Category Archives: MOT

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.

Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State for Tourism, has said Ministry of Tourism, Government of India also lays great focus on development of rural tourism destinations that aim to preserve and promote cultural and natural heritage while also making sure that tourism leads to sustainable development

MOT constituted National Tourism Advisory Council, will have Minister of Tourism as Chairman and Secretary as VC. Other ministries, stalwarts and associations are part of this council. It will be a ‘think tank’ to advise Govt on policy matters relating to tourism.

Ministry of Tourism, signed MoU with Airbnb to promote India as the most sought-after tourism destination. Under the MoU, Airbnb will launch a dedicated ‘Soul of India’ microsite for the global audience showcasing India’s rich culture and built heritage.

Shripad Yesso Naik, Ministry of State for tourism highlighted the various inland and sea cruise experiences offered by Goa and stressed on the importance of a strategic infrastructural boost to position the state as a favored cruise tourism destination in the country.