The three-day National Conference of State Tourism Ministers at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh began on Sunday where ina presser G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture, Tourism & DoNER explained that the National Conference of State Tourism Ministers aims to bring in diverse viewpoints and perspectives from all the States and Union Territories of India on tourism development and growth and to create a direct dialogue with the States on Schemes, policies, and steps being taken at a national level for overall tourism improvement in India.

G. Kishan Reddy,  Union Minister of Tourism, Culture, and DONER stated that in the past 75 years, India has become synonymous with tourism, spirituality, transformation, culture, and diversity.

As such, establishing the tourism sector as a primary concern, the Ministry of Tourism has undertaken various initiatives and taken a four-fold development strategy that focuses on improving the connectivity via air, rail, and roads, enhancing the tourism infrastructure and dependent services, streamlining branding and promotion and showcasing the culture and heritage informed the Minister. 

Highlighting the slogan of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’ given by the Prime Minister,  Kishan Reddy informed that after the vast process of consultations and deliberations, the National Tourism Policy will be brought out before the Budget session.

With India’s G20 Presidency, Minister Reddy disclosed that G-20 will be used as a platform to showcase India’s tourism potential to the world.

The country has increased airports from 74 in 2014 to 140 now, and it is further proposed to increase number of airports to 220 by 2025 echoed Reddy. 

The Tourism sector generated INR 16.91 lakh crore (USD 240 billion) or 9.2% of India’s GDP in 2018 and has supported around 42.67 million jobs or 8.1% of total employment.

The Conference is divided into thematic sessions on Development of Tourism Infrastructure, Cultural, Spiritual & Heritage tourism, Tourism in the Himalayan states, Responsible and sustainable tourism, Role of digital technology for the marketing and promotion of tourism destinations, Emerging importance of homestays in the Indian hospitality sector, Ayurveda, Wellness, and Medical Value travel, and lastly on Forest and wildlife tourism.

The Ministry has sanctioned Rs 7000 crores for the development of tourism infrastructure throughout the country. A number of 76 projects have been sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 30 States and UTs for building tourist infrastructure across various themes.

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