Seminar organised by FAST on ‘India’s G-20 Presidency: A Golden Opportunity for India Tourism’

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

FAST (Foundation For Aviation and Sustainable Tourism) organised a session on “India’s G-20Presidency: A Golden Opportunity for India Tourism.” While speaking to the audience via video link, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Tourism, emphasised the significance of the seminar in today’s context.

The Group of Twenty (G20) is the world’s main platform for economic cooperation. It is crucial in shaping and improving global governance and architecture on all key international economic challenges. GTIS aims to encourage worldwide investment in the Indian tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as investments in tourism infrastructure, technology, skill development, startups, and other areas.

The Minister said that the “G-20 will help in raising awareness about tourism potential at the global level.”
India has participated in G-20 meetings and has taken the lead in various areas, including fostering inclusive growth, expanding infrastructure investment, and tightening financial regulation.

Hon’ble Minister’s introductory talk was very inspiring and created the way for engaging and interesting seminar discussions. The Guest of Honour, Shri Arvind Singh, IAS, Secretary, Tourism, presented the Way Forward that the government is doing to effectively capitalise on this opportunity. He stated that tourism traffic is on the rise, and facilities such as High-Speed Modern Trains combined with Quality Highways, as well as airports and air routes under RCS, have all played a significant role.

He effectively communicated the PM’s intention to proceed in Mission Mode for tourism. He also highlighted the rich video material that is becoming viral on social media, showcasing tourism, and he elaborated on the Ministry’s planned programmes and actions in this respect.

The seminar has heightened awareness of the next events under the G-20 umbrella in general, and specifically the upcoming Investor Summit in May 2023, in addition to giving marketing, tourism promotion, and networking possibilities.

Furthermore, the Seminar was guided by the capable hands of two former Secretary of Tourism, former Chairman of AAI, and the leadership of the former Governor of Tripura & Chhattisgarh, Lt. Gen. KM Seth, PVSM, AVSM(Retd.) and President of FAST, who worked together to produce meaningful results through deliberations in two dedicated Business Sessions. Mr. MP Bezbaruah, IAS, former Secretary Tourism, presided over Session 1; Mr. Vinod Zutshi, IAS, former Secretary Tourism, presided over Session 2.

During discussions, it was discovered that in order to make the greatest use of the G20 presidency for travel and tourism, India may commence contacts with G20 nations at four important levels, namely (i) government to government (G2G). (ii) Government to business (G2B), (iii) business-to-business (B2B), and (iv) people-to-people (P2P). Such discussions were required to be documented in the form of a Post Seminar Report (PSR). The PSR may be submitted to the government, pertinent ministries, and stakeholders for action at their respective levels.

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