The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has successfully completed the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, held from 22nd to 24th May 2023 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting saw the participation of national and international delegates and experts, who engaged in high-quality discussions on various aspects of tourism.
Arvind Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, announced two key deliverables of the meeting. All G20 members are required to submit their suggestions in writing by 26th May 2023, which will be incorporated into the final draft of the roadmap prepared in consultation with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This roadmap will be presented at the fourth Tourism Working Group Meeting scheduled to be held in Goa in June, followed by the tourism declaration at the Ministerial Meet.
The 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting featured several successful side events that provided delegates with the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Srinagar. They were treated to displays of local arts and handicrafts and had the chance to interact with artisans. Sightseeing tours were also organized, allowing the delegates to visit attractions such as the Mughal Gardens, Pari Mahal, and the newly renovated Polo View Market under the Smart City Mission. Additionally, cultural nights were held in collaboration with the state government to showcase the region's traditional music and dance.
Under India's G20 Tourism Track, the Tourism Working Group is focused on five inter-connected priority areas: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination. These priorities serve as the foundation for accelerating the tourism sector's transition and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The two key deliverables of the Tourism Working Group are the GOA Roadmap for tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals and the G20 Tourism Ministers' Declaration.
The Ministry of Tourism has made significant progress in finalizing these deliverables during the meeting. Valuable inputs and feedback were received from G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations. The final versions of the documents will be presented at the fourth Tourism Working Group meeting and Ministerial meeting after negotiations with G20 member countries.
A notable side event titled ‘Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation’ focused on strategies to promote film tourism. Prominent figures such as Shri. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, highlighted the potential of Jammu and Kashmir as a film tourism destination. The event discussed the impact of films in promoting tourist destinations and emphasized responsible approaches to ensure the conservation of local ecology, wildlife, and culture.
During the meeting, a draft ‘National Strategy on Film Tourism’ was unveiled, providing a roadmap for leveraging the role of films in promoting tourist destinations. A panel discussion involving G20 member countries and industry experts explored the economic benefits of film tourism and its global promotion. The event concluded with the Ministry of Tourism's commitment to promoting and developing film tourism in India.
