In line with India’s G20 Presidency coinciding with  celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav – Amrit Kaal, Ministry of Tourism,  Government of India is attempting to develop India’s Tourism Sector on a  mission mode. Elaborating the same, Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry  of Tourism, Government of India today said that India plans to develop 50  new tourism destinations across the country and envisages making 59 new air  routes operational to boost tourism in the country.

Speaking during inaugural session of G20 Tourism Expo organized by Ministry  of Tourism, Government of India along with FICCI and Department of Tourism,  Government of Rajasthan, Arvind Singh said, “Amidst India’s G20  Presidency, India’s Tourism sector is showing one of the strongest recoveries in  the Asia Pacific region. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, India  registered 6.19 million foreign Tourists arrivals in 2022 registering a growth of  305% as compared to 1.52 million in 2021. To promote tourism further, we  plan to promote Green Tourism and open up 50 new Tourism destinations and  launch publicity in overseas market.”

The Ministry of Tourism has already organized to G20- Tourism working Group  Meetings and is exploring promotion of Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skill  development, promotion of MSMEs and Destination Management. Besides,  the Government is also focusing on robust infrastructure development as a  whole.

“We are taking a 360 degree view of developing the Tourism infrastructure  with focus on enhancing rail, road and Air connectivity. We have  recommended 59 new routes to the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the Udaan  Scheme, which is very successful and out of this 51 Tourism routes have  already been operationalized,” said Shri Singh while highlighting the initiatives  taken for the deepening of the tourism sector in the country.

Vishwendra Singh, Minister of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan today  informed that the state government plans to revive 23 old air-strips spread all  over Rajasthan which will give boost to tourism sector in the state.

Delivering his inaugural address at G20 Tourism Expo, Shri Vishwendra Singh  said, ”Under our newly introduced Rural Tourism policy, we are going to re develop 23 air-strip with private sector support. This will provide a big impetus  to tourism in Rajasthan, especially in rural areas and create humongous  employment opportunities.”

“Rajasthan has also formed a path-breaking Rural Tourism policy which a lot  states should emulate. The policy is expected to boost wildlife tourism, cultural  and religious tourism across the state,” said Shri Vishwendra Singh.

Enumerating the initiatives taken by Rajasthan Government, Gayatri  Rathore, Principal Secretary – Tourism, Art & Culture, Government of Rajasthan  said, “Rajasthan is home to about 75% of heritage hotels in India, many of  which has been renovated and restored through public private partnership and  are now being used for royal-weddings and film shoots. Our department has  recently formulated Rural Tourism Scheme to promote Tourism in rural  Rajasthan and create employment opportunity.”

Welcoming the delegates and dignitaries Dipak Deva, Chairperson,  Tourism & Culture Committee of FICCI said, “The recovery of tourism  worldwide has been phenomenon and India is leading from the front. We hope  to keep the momentum aiming at 11 million FTAs. India’s G20 Presidency will  add strength to India’s drive.“

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI & CMD of The  Lalit Suri Hospitality Group said, “India’s G20 Presidency is an incredible opportunity of not only to host meetings, but also a fantastic platform to  showcase India’s diverse culture, cuisine, heritage and its treasure of tourism  destinations. It is also a great opportunity for tourism industry to showcase  itself.”

Randhir Vikram Singh, President, Indian Heritage Hotel Association &  CMD, Hotel Castle Mandawa said, “As a country, we have a rich heritage and  the tourism, especially in Rajasthan has a lot of heritage sites to showcase.“

Delivering Vote of Thanks, Shailesh Pathak, Secretary General, FICCI said,  “By 2030, as India becomes the 3rd largest economy in the world, a prediction:  tourism outflow from India is going to be 5X of today’s numbers, and the  inflow of foreign tourists is going to be 10X of the current level. This will lead to  green & sustainable job creation.”