasures tourism destination. It is also a great opportunity for the tourism industry to showcase itself.”
Shri Randhir Vikram Singh, Chairman of Indian Heritage Hotels Association and CMD, Mandawa Castle Hotel, said: “As a country, we have a rich heritage and tourism, especially in Rajasthan, there is a lot of heritage to show.”
Shri Shailesh Pathak, Secretary General of FICCI, said in acknowledgment, “By 2030, as India becomes the third largest economy in the world, forecast: Tourism outflow from India will be 5 times higher than today, while inflow of foreign tourists will be at current levels 10 times. This will lead to the creation of green and sustainable jobs.”
At the opening ceremony of the G20 Travel Expo, many dignitaries including His Excellency Jang Jae-bok, the Korean ambassador to India, attended.
Joining the stalwarts of the Indian tourism, travel and hospitality industry, the event will see some of the leading figures in governance, policymaking and industry come together on one platform to discuss the future of travel and tourism in India.
The G20 Travel Expo was held in conjunction with the 12th India Travel Bazaar (GITB). GITB is one of the largest inbound tourism events in India and is jointly organized by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Ministry of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The special G20 travel expo will include panel discussions, ambassador roundtables, cultural events, golf tournaments and more.
After three years, GITB will witness more than 11,000 B2B meetings from 283 travel agencies from 56 countries, including more than 150 travel agencies from G20 countries, representatives from tourism boards from 11 states – Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, except Rajasthan, where more than 290 Indian exhibitors.
The premier tourism event is backed by key national and regional associations such as Rajasthan Hotels and Restaurants Association (HRAR), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO).
The first GITB was held in 2008 and has since gone from strength to strength and is considered a scouting force in the Indian inbound tourism market.
