Category Archives: MOT

G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism, has said that all destinations where G20 meetings were held, have attracted global attention and put India on the global tourism map. “G20 meetings have fostered collaboration between governments, private sector and other stakeholders.”

According to provisional data received from Bureau of Immigration, the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during January to April 2023 reached 79 per cent of FTAs during the same period in 2019, revealed G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism, in Rajya Sabha.

G Kishan Reddy, Minister of Tourism said, “There is immense scope for the tourism sector in India’s Northeast region, but there has not been sufficient private investment. Without private investment, tourism in any country cannot be developed and moved forward.” 

As a part of initiative towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, MOT launched strategy for promoting and developing rural homestays. The intent is to provide vital financial, technical and marketing assistance to boost rural homestays in India and foster authentic rural experience.

Pertaining to the experience of over-tourism this summer, Ajay Bhatt, Union Minister of State for Tourism, highlighted about need of additional parking spaces, “This initiative aims to alleviate overcrowding and encourage tourists to explore lesser-known areas as well.”

Manisha Saxena, DG Tourism, GOI stressed on how MOT is going to focus develop responsible infra and promote sustainable practices in tourism sector. She expressed concern and said, “Tourism industry should minimize its impact on environment and community.

Recommending measures to revive tourism, Niti Aayog said that there needs to be greater integration between Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of External Affairs for the purpose of branding and marketing of medical tourism in India as only 6.7% of the overall foreign tourist arrivals are for medical purposes. As a pre-budget suggestion to Ministry of Tourism, Niti Aayog has said that a Rs 500-crore fund invested in easily retractable Government Bonds or securities by the Ministry of Tourism, with another Rs 100 crore invested every year for next 20-30 years, will help sustain the industry in case of another unprecedented crisis. Greater integration between Ministry of Tourism and MEA can turn India into a top destination for medical tourism. Currently, only 6.7% of the overall foreign tourist arrivals in India are for medical purposes, says Niti Aayog.

V. Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, has said that the infrastructure created at cities that hosted G20 meetings have been phenomenal. “We must keep the momentum going and attract more meetings, conventions to happen at these places, “she added.

Minister of State for Tourism & Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shripad Yesso Naik held a bilateral meeting with Md. Mahbub Ali, State Minister for Civil Aviation & Tourism. It stressed on the deep cultural bond between the two nations. It also outlined the major infrastructure initiatives which have been taken by respective governments. The discussions stressed the possibility of further collaboration on tourism via inland rivers, and visa facilities to facilitate long-haul travel for visitors.

V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Tourism, has said that the five pillars/priorities of G20 TWG meeting and the Goa Roadmap have emerged from the draft National Tourism Policy prepared by MOT. “They were quite comprehensive and appreciated by all,” she said. She shared the policy will soon see light of the day.