 Early Times Report
Jammu, May 21: The ‘3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting’ is set to take place in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, from 22nd to 24th May 2023. Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Shri Arvind Singh, announced this during a press conference at SKICC Srinagar today.
The meeting aims to discuss and deliberate on two key deliverables: the GOA Roadmap for Tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Declaration. This meeting has garnered the highest participation compared to the previous two meetings held in Rann of Kutch and Siliguri.
Shri Arvind Singh highlighted that the meeting will focus on five key priority areas: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs, and Destination Management. These priorities play a crucial role in driving the transition of the tourism sector and achieving the targets set for the 2030 SDGs.
A side event on ‘Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation’ will be organized during the meeting, with a specific focus on strategies to promote film tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. This event will involve the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders. Additionally, a draft ‘National Strategy on Film Tourism’ will be unveiled to provide a roadmap for leveraging films to promote tourist destinations.
Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Chief Coordinator of G20, emphasized the broader objectives of the Tourism Working Group, which include presenting India’s rich cultural identity to the world and promoting its tourism potential. The focus is on sustainable tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism, aligning with the relevant aspects for Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Secretary of J&K, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, highlighted the positive change in Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, with the arrival of the highest number of tourists (18.8 million) in 2022. He mentioned plans to develop 300 new tourist destinations in the region, ensuring each destination offers unique experiences for visitors.
During the meeting, delegates will visit the Art and Craft Bazaar, showcasing local handicrafts and the work of artisans, highlighting the importance of community participation. They will also have the opportunity to engage in do-it-yourself (DIY) activities at the Craft Bazaar.
The Ministry of Tourism is actively promoting local products from Jammu and Kashmir, providing delegates with souvenirs such as Paper Mache Boxes, Saffron from Pampore, Kawa Cups and Brass Spoons, and Walnuts from Anantnag, Shopian, and Kupwara.
The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development in the region. It presents a unique opportunity to showcase the tourism potential and cultural richness of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, welcomes the participation of delegates from G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations, as they collectively work towards advancing the tourism sector and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. |
