To boost tourism during the period of Amrit Kaal, the country envisages 59 new air routes

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 on the same,Union Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh said the country plans to develop 50 new tourism destinations and envisages 59 new air routes to boost tourism in India.

Speaking at the inaugural session of G20 Tourism Expo organised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India along with FICCI and Rajasthan’s Tourism Department, 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, the country registered 6.19 million Foreign Tourists Arrivals in 2022, registering a growth of 305 per cent as compared to 1.52 million in 2021. We plan to promote Green Tourism and open 50 new destinations and launch publicity in the overseas markets.”

He further added, “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 UDAN scheme which has been successful. Of this, 51 routes are already operational.” 

During his inaugural address, Vishwendra Singh, Minister of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan informed that the state government plans to revive 23 old airstrips in the state to provide the much-needed boost to the tourism sector. “Under our newly introduced Rural Tourism policy, we are going to redevelop 23 airstrips with the support of the private sector. This will provide a big impetus to tourism in Rajasthan, especially in rural areas and create employment opportunities.” Singh added that other states should try and emulate the path-breaking Rural Tourism policy. “The policy is expected to boost wildlife tourism, cultural and religious tourism across the state,” he said. 

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

From left: Dipak Deva; Chang Jae-bok, Ambassador of South Korea in India; Sr Jyotsna Suri; Arvind Singh; Vishwendra Singh; Gayatri Rathore; Shailesh Pathak and Randhir Vikram Singh, President, Indian Heritage Hotel Association.

Welcoming the delegates and dignitaries, Dipak Deva, Chairperson, Tourism & Culture Committee, FICCI, said, “The recovery of tourism worldwide has been phenomenal with India leading from the front. We hope to keep the momentum going and aim 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 hosting 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.”

An optimistic FICCI Secretary General Shailesh Pathak predicted that by 2030 when India becomes the third largest economy in the world, the tourism outflow from the country will be five times than today. “The inflow of foreign tourists is going to be 10 times the current level. This will lead to green and sustainable job creation,” he shared.  

The G20 Tourism Expo is being organised simultaneously with the 12th edition of Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) and is co-organised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India along with Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan and FICCI.