India’s G20 Presidency is about boosting tourism, sustainable growth

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting to be held in Srinagar from May 22 to 24 is an unprecedented opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to showcase its tourism potential to the world. As Union Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh rightly pointed out, the tourism sector is providing an unparalleled opportunity to highlight the country’s tourism offerings and share its success stories on the global stage.

This event, to be attended by over 100 international delegates and 50-100 Indian members, will be the first major international event to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. It is a testament to the progress made in the region and a sign of confidence in its potential as a tourism destination.

During the G20 presidency, India has focused on several key priority areas, including sustainable development, digitalization, and the promotion of inclusive growth. The government is keen to attract global investment into the Indian tourism and hospitality sector along with investments in tourism infrastructure, technology, skill development, startups and more, and is actively working towards this.

Tourism can be used as a vehicle for promoting awareness about archaeological sites, which can lead to a better understanding of the cultural heritage of a destination and the promotion of economic and social development of local communities. This is why India plans to promote green tourism, open up to 50 new tourism destinations, and launch a publicity campaign in overseas markets during its presidency of the G20 this year.

The whole world is experiencing a recovery in the tourism sector after the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, India has received 6.2 million foreign tourists in 2022, with a growth rate of 307.9 per cent, as compared to 1.52 million in 2021, according to Union Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to India’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Srinagar is an opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of Jammu and Kashmir to the world. Delegates will be taken on a shikara ride in Dal Lake and treated to cultural programs at Sher-e-Kashmir Convention Centre. They will also go to Gulmarg, where they will take a gondola ride, and attend a technical session on the promotion of film tourism.

As Rajasthan Tourism Secretary Gayatri Rathore rightly pointed out, the G20 has given the much-needed impetus to the tourism sector’s recovery. With the world experiencing a recovery in the tourism sector, India has an opportunity to showcase its tourism potential to the world and attract more tourists to its shores. The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Srinagar is just the beginning of this journey, and we hope that India will continue to make progress in this direction.