Tag Archives: Rakesh VErma

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has said that after the post-budget webinar, it was visible that tourism cannot move forward without convergence because it’s a cross-sectoral thing as it has many more domains and support of many other departments is necessary.

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, has shared that the MOT has participated in WTM London and now they are planning to participate in Fitur and ITB Berlin. “In both the events, we will participate along with the industry and the states,” he added.

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has said that the tour operators are the most significant members of the value chain. “They interface with the customer & the markets and the role is going to get increased. They are the ones who get impacted by the changes in the industry,” he added.

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has said that IATO has organized some great sessions and there will be brainstorming on various issues on how industry can accelerate growth and how both government and industry can work together. “I think this will be a very meaningful convention with lot of ideas to benefit the sector,” he added.

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has shared that they are looking at over ₹1000 crore to be given to the board for implementing the marketing and promotional campaigns. “It will cover different channels and the focus will be on country specific strategies and on digital platform,” he added.

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has shared that the National Tourism Board of India (NTBI) will have a separate M!CE Vertical plus dedicated M!CE promotion for India. “A dedicated funding of ₹50 crore has been proposed for M!CE vertical, which should go into incentivising organisations and associations for getting events in India,” he said.

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, while addressing the press at the WTM London, stated that India has achieved phenomenal growth in enhancing infrastructure, which along with massive vaccination drive, will help India to achieve pre-pandemic levels of international tourist arrivals. It also offers huge opportunities for investors and an Investor Summit will be organised by the MOT in February 2023.

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has said that the National Tourism Board of India will have four representatives from key ministries–Culture, Civil Aviation, External Affairs and Commerce. “Similarly, from the industry, four professionals from different verticals will be nominated on the board,” he added.

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has said that the Nidhi 2.0 platform is now maturing. “We have now tested it with almost all state governments and about 20 state governments have now been brought on that platform.”

Additional Secretary Tourism Rakesh Verma said that it is important to sensitise and empower the local communities in developing sustainable skill development that are required for green tourism. Promotion of homestays, investment plans and destination development need to link with green and sustainable tourism policies and all the other aspects of sustainable tourism.