G20 Presidency: Indian Tourism Sector to contribute $56 billion forex to GDP and generate 140 million jobs

January 20, 2023 | 12:34:33

Under the aegis of India’s G20 Presidency, the Ministry of Tourism shall be organizing the country's first Global Tourism Summit in New Delhi where all G-20 member countries will be invited to participate.

NEW DELHI: The Government of India has a vision of USD 56 Billion forex, creating around 140 million jobs in tourism by 2030 through inclusive growth and are particularly focusing on cruise tourism, ecotourism and adventure tourism.

Under the aegis of India’s G20 Presidency, the Ministry of Tourism shall be organizing the country's first Global Tourism Summit in New Delhi from 10-12 April 2023, where all G-20 member countries will be invited to participate. 

In a roadshow held ahead of the summit at St Regis Hotel, Mumbai, the Tourism Ministry officials from various Western Region States emphasized how G20 will be the Union Tourism Ministry's main area in 2023 to establish the country as a key tourism destination during its year-long leadership. Global perspective was given by various Consulates.

Prashant Ranjan, Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India shared that at the Global Tourism Investor’s Summit, India will be showcasing opportunities for investment and trade in various segments of tourism such as theme parks, adventure tourism, and wellness tourism. The Government of India has a vision of USD 56 Billion forex, creating around 140 million jobs in tourism by 2030 through inclusive growth and are particularly focusing on cruise tourism, eco-tourism and adventure tourism. He also mentioned that the Indian government has been investing in infrastructure and promoting the tourism and hospitality sector through various schemes and initiatives, and are now introducing the scheme called Swadesh Darshan 2.0 which will focus on sustainable and responsible development of tourist destinations.

Saurabh Vijay, Principal Secretary – Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra highlighted that the Government is discussing the development of an online application portal to facilitate investment opportunities in the tourism industry in Maharashtra, India. They have identified various opportunities such as land for amusement parks, autism, cruise tourism, and ecotourism, and are also focusing on private investment and partnerships. GoM has identified specific locations and projects such as a mangrove park and aquarium project and are also exploring opportunities in MICE tourism and responsible tourism. Maharashtra has reduced the no. of licenses to 10 only for Ease of Doing Business’ “Mumbai is the Cruise Capital” and Tadoba is the ‘Tiger Capital’.

The state officials of Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Daman & Diu, presented policy initiatives undertaken by their respective Tourism/Industries Department to improve ease of doing business and a summary of unique fiscal and non-fiscal incentives in the sector. They also presented investment success stories and reaffirmed their commitment towards utilizing the potential of the tourism sector as a vehicle for transformational socio-economic change. The roadshow created significant interest among the small and medium operators on the possibilities and promise of the upcoming summit.