Representatives, stakeholders deliberate on action plan to energise travel, tourism and hospitality sectors at Hospitality and Tourism Conclave

To bring together stakeholders and representatives for deliberations in the context of energising the business in all aspects of travel, tourism and hospitality and chalk out an action plan for this sector, Services and Export Promotion Council (SEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, organised the Hospitality and Tourism Conclave today at Taj Palace New Delhi. The event was graced by Arvind Singh, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India as the chief guest.

In the present scenario, the services industry is being recognised for the mettle it brings to the Indian economy. One of the largest key sectors assigned to SEPC, travel and tourism is responsible for millions of jobs and a major portion of forex. It is projected that the tourism sector will account for about 53 million jobs by 2029 and international tourist arrival is expected to reach 30.5 billion by 2028.

To propound innovative ideas to augment inbound tourism and accelerate engagement with the travel and tourism trade industry, SEPC is working round-the-clock, and the Hospitality and Tourism Conclave was an effort in similar vein. 

“The tourism policy will help in strengthening tourism and development of sub-sectors as well. The key pointers include enhancing contribution to tourism by increasing visitation, stay and spend and making India a 365-day destination; creating jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in the sector and augmenting the availability of skilled manpower for the same; enhancing competitiveness of the tourism sector and removing compliance burdens, taxation issues; preserving and enhancing natural and cultural resources; being e-sustainable, responsible and inclusive development of tourism without overburdening local communities; accelerating digitalisation, innovation and technological advancements and following a collaborative approach between various stakeholders and ministries and follow, Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” said Arvind Singh, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Meanwhile, Sunil H Talati, Chairman, SEPC, shared, “The conclave was the coming together of various experts and stakeholders from the industry to add gravitas to the proposed events like ATITHI and strengthen the travel and tourism sector in India. It touched upon points for the growth prospects and challenges and the need for a framework to put India on the global travel map.”

Karan Rathore, Vice Chairman, SEPC said that the hospitality sector is a sunrise industry with immense potential for growth. “It accounts for approximately 50 million jobs in the country and direct foreign investments. Hospitality has been the essence of India. The need of the hour is to position the country as a holistic travel and wellness destination and help the tourist traffic reach the projected 13.34 million in 2024.”