Mumbai, 27 April 2023

 

"It is a golden time for investment in hospitality and tourism sector!", stated the Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of North-Eastern Region G. Kishan Reddy at an investor and industry outreach roadshow organized in Mumbai today. The outreach program has been organized to generate greater awareness about 1st Global Tourism Investors’ Summit (GTIS) in New Delhi from 17-19 May, 2023. Urging the tourism industry stakeholders to participate in GTIS, the Union Minister said, "The Government cannot take tourism industry ahead, unless private investors come forward. Hence, for the first time, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, a Global Tourism Investors’ Summit is being organized". GoI will work together with the states and private sector for the flourishment of tourism sector, he said. In this context, the Union Tourism Minister stated that a draft of comprehensive National Tourism Policy has been worked out and is pending cabinet's approval. While drafting the policy, the Union Government has consulted the states and union territories and different ministries also, with a 'whole of government' approach, he added. He further stated that it has been decided to keep the ASI footfall monuments open for tourists till 9 PM.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Tourism Minister stated that India should become the number one destination for tourists and for that the Government of India will work with state governments in the spirit of cooperative federalism. The Centre provides 100 percent finance to the state governments to implement the tourism related schemes, he also stated. Stating this, he urged the private sector to invest in tourism sector and assured them of all possible cooperation and encouragement from the Centre and states. The state governments have chalked out the investment potential and facilities in various corners of their state for development of tourism at those places, he further stated. "More than 24 states have prepared the action plan. Investment opportunities are there in tourism sector, the blueprint will be put forth by the GoI", said the Minister. He urged the stakeholders to work with foreign countries too, through JVs and with their financial organizations for the country's tourism sector. All sectors of tourism now have a great opportunity to progress further, because of better and easy connectivity through national highway, trains and flights, he said. The Union Minister specially mentioned MICE tourism (Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism) and hospitality sector as having great potential for development in the country.  

The Union Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy also said that discussions are on with state governments for proper implementation of the National Tourism Policy, when will come into force. He said that state governments amongst themselves should develop a healthy competition for growth of tourism through good policies and initiatives. He informed that tourism ministry holds regular meetings with stakeholder ministries like Ministry of Civil Aviation (for better implementation of the UDAN scheme, providing more flights in high-demand sectors and better flight connectivity in a New India), Ministry of Railways (regarding tourist circuit trains etc) and others. He said that the Tourism Minsitry is open to discussions with the private sector too. He said that the Government will strive to resolve the issues faced by tourism sector and also identify the potential fields of investment in tourism sector. In Union Budget this year, it has been stated that 50 destinations will be developed under Swadesh Darshan scheme, he added.        

The Union Tourism Minister highlighted the Vibrant Villages scheme in his speech. He said that more than Rs 4000 crore is being spent to develop infrastructrure for adventure tourism in border villages.

Before the final meeting of the Global Tourism Investors’ Summit which is to be held at New Delhi, roadshows and roundtables like this one in Mumbai are being organized in all important sectors of tourism, further informed the Union Tourism Minister.

Speaking about the importance of the ongoing G-20 India Presidency, the Union Tourism Minister said that it is a great opportunity to uphold India in front of the world. He mentioned about that four G-20 conferences on tourism, two of which have already been conducted, while two more are to be held at Srinagar and Goa in the coming days. 

The Principal Secretary, Culture and Tourism in the Government of Maharashtra Shourabh Vijay and Director in the Union Ministry of Tourism Prashant Ranjan were present amongst the dignitaries.

To Know more about the 1st Global Tourism Investors’ Summit, visit: https://www.gtistourism.in/

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