Category Archives: MOT

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, has superannuated and has moved on from Ministry of Tourism. He took up the role in February 2021. V Vidyavathi, who joined as Officer on Special Duty will be taking charge as Secretary today. She was DG, ASI before this.

The All-India Association of Authorized Money Changers & Money Transfer Agents has demanded the inclusion of foreign currency cash, wire transfers through banks, pre-paid forex cards and other international payments into the TCS exemption ambit offered to overseas transactions using debit and credit cards under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS).

Amritsar in Punjab has been selected for a holistic mission to develop a sustainable and responsible destination under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. Another city in Punjab, Kapurthala, has also been chosen for the same.

Arvind Singh, Secretary Tourism, stated that convention centers in India were previously limited to big cities, but now they are emerging in various major centers across the country. With G20 meetings happening in 59 locations, it shows India’s capability to host excellent conferences, showcasing India’s potential as a M!CE destination.

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism claimed. “We’re also planning to do a major event on international M!CE conference in Hyderabad in July to take advantage of the tailwinds created by the G20, which will focus and deliberate on how India can develop as a major M!CE destination”.

Union Minister for Tourism, G Kishan Reddy said that Jammu & Kashmir expects to see 20 million tourist arrivals and that the government is mulling 100% FDI to create tourism infrastructure across the country with special focus on J&K. “In year 2022, 1.84 crore tourists visited J&K and this year, we expect 20 million tourist arrivals including foreign guests. Without private investment we cannot become a world tourist destination that is why we want investment globally and locally,” he said.      

G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Tourism, in his address at the third G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in Srinagar said, film tourism is a powerful medium to promote tourism potential as films have a great impact on the travel choices attracting tourists all over the world.

The third G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting will be held in Srinagar from May 22 to 24, which will help in boosting tourist footfalls in Jammu and Kashmir. Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, has said that the Ministry of Tourism will be releasing a National Strategy on Film Tourism during the meet.

Festivals and events are a significant driver of tourism. Ministry of Tourism aims to promote and develop our numerous festivals across the regions and seasons as tourism products and experiences drawing Indian and foreign tourists to these festivals, the ministry said.

Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, has said that during G-20 Presidency, MOT has planned a number of events, engaging not only government stakeholders, but also travel trade and hospitality sector. “We plan to promote green tourism, open 50 new tourism destinations and soon launch a publicity campaign in overseas markets during our presidency,” he informed.