The Ministry of Tourism will be holding its first Tourism Working Group meeting under the framework of the G20 from February 7 to February 9, 2023, in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Secretary Arvind Singh of the Ministry of Tourism announced in a press conference in New Delhi that there will be a focus on five priority areas for tourism in the G20, including greening of the tourism sector, digitization, skills for youth, MSMEs, and startups in tourism, and strategic management of destinations.
The meeting will also feature side events on rural and archaeological tourism to promote tourism in India and showcase successful Indian tourism stories to foreign delegates. The Secretary highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism, not only for the environment but also for local enterprises, and the role of G20 in raising awareness of India’s tourism potential on a global level.
The Secretary also emphasized the importance of improving the hospitality and management skills of local communities, particularly the youth, to accommodate the influx of tourists, as well as showcasing local arts and crafts and promoting the One District One Product initiative through farewell gifts to delegates.
In addition to the Tourism Working Group meeting, the Ministry of Tourism will be hosting three major tourism events in conjunction with the G20 Presidency, including a Global Investors’ Summit in April, a MICE Convention, and a meeting of the World Tourism CEOs Forum. A Ministerial-level Communique summarizing the agreements reached by participating countries will be presented at the end of the summit. The G20 events will showcase a variety of Indian tourist destinations, including rural, archaeological, and historical sites.
Furthermore, Secretary Singh stated that the Ministry of Tourism is taking full advantage of the G20 Presidency to enhance the profile of India’s tourism industry globally and attract more investment and visitors. The focus on sustainable tourism and empowering the youth and MSMEs in the sector are in line with the government’s vision for inclusive and sustainable growth in the tourism industry.
The first Tourism Working Group meeting under the G20 framework in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat is set to be a major milestone for the Indian tourism industry. With the focus on key priority areas, the meeting will provide a platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange, as well as raise awareness of India’s rich culture, diverse destinations, and tourism potential on a global level. The Ministry of Tourism is working to ensure that the G20 events are a success and bring positive results to the Indian tourism industry.
