Day Two Of The National Conference of State Tourism Ministers started with Great Words of Wisdom by our Leaders
Beginning on the second day of the National Conference of State Tourism Ministers in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, and Union Minister of Tourism, Culture, and DoNER Sh. G. Kishan Reddy honoured guests from the various States of India.
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Haryana, Mizoram, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh were among the 12 States represented by their tourism ministers.
Shri Reddy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised two aspects, First is the Whole Government Approach, where we break down silos and work together across Government Ministries. Second, 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. The whole of government approach and Jan Bhandari can revolutionise the Tourism sector in the country, added Shri G Kishan Reddy
Yesterday, a press conference presided over by Shri G Kishan Reddy marked the start of the three-day National Conference of State Tourism Ministers in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
According to Sh.G. Kishan Reddy, the tourist sector is ready for a comeback now that the epidemic is behind us. India is a popular tourist destination with a variety of goods and activities.
One of the world’s oldest civilizations, India has a rich legacy that encompasses a wide variety of holidays, religions, traditions, and customs. The Union Minister continued by saying that for every international traveller, India is not just a location to see and visit but also a place to experience and be changed for life.
Tourism is crucial for India to accomplish its short-term aim of a $5 trillion GDP and its long-term objective of being a developed country.
Shri Reddy appealed that just like NSS, and NCC needs 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. Shri Reddy also emphasised that to achieve the 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, state or industry.
Sh Jai Ram Thakur said, “It is a very important day for us today as representatives from all over India are here with us. I am delighted that Himachal Pradesh got this opportunity to host all of you. This is an excellent initiative by the Ministry of Tourism. Himachal Pradesh presents lots of unique destinations to the world. “
He further added that the tourism industry in India and Himachal was badly hit by the pandemic; however, now we are at the cusp of a change. He said, “Now, our government has also started the “Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein” scheme to highlight some of our lesser known tourist destinations. The state has undertaken multiple new projects to attract the tourists not only for a weekend but for longer stays too.”
Sh. Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Tourism & Ports, Shipping and Waterways spoke of the successful implementation of the PRASHAD and SWADESH DARSHAN schemes of the 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 the 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”
Sh Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State for Tourism and Defence, suggested that it is the need of the hour to bring out our hidden cultural and natural facets to attract more tourists. “We have tackled the difficult times of COVID19 with the Dekho Apna Desh initiative. We are constantly moving forward under the able guidance of our Prime Minister. However, despite having one of the best natural beauties, India attracts less than 2% of global tourists; and, this only points to the potential that we can achieve.”, said the minister.
Addressing the gathering, Shri 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 main 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, Buddhist Circuit, Himalaya Circuit, etc under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme”
During the session, Sh 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 the tourism sector; and, this in itself is a symbol of change in the tourism sector.” Sh. Arvind Singh also said that the G-20 presidency offers a unique opportunity for India to boost its tourism sector and the revival of the tourism sector will generate employment opportunities in India.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Sh Nakul Anand, Chairman, FAITH said, “We meet together under a common cause which has provided livelihood to many. India, despite being the fifth largest economy in the world, accounts for a minuscule of the world’s tourism share. COVID19 remained the worst crisis in the tourism sector. This year brought a new ray of hope. The year ahead will also see the rise of travel in India as the nation emerges from the pandemic shock. We need to blend and promote the current tourism with our ancient culture.” He also added, “The tourism industry is now answering the demands of the times and we are moving to a tourism sector that focuses on experiential values “
The conference is broken up into sessions focused on developing tourism infrastructure, cultural, spiritual, and heritage tourism, tourism in the Himalayan states, responsible and sustainable tourism, the role of digital technology in marketing and promoting travel destinations, the growing significance of homestays in the Indian hospitality industry, Ayurveda, wellness, and medical value travel, and finally, forest and wildlife tourism.
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