The inaugural session of the 2nd Tourism Working Group Meeting under G20 hosted by the Ministry of Tourism was held at Siliguri, West Bengal. The session was addressed by Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and DoNER G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Minority Affairs, John Barla. Raju Bista, Member of Parliament, Darjeeling was also present in the session.
Reddy said that Siliguri possesses a rare combination of diversity, culture, tradition, and beauty. He added that that the ideas discussed during the meeting will aid in developing tourism in mission mode. He announced that the country is observing ‘Visit India Year 2023’ which is a unique, collective movement that invites the world to explore India in the historical year of India’s G20 presidency as well as, grand celebrations of 75 years of Indian Independence – India@75 Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The minister announced that the vision is to make India a one trillion dollar tourism economy by 2047 – our 100th year of Independence. He also informed that the Ministry of Tourism has also formulated a Draft National Tourism Policy. The new Policy is a holistic framework for sustainable and responsible growth of the tourism sector in the country and aims at improving framework conditions for tourism development in the country, supporting tourism industries, and strengthening tourism to highlight India’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
In a side event today, on “Tourism in Mission Mode: Advantage Adventure Tourism” presentations by the participants highlighted the benefits, issues and challenges in the promotion of adventure tourism. The model law on adventure safety and way of developing vibrant villages as adventure destinations were discussed.
Reddy said that by the very nature of adventure tourism locations, this niche product will benefit India’s tribal, disadvantaged communities, women and youth by providing jobs & entrepreneurial opportunities. The minister said that the National Adventure Tourism strategy has been framed and the aim is to place India among the top adventure tourism destinations of the world by developing infrastructure and setting up high safety standards.
