Tourism Breaking News
The Tourism Working Group under India’s G20 presidency held its first meeting from February 7-10, 2023 in the picturesque city of Ran of Kutch, Gujarat. The meeting brought together over 100 delegates from participating and guest countries, as well as speakers and industry representatives, to discuss and exchange ideas on the future of tourism. The event opened with a side event focused on the connection between rural tourism and poverty alleviation and had discussions on five priority areas, including green tourism, digitalization, skills, MSMEs, and destination management. The meeting was a success, with broad consensus and productive discussions on the future of the tourism industry.
The meeting opened with a side event focused on rural tourism and alleviating poverty and had discussions on five priority areas, including green tourism, digitalization, skills, MSMEs, and destination management. Stalls showcasing local arts and crafts, virtual reality, and the International Year of Millets 2023 were set up, followed by a cultural program and gala dinner.
Delegates also went on an excursion to Dholavira and participated in a yoga session and cultural activities. The Tourism Working Group will hold three more meetings, including a ministerial meeting in Goa, and three major events to promote tourism during India’s G20 presidency.
Arvind Singh, the secretary of tourism, stated that the main objective of the meeting was to set the agenda for the G20 working group meetings and share India’s five priorities with the Troika, the past and future presidents of the G20. He added that all the countries broadly supported India’s priorities, although each country prioritized the five areas differently.
Singh also noted that the meeting was successful in promoting information sharing and the exchange of best practices, particularly in the side events on rural tourism. He said that the other significant side event was on archaeological tourism and that insights were gained from international experiences in Mexico, Indonesia, Spain, UNESCO, and other organizations.
Gujarat Tourism is planning to set up a tent city near Dholavira to promote archaeological tourism. Singh concluded that the meeting was productive, with broad consensus and good participation from all member countries, inviting countries, and international organizations. Despite the pandemic, there was more physical participation than in the last two presidencies, although some sessions had to be held virtually.
