India Aims to Become Top Tourist Destination, Says Union Tourism Minister

Mumbai, 27th April 2023: Behold! A golden era is upon us, as proclaimed by the Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of North-Eastern Region, G. Kishan Reddy! In a grand investor and industry outreach roadshow held today in Mumbai, the Minister expressed his ardent belief that the time has come for investment in the hospitality and tourism sector to flourish.

The outreach program was conducted to spread awareness about the 1st Global Tourism Investors’ Summit (GTIS) that is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from 17-19 May, 2023.

The Union Minister earnestly urged the tourism industry stakeholders to participate in this summit and expressed his conviction that the Government alone cannot propel the tourism industry towards its ultimate zenith. “Unless private investors come forward, the Government cannot take the tourism industry ahead”, he proclaimed with great fervor. Therefore, under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the first-ever Global Tourism Investors’ Summit has been organized.

Furthermore, the Union Minister assured all that the Government of India will work together with the states and private sector for the advancement of the tourism sector. In this context, he revealed that a comprehensive National Tourism Policy has been drafted, which is now pending cabinet approval. The Union Government has taken a ‘whole of government’ approach while drafting this policy and has consulted the states, union territories, and different ministries. The Minister also announced that ASI footfall monuments will now be open for tourists until 9 PM.

In his speech, the Union Tourism Minister envisaged India as the foremost tourist destination and pledged to work hand in hand with state governments in the spirit of cooperative federalism. He declared that the Centre provides 100 percent financing to the state governments for implementing tourism-related schemes. Therefore, he urged the private sector to invest in the tourism sector and assured them of complete cooperation and encouragement from the Centre and the states.
The Union Minister highlighted that the state governments have identified investment potential and facilities in various parts of their states for tourism development. He also revealed that more than 24 states have prepared their action plans, and the blueprint will be presented by the Government of India. The Minister fervently encouraged the stakeholders to collaborate with foreign countries through joint ventures and their financial organizations for the country’s tourism sector.

In his grand vision, the Union Minister emphasized that all sectors of tourism now have a tremendous opportunity to progress further, due to better and easy connectivity through national highways, trains, and flights. He especially emphasized the immense potential for development in the MICE tourism (Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism) and hospitality sectors.

The Union Tourism Minister also revealed that discussions are ongoing with state governments for the proper implementation of the National Tourism Policy, which will come into force soon. He stated that state governments should develop healthy competition amongst themselves for tourism growth through good policies and initiatives. The Minister informed that the Tourism Ministry holds regular meetings with stakeholder ministries like the Ministry of Civil Aviation, for better implementation of the UDAN scheme, and the Ministry of Railways, regarding tourist circuit trains, among others.

The Minister acknowledged that the Government will strive to resolve the issues faced by the tourism sector and identify the potential fields of investment in the tourism sector. He proudly mentioned that the Union Budget this year has stated that 50 destinations will be developed under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.

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

The grand Global Tourism Investors’ Summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi, and before the final meeting, roadshows and roundtables like this one in Mumbai are being organized in all essential sectors of tourism.