India is gearing up to organise its first Formula 1 Race in October 2011 in Uttar Pradesh:Kumari Selja
India is gearing up to organise its first Formula 1 Race in October 2011 in Uttar Pradesh:Kumari Selja
Tourism minister Kumari Selja has said,tourism, if remains an urban activity in India, will not benefit the common man. Speaking at a conference organized by World Travel & Tourism Council, India here today she said, Considering the fact that the majority in India lives in villages, her ministry is focusing on rural tourism. She said, she has asked her ministry to carry out an audit of rural tourism projects in the country so that this important initiative is not lost. Rural tourism, the minister said, while providing a varied and vivid experience can also expose the visitors to different ways to live life.
HERE IS THE FULL TEXT OF MINISTER’S SPEECH:
“ Let me congratulate World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative for organising this important Conference on Economic Imperative of Tourism, at a time so opportune when tourism industry is looking up. Arjun, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts with you all.
Tourism, as we all know, is an economic activity that provides jobs for millions within the industry and outside. Globally, tourism grows faster than GDP, doubling the jobs created every 10 to 15 years through its multiplier effect.
Today, considering the benefits of tourism, various Governments are giving it a high priority on their political and economic agenda. For such initiatives of the Governments to be successful, it is imperative that all stakeholders including the common man understand the economic, employment generation and social up- gradation potential of the industry.
In 2008, Tourism industry contributed 9.9% towards the world’s GDP and 8.4% towards world’s employment generation. In India, it contributed 5.92% towards GDP and 9.24% towards employment generation during the year 2007-08.
Due to global financial meltdown, the tourism industry world over saw a decline. India was no exception. While the growth rate in terms of foreign tourist arrivals during the year 2008 was only 4%, in 2009 it actually declined by 3.3%.
Though, Indian growth rate in terms of Foreign Tourist Arrivals during 2008 and 2009 was higher than the world growth rate but it still remained a cause of concern for us. During the lean period, we sustained the momentum due to aggressive marketing, close interaction with the industry and maintaining increased spends on tourism infrastructure.
Today, things are looking up, travel is happening and in India we have seen a growth rate of more than 10% in terms of foreign tourist arrivals and more than 27% in terms of foreign exchange earnings during the first 11 months of current year when compared to the corresponding period last year.
The key in the future for development of tourism, in my opinion, would be research, cooperation, convergence, innovation and collaboration.
We are monitoring and analyzing the global tourism trends to maintain our competitiveness. We are increasing our collaboration and improving information exchange mechanism with the industry, international organizations and educational institutions. And, this is where, the Conferences like the one happening now becomes significant.
My Ministry has developed close linkages with the industry. And, as stated earlier this close co-operation between the Authority and Industry saw us through the recession period. I am committed to the cause of industry and will leave no stone unturned for its growth.
Tourism being the multi-sectoral activity requires convergence of policies and efforts between various Ministries of the Government, State Governments and other stakeholders. The Ministry has taken leadership to bring synergy among the leading players.
Innovation can play a leading role in the growth of tourism by way of introducing new products, adapt to new economic conditions, improve resource management and introduce new technologies for service improvement like introduction of e-visas.
Tourism by the nature of activity removes all barriers. It attaches special value to geographic linkages. Strong intra-regional collaborations can facilitate tourism growth. To cite an example, we would be very happy to collaborate with our neighbours for promotion of Buddhist tourism which has grown mainly in India and abroad. You would agree, such regional linkages and approaches like visa elimination, tax moderation, etc. can become instruments for encouraging travel.
The developing countries like ours will have to understand the full potential of tourism industry and encash it in a sustainable and responsible manner for their socio-economic development. Such countries need to declare Tourism development as their national agenda and key driver for job creation, economic growth and social equity.
My Ministry has no doubt that tourism is going to be one of the main drivers of Indian economy in the years to come. We, in the Ministry, are trying to create a competitive framework with strong public private partnership which can stimulate innovation, cooperation, capacity building, attract private investment and remove existing obstacles.
While making the policy framework the Authorities and Industry should work responsibly and be sensitive to the environmental challenges. The tourism development policies and framework must respect environmental integrity and fight against climate change challenges. The policies and framework should aim at maximizing the economic and social benefits while sustaining environment and other resources.
One of the key challenges for development of tourism in future would be to take community along. Unless community realizes and recognizes the benefits of tourism and becomes an active partner in tourism promotion and development, the whole effort can be brought to naught. For the purpose, community will have to be sensitized. Realizing this, my Ministry initiated social awareness campaigns with Mr. Aamir Khan as brand ambassador. These campaigns have been well received.
Tourism, if remains an urban activity in India, will not benefit the common man. Considering the fact that the majority in India lives in villages, we are focusing on rural tourism. I have asked my Ministry to carry out an audit of our rural tourism projects so that this important initiative is not lost. Rural tourism while providing a varied and vivid experience can also expose the visitors to different ways to live life.
While culture and heritage is going to remain as mainstay of India tourism, the world is going to find our new products like Wellness and Medical Tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) Tourism, Adventure and Sports Tourism including Golf and Polo very attractive.
After having hosted Commonwealth Games successfully, India is ready to play host for Cricket World Cup 2011. India is gearing up to organise its first Formula 1 Race in October 2011 in Uttar Pradesh.
Our effort is to continuously upgrade the tourism infrastructure. With brand new world class terminal T-3 at New Delhi International Airport and new airports at Hyderabad and Bangalore, I sincerely feel that visits of international as well as domestic tourists will turn into a pleasant experience.
While international visitors remain very important from the point of view of foreign exchange earnings, the domestic tourism retains its focus with huge potential for income distribution and bring social equity. The Ministry would continue to promote both international and domestic tourism in the years to come.
The Ministry is sensitive to the demands of the industry and we have recently concluded our Pre Budget exercise. We all are together for the promotion of the industry and rationalization of taxes. The Ministry would be very happy to advocate for industry’s genuine demands with the Ministry of Finance and State Governments.
The strategy today is to promote India as 365 day destination both in Indian and international market with aggressive marketing under “Incredible India” brandline. The endeavor remains to enhance the brand image of “Incredible India” with excellent destinations and strong products backing it up. We are now debating upon the idea to hold first ever National Tourism Mart in the year 2012.
In the end, I would like to urge all stakeholders in the tourism industry to come together and stimulate global economy with their combined efforts. “
Posted by BIJENDER SHARMA
on 8:13 PM.
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